For over 50 years Tal Anderson, founder of Performance Auto Group, was
passionate about giving back to the community. That value continues to
be a priority today in the Performance Auto Group's commitment to
improving the lives of others. We appreciate all the community has done
to support our dealerships throughout the years. By partnering to build
stronger communities, we hope to enhance the well-being of our loyal
customers, employees and the neighborhoods where they work and
live.
Here is an example of a few of the ways the
Performance Auto Group supports the communities where we do
business:
October 6, 20112011 Omaha Corporate Cup: Jeep Giveaway!
Performance Auto sponsored the Corporate Cup run on September 18th where nearly hundreds of raffle tickets were sold to benefit the American Lung Association. The winner of the raffle would win a new Jeep Wrangler. At the Corporate Cup Awards luncheon on Thursday, October 6th, one winner was chosen - Jayne Dunn.
There were five other finalists in the running - Jackie Genovesi, Deb Hickman, Gay Shaake, Brittani Esssler and Mark Kruger. After selecting identical keys out of an envelope, the contestants headed outside where only one key would start the Jeep. Jayne volunteered to try her key first. The sound of the jeep engine turning was quickly drowned out by all the audience cheers. "We've never won anything more than a sweatshirt!" said Jayne's husband.
Though a recent back surgery prevents her from driving, she's sure her husband, children and grandchildren will make good use of it.
The awards ceremony, which took place at the Scott Conference Center, winning teams from the race were honored with glass trophies, and sponsors were thanked and showcased during a silent auction.
The Corporate Cup had over 12,000 participants this year, including 250 corporate teams, and raised over $400,000 for the American Lung Association.
Performance Auto Group would like to congratulate Jayne in her new Jeep, and everyone who supports the cause by participating.
October 2, 2011
2011 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it was certainly kicked off to a great start in Omaha. An estimated 19,500 people joined in the fight against breast cancer last weekend for the 2011 Nebraska Race for the Cure - that's about 1,000 more than last year. Baxter Ford, a partnering sponsor for the event, was present with a signature pink Mustang that fit in well with the sea of pink filling the Century Link Center - nearly all in attendance were sporting some shade of pink as a show of support.
Since its first year in Nebraska 17 years ago, the Susan G. Komen Nebraska Race for the Cure has grown each year: from 1,300 participants in 1994 to nearly 20,000 in 2011. Ford Motors is proud to be celebrating its 17th year as a National Series Sponsor of Race for the Cure. More than 75,000 Ford employees across the nation have participated in the Race for the Cure and thousands of Ford dealers support local Komen events in their area. Baxter Ford in Omaha, Neb. is proud to be one of those dealers.
Beginning in the wee hours of Sunday morning, set-up began in the Century Link Auditorium with sponsors and vendors offering a wide variety of samples, apparel, educational handouts and heaps of food and drink for tired runners and walkers. Participants were able to choose from a 5-kilometer timed run, a 5K Fun Run/Walk and a 1 mile walk.
We'd like to thank everyone who came out and donated to the cause, and look forward to next year! Let us continue to spread awareness throughout the entire month (and year) by wearing your pink. And don't forget to look for the Pink Baxter Ford Mustang around town!
October 1, 20112011 UNO Homecoming Parade
A circus rolled into
Aksarben Village last Saturday, October 1st, for the 2011 UNO Homecoming
Parade. Hundreds of students were present, decked out in circus-themed
attire as "Under the Big Top" was this year's Homecoming Week theme.
Baxter Ford got to participate in the parade with an F-150 truck,
well-suited for toting the cheer squad along the marching path. The
dealership's signature Pink Ford Mustang was also there; it was also
showcased downtown at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure the following
day.
