Childhelp is our October H.E.A.R.T. recipient and will receive a check for $2,259 from Earnhardt Auto Centers. Childhelp is a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect.

September’s recipient was Let There Be Sight, in conjunction with Donor Network of Arizona, provides corneal transplants to the underprivileged, worldwide, in order to cure blindness and a myriad of other eye diseases. They received a gift of $2,245.50 from Earnhardt Auto Centers.

$1,949 was given to the Arizona Animal Welfare League for the month of August. The Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA is Arizona’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. AAWL provides a temporary home for nearly 3000 dogs and cats every year.

Earnhardt Auto Center's 60th Anniversary Sweepstakes Winner Mike Virgadamo and Family

In 1952, at 21 years old, Tex Earnhardt was the youngest person ever to be awarded a Ford franchise. “They said they were going to give me a truck to drive, and I said I’ll take it! I didn’t even ask what kind it was.” Tex recalls.

With an emphasis on family values and integrity, using his friendly cowboy persona, and with the help of his famous catch phrase “That ain’t no bull!”, Tex turned a one car gas station into one of the largest family-owned dealer groups in the nation.

To celebrate 60 years of business in Arizona, Earnhardt Auto Centers staged one of the biggest prize giveaways in their history. The contest, which was conducted mostly online, was a scavenger hunt to “find Tex”.

Of the 5000+ contestants, 60 finalists were randomly chosen to participate in the prize drawing event this past Saturday at Earnhardt Ford in Chandler.

The finalists were treated to a delicious catered lunch as well as entertainment provided by DJ Steve, the multi-talented Zachary the Magician, and Nancy the Face Painter. Even the mascot, Rex “The Bull” was on hand to join in the festivities.

The main event, of course, was the prize drawing. The 60 finalists and their families gathered under the main tent as Tex Earnhardt said a few appreciative words and thanked everyone for their business over the years. “It started 60 years ago with ‘no bull’, ” Tex said. “And that’s what we’re all about: no bull… honesty and giving you a fair deal. And today, someone is going to win a new car. And that ain’t no bull!”

With the help of Tex’s great granddaughter and DJ Steve, the prize winners were chosen.

Three people won tickets to the Cardinals / Steelers game, six people won $600 gift certificates to Earnhardt Auto Centers, two people won an Apple iPad 2, one person won $6,000 cash, and one person won a brand new car.

Former 9/11 NYC Firefighter, Michael Virgadamo, who entered the contest hoping to win an iPad for his wife, was stunned when Tex Earnhardt announced, “The winner’s initials are M.V.”

From the crowd, Michael called out, “Is it Michael Virgadamo?” saving Tex from having to pronounce his last name.

After taking a few moments to accept congratulations from the Earnhardt Family, Michael made two phone calls: the first to the Scottsdale Fire Department, where he now works, letting them know he was going to be a little late to work, and the second call to his wife, Lisa. “I need you to get down here right away to help me pick. I won the car.” He said calmly.

Lisa, who was in the middle of a community clean-up event for their daughter’s school, dropped everything and safely raced down to Earnhardt Ford in their new Dodge Journey (which ironically was purchased just a few weeks earlier from Earnhardt Dodge in Gilbert).

Of the five new vehicles they had to choose from, Michael and Lisa decided on the 2012 Hyundai Elantra.

“When I found out I didn’t win the iPad I was going to leave.” Michel shared. “I’m glad I stuck around.”

To see photos of the event, visit http://facebook.com/EarnhardtAutoCenters

Booking Info:

• DJ Steve: http://djsteveaz.com 480-335-5520
• Magician Zachary Gibson: themagicofzachary@gmail.com 480-861-4258
• Happyface Face Painting – Nancy Caternolo: 602-320-3218
• The Lunch Box Catering – 602-957-5413
• Rex the Bull: Unavailable for booking

Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale

Hyundai is one of the fastest growing auto manufactures in the United States today. The Hyundai line-up of vehicles satisfies the most budget conscious to those looking for unmatched luxury and quality. With “America’s Best Warranty,” innovative design, and high safety ratings, it’s easy to see why more people are choosing Hyundai for their next vehicle. Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale, our third Hyundai dealership, combines the upscale atmosphere of North Scottsdale with Earnhardt’s famous low prices and friendly service. It’s a perfect match! We invite you all to stop in to test drive a new Hyundai today, and see what all the buzz is about.

Earnhardt Kia – Phoenix

Bold design, comfort, quality, and value are what set Kia apart from the competition. With a whole new line-up of fuel efficient cars, SUV’s, and crossovers, Kia is making big strides in the marketplace. Earnhardt Auto Centers brings 60 years of automotive experience and outstanding customer service to the Kia franchise, and we look forward to being the leading Kia dealership for both sales and service here in the Valley.

Hal Earnhardt and Victor Aros at Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo

8/22/2011 PAYSON – Hal Earnhardt and Victor Aros won the Pro Rodeo Team Roping competition, taking home prize money as well as pair of commemorative spurs at the Payson Rodeo this weekend. The Payson Rodeo, held this year at the Payson Multi Event Center is the world’s oldest continuous rodeo and has been celebrating the tradition of Pro Rodeo for the past 127 years.

Hal, the team’s header, was a competitive team roper earlier in his career, and recently re-entered the sport after a long hiatus. At 55 years old, Hal Earnhardt, is one of the oldest competitors on the Pro Rodeo circuit. The Earnhardt/Aros win this past weekend qualifies the team to participate in the Turquoise Circuit Finals to be held in Las Cruces, NM in October.

Hal Earnhardt is a well-known Arizona mega auto dealer and thoroughbred horse breeder. His company, Earnhardt Auto Centers, is the oldest family-owned and operated automobile businesses in the Southwest; celebrating 60 years in business this year.

Joel Danielson Winner of Cox Media Text to Win Contest

Joel, accompanied by his mother, stopped by Earnhardt Ford in Chandler to claim the prize money, which Joel says came a great time. Joel was recently discharged from the Marines where he had served since 2007 and included two tours of duty in Iraq. He is planning to enter Mesa Community College in the Fall, where he will major in history.

Congratulations, Joel! Earnhardt Auto Centers thanks you for your business and for your service to our country. We wish you the best of luck in the future.

In June, we donated $1,950 to the Make a Wish Foundation of Arizona. The American Cancer Society, our July Charity, will be receiving $1,961.

Kevin Murphy Jr. receives the "Gift of Sight" Award

After conceiving the idea for the organization, Kevin met with the Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) to propose a mutually beneficial and charitable partnership. They agreed that if Kevin’s organization would focus their resources on fund raising for the cornea transplants, DNA would provide the corneas at no charge. Since then, Kevin has been building relationships with doctors in third world countries resulting in an outpouring of donated doctors’ surgical skills and services.

Through this generous cooperative effort, Let There Be Sight can now cure blindness for someone in desperate need for only $550! It’s hard to believe, with the price of medical care today, that the cost of this life-changing surgery can be covered for so little. Kevin has created a website – lettherebesight.org – where people can learn more and donate if they would like to help. 100% of all donations go to restoring a blind person’s sight and covers the cost of shipping the corneas, surgical supplies, anesthesia and operating room costs.

The Eye Bank Association of America recently honored Kevin Jr. by bestowing their annual “Gift of Sight” Award for his current work providing free cornea transplants to the poor. As of June 2011, Kevin Jr. has raised enough money to pay for 12 cornea transplants this year. The Eye Bank Association of America also recognized Kevin’s parents for their work almost a decade earlier providing cornea transplants for the poor. In 2000 Kevin Sr. and his wife Susan helped arrange 2 cornea transplants for a poor young university student in Morocco and went on to fund and organize countless more cornea transplants over the span of 3 years.

Kevin Murphy Jr. recently graduated from Arizona State University and hopes to attend medical school next year. His ultimate goal is to be selected to the University of Arizona Ophthalmology Residency Program and someday perform these sight giving surgeries himself.

Helping others is an Earnhardt Family tradition and it looks like that tradition is alive and well with the Kevin Murphy family. Keep up the great work!

Rockin Ryken

For: Rockin Ryken

What: 12th Annual Walk for Down Syndrome (formerly the Buddy Walk)

When: Saturday, Sept.10, 2011

Where: Tempe Diablo Stadium
2200 West Alameda Drive
Tempe, Az. 85282

Time: 7:30am to 11:30am
9:30 walk begins
more information on www.sharingds.org

It’s that time of year again to join Rockin Ryken at this years 12th Annual Walk for Down Syndrome. We are currently putting together our team on behalf of Ryken called Rockin Ryken. We would love for you to walk our mile as a proud team supporting Ryken and Down Syndrome. So if you are Down with xtra chromosomes come out and be a part of our team. We would love to share this experience with all of you. Respond and let me know if you are willing to be a part of our team.