Fraternities, sororities, clubs and student
unions tromped along the parade with eye-catching banners and
over-the-top circus costumes to show their school pride. The parade
began at Aksarben Village, trailed north through Elmwood Park and ended
at the Sapp Fieldhouse on UNO's campus. Other Homecoming Week events
included a kick-off carnival, magician David Hall, a philanthropy event
and a homecoming Hockey game Saturday against the University of British
Columbia, which resulted in a 4-1 victory for the
Mavs.
Baxter Ford and the entire Performance Auto
Family were excited to be a part of this celebratory event as part of an
ongoing effort to support the local Omaha community and organizations.
Go Mavs!
Sept. 24th, 2011Baxter Auto Showcases Trucks at 'Touch-A-Truck 2011' Presented by the Child Saving Institute
On Saturday, Sept. 24th hundreds of children, parents, volunteers and truck drivers came out for the Child Saving Institute Guild's 2011 "Touch-A-Truck" event. The day-long festivities included face-painting, food, clowns, bouncy tents and more as it took place in the spacious parking lot area of UNO/First Data on 69th and Pacific streets. Baxter Ford and Baxter Chrysler Jeep Dodge were in attendance along with two bright red Ford F 350s.

The free event was not promoted as a fundraiser, but as a "friend-raiser" where children and their guardians could come have fun while connecting with the community. Special force police cars, big rig semi trucks, bobcats, fire engines and a variety of other trucks filled the parking area with doors wide open, allowing kids to climb aboard. A melody of loud honks filled the air as little ones took full advantage of their access to drivers' seats.
The Child Saving institute is a local organization whose mission is to "prevent, intervene and treat child abuse and neglect" via a variety of offered resources, such as education, therapy, shelter and foster and adoptive services. Some Baxter employees brought their own families to enjoy and support the event, and the Performance Auto Group was happy to be involved with such a great organization.
Sept. 18, 2011Performance Auto Sponsors Omaha Corporate Cup 2011
Performance Auto Group once again sponsored the annual Omaha Corporate Cup on Sunday, Sept. 18th. More than $400,000 was raised for the American Lung Association (ALA), nearly double the average amount raised in past years. Since 1981, the Corporate Cup has raised nearly $2.1 million for the organization, directed toward research, education and advocacy for the more than 35 million Americans living with chronic lung disease. A robust number of participants showed up ? over 12,000 ? over 100 of which were Performance Auto Employees.
Our spokesman, Dave Weber (
pictured below), was in attendance bright and early to welcome runners, showcase the vast array of Performance vehicles and shoot the starting gun for the 10K. There was also a raffle for a brand new Jeep Wrangler. All proceeds from the raffle benefit the ALA.
The six lucky finalists will attend the Performance-sponsored "Driven to be the Best: Corp Cup Awards Luncheon" on Oct 6th at the Scott Conference Center on the University of Omaha-Nebraska / Aksarben Campus. The Winner will be drawn then after all the team and individual awards are given out.
The six finalist for the Jeep Wrangler raffle are: Jackie Genovesi, Deb Hickman, Gay Shaake, Jayne Dunn, Brittani Esssler and Kruger.
Nearly 100 children also participated in the event during the Fiat 100-meter dash. Though these kids were small, they brought some mighty speed. Honorary ribbons were handed out to all of the children who participated. (Just like the kids, the Omaha Fiat store opening is fast approaching pre-orders will be taken beginning the end of September!)
The rain and wind did not deter runners from giving their all in the 6.2-mile course, which trailed through downtown and north Omaha. More leisurely participants strolled along the 2-mile walking course. No matter the pace, this has been marked as one of the smoothest and most successful years for the event. We look forward to an even bigger and better turnout next year! Check out our
new inventory if you're curious about any of the cars you saw at the Corporate Cup!
July 31-August 7, 2011Cox Classic Presented by Lexus of Omaha
The 2011 Cox Classic presented by Lexus of Omaha was once again a wonderful gathering of Omaha golf enthusiasts and socialites alike. Beginning July 31 and wrapping up Sunday, Aug. 7, the annual golf tournament featured fireworks, live entertainment, golf pros and the infamous "19th Hole Party" leading up to J.J. Killeen nabbing his Second Nationwide Tour title.
Over 240 businesses partnered with the Cox Classic this year, but Lexus of Omaha continues to be one of the most supportive and enthusiastic participants. A combination of cash donations, ticket sales and other fund raising efforts generated around $150 thousand for charities. Some of the recipients include Boy Scouts of America - Mid America Council, Girl Scouts - Spirit of Nebraska and Special Olympics of Nebraska. Making a connection with the community and showing gratitude for customers, Lexus of Omaha always shows exceptional dedication to the tournament year and year again.Lexus of Omaha set up shop at the Champions Run Country Club all week, treating their customers by giving away over 3,000 tickets to the tournament, hosting a variety of tent events, washing customer cars and drawing three lucky winners of custom Lexus golf bags.
More tournament results for the Cox Classic can be found at
www.coxclassic.com. For more information about Lexus of Omaha, visit their website at
www.LexusofOmaha.com, or stop by the dealership at 13025 West Dodge Road in Omaha, Neb.
May 28, 2011 - Jan. 8,
2011
Dinosaurs: Dawn of the Ice Age Exhibit Sponsored by
Performance Auto
Performance Toyota-Scion of La Vista is a
proud sponsor of the "Dinosaurs: Dawn of the Ice Age" exhibit at the
Omaha Children's Museum. This exciting and educational exhibit will be
showcased for a seven-month period, beginning May 29, 2011 and ending
January 8, 2012. Throughout this time, Performance Toyota will be
hosting a variety of contests and activities that the entire family can
enjoy (contest details can be found at
www.DinoContests.com ). A number of prizes
will also be provided by the dealership, including free car detailing
services, iTunes gift cards, museum parties for the kids and much more.
A specially
designed "Dino Toyota Van" will be displayed in the exhibit, decorated
with adventurous prehistoric graphics that make it unlike any other.
Performance Auto Group regular and Omaha personality Dave Wingert can
also be spotted as "Dino Dave," with pictures and activity-oriented
videos featured throughout the exhibit. The sponsorship is part of
Performance Auto Group's ongoing effort to support the local community
and its youth. For more information about the exhibit, please visit the
Omaha
Children's Museum
website.
May 30,
2011Boys Town
Memorial Day Run 2011

The annual
Boys Town Memorial Day Run took place this Monday with a very
successful turnout! Nearly 6000 people were in attendance, 3600 of which
participated in the races. Performance Auto Group team members
represented 60 of those runners, racing alongside everyone through the
hills of the historic Boys Town Campus. Proceeds will help fund research
at the Boys Town National research Hospital, which benefits children
with hearing loss and visual impairments.
To kick off
the event, our friend Dave Webber sang the National anthem, while
Brandon Hull shot the starting gun for the 5-mile race, sponsored by
Performance Auto Group. Post-race activities also included live music,
face painting, food, clowns and massage
therapists.
Performance Auto supplied 8 vehicles that
were present on race day, including the wild and adventurous "Dino Van"
which ties in with the Dinosaur Exhibit that opened the same weekend at
the Omaha Children's Museum. 2011 marks Boys Town's most successful
year yet for fund raising and sponsorship.
May 30-Sept. 30
2011"11 in 11" Shoe
Drive
Performance Toyota has joined the "11 in 11" campaign
with a shoe drive to benefit Souls4Souls Inc., a shoe charity.
Soles4Souls Inc. has committed to collect and distribute 11 million
shoes in 2011 to people living in extreme poverty and recovering from
natural disasters through its "11 in 11" campaign. The shoe charity
provides one pair of shoes to a person in need every 7 seconds. Since
2005,
Soles4Souls has
distributed more than 13 million pairs of shoes. Performance Toyota is
proud to be a part of such an inspiring project, and requests your
support and donations to help those in need.
Where will my donated shoes be
sent?- Shoes are sent wherever
they are needed at the time. Soles4Souls has sent shoes to people in
need, including 30 states in the U.S. and over 120 countries around the
world.
What kinds of shoes can I
donate?- Soles4Souls accepts all types of
shoes: athletic, running, dress, sandals, pumps, heels, work boots,
cleats, dance, flip flops, just as long as they are new or gently
worn.
Donations will be welcomed May 30
through September 30 at several locations:
- Performance Toyota booth at the Boys Town Memorial
Day Run/Walk (May 30th only)
- Legends Toyota - 10100
Parallel
Pkwy,
December
18, 2009University
of Nebraska at Omaha Students Win Marketing Contest
The
Performance Auto Group partners with Local College Students to create a
marketing contest this past fall. The contest centered on a new free
classified automotive site called
www.SellCars4Free.com. This website
allows local private parties and car dealers the opportunity to post
used car ads for free. Participants from Creighton University, Bellevue
University and University of Nebraska at Omaha submitted marketing plans
on how they would market the new site locally in Nebraska with little
or no budget.
Two teams from UNO shared the top
prize of $2000. The winners are pictured with their professor Jonna
Holland and Performance Auto Group CIO, Keith Kaiser, and President,
Mickey Anderson."The success of this project hinges on its viral and
social marketing campaigns," said Kaiser."We thought that the insights
of local college students would help us to better understand these
social marketing efforts. The quality and creativity of the projects far
exceeded our expectations. We feel fortunate to have excellent
universities and students in Nebraska, and congratulate the contest
winners from UNO."
December
14, 2009Toys for
Toys
The Performance Auto Group was proud to participate in
the 2009
Toys for
Tots Christmas campaign in Nebraska (NE). Toys for Tots began
in 1947, and the organization has distributed over 386,000,000 toys
nationwide. In 2008, Nebraska collected and distributed over toys to
over 21,000 children.
Our organization was able to
collect over a hundred toys to help surpass the success of last year's
toy drive.The staff at
Performance Chrysler
Jeep Dodge in La Vista, Nebraska (NE) are pictured at the
right with the toys they were able to collect this year. It's our
pleasure to participate in the 2009 Toys for Tots campaign and their
goal of Bringing the Joy of Christmas and a Message of Hope to thousands
of children in Nebraska
(NE).
September 20,
2009Corporate Cup
Race
The Performance Auto Group was proud to help sponsor the
American Lung Association's 2009 Corporate Cup race. The 2009 event
raised $215,000 with over 10,000 runners participating.A 2-year lease on
a 2010 Toyota Prius was donated to help raise funds through the events
raffle. The raffle winner along with Dave Weber and company president,
Mickey Anderson, are pictured to the right.
The Omaha
Corporate Cup raises funds and awareness to support education, research
and advocacy programs so everyone can breathe easier. Participants
attend the Corporate Cup to support issues critical to family health -
improving air quality, eliminating lung disease, and keeping kids
tobacco free. Proceeds from the Omaha Corporate Cup support the work of
the American Lung Association in Nebraska to prevent lung disease and
promote lung health through research, education and
advocacy.
August 1,
2009Cox
Classic
In 2009, the Cox Classic presented by
Lexus of
Omaha raised $126,635 for the events
12 local
charities and had a record attendance of 103,000. Since the
tournament's inception in 1996, the Cox Classic has raised over $1.7
million for local charities in Nebraska (NE). It is the Cox Classic's
mission as well as the PGA Tour's to raise significant funds for local
charities.
Lexus of Omaha is proud to be the
presenting sponsor of the
2009 Cox Classic. The events
mission of raising funds for local charities in the Omaha and Lincoln,
Nebraska (NE) and surrounding communities is consistent with our
community efforts as well. Thank you to all of the volunteers and staff
for making the 2009 event such a
success!
May 27,
2009Boys
Town