We are working hard to help reach a team donation goal and hope to pass this goal of $1000. Would you care to be the first donation? A donation of any size is greatly appreciated. Even if our goal is reached it is ok to to raise more money for this great cause. Thank you for your support.

To donate money please go to www.sharingds.org you might need to register first (for security purposes) it only takes a few minutes, then you can give your desired amount you would like to donate. Make sure thou, when making a donation that you donate to team Rockin Ryken. You can also send payment to Mike or Sarah at 1912 East Shannon Street, Gilbert, Az. 85295. Please make sure not to make it out to Ryken or team Rockin Ryken but to Sharing Down Syndrome in the memo you can put team Rockin Ryken. (there website has changed and is to be easier than last year so if you need help just ask and I can try or I can get the help we need)

To view the team profile of Rockin Ryken or to make a donation visit the following link: www.sharingds.org

Click on Sharing Walk (upper right hand corner) view team, click on Rockin Ryken.

Also, this year so we go in looking like a team we will be having t-shirts made with our team logo. (NOT thru Sharing Down Syndrome) Cost of shirts will be $10.00. Please send me (Sarah) money, sizes, and how many you would like by August 10, 2011 so I can get the order in. Even if you are not able to attend and would like one I can get you a shirt and mail them to you. If you are wanting to send me money for a donation and a t-shirt and pay with a check please enclose 2 separate checks.

Please spread the word to everyone thru voice, e-mail, Facebook, ect. the more the merrier!!!

Hope you can join us Sept 10th and support our favorite little guy Rockin Ryken!!!!!

Thank you!

Mike and Sarah McTighe

P.S. I just registered and if it says you need to pick another e-mail address go to the front page and at the very bottom click on log in and use your password you used last year. (it was much, much easier than last year)

]]> http://www.earnhardt.com/employees/walk-for-rockin-ryken/feed/ 0 http://www.earnhardt.com/employees/earnhardt-honda-nabs-presidents-award/ http://www.earnhardt.com/employees/earnhardt-honda-nabs-presidents-award/#comments Thu, 12 May 2011 15:42:03 +0000 Earnhardt News http://www.earnhardt.com/?p=2123 For the 6th time in 7 years, Earnhardt Honda has earned the prestigious Honda President’s Award. The annual award is presented to top-ranking Honda dealerships throughout the country based on their achievement of excellence in all areas of operation — customer service and satisfaction, sales, training and facility.

This year, only 118 out of over 1000 participating Honda dealerships received the President’s Award; signifying Earnhardt Honda’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and customer care.

Earnhardt Honda also took home Honda’s Council of Excellence Award which recognizes Honda dealerships which have demonstrated exceptional financial service excellence to its customers.

Honda annually revises the criteria to win each award in order to address the current market environment and changing customer needs. By earning these awards, Earnhardt Honda has demonstrated their commitment to achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction year after year.

Congratulations to all the Earnhardt Honda employees who participated in adding yet another achievement to Earnhardt Auto Centers’ growing list. Keep up the good work!

Visit Earnhardt Honda’s Facebook page to view photos of the President’s Award Luncheon.

]]> http://www.earnhardt.com/employees/earnhardt-honda-nabs-presidents-award/feed/ 0 http://www.earnhardt.com/community/11th-place-for-oe-parts-megastore-sprint-car-in-knoxville/ http://www.earnhardt.com/community/11th-place-for-oe-parts-megastore-sprint-car-in-knoxville/#comments Wed, 04 May 2011 15:15:45 +0000 Earnhardt News http://www.earnhardt.com/?p=2088 The OE Parts Megastore Sprint Car of Mark Burch Motorsports, driven by Chad Humston qualified 3rd quick in qualifying. They started 6th in their heat race and ran 2nd nearly catching the leader at the end. In the “A” Main they started 10th on outside of row 5. The track had taken on a lot a rubber from the “B” main that affected their setup producing only an 11th place finish, but unlike the previous race at I-80 they finished Knoxville in one piece!

Next Race: 5/7/2011 – Dodge City Raceway Park – Dodge City Kansas

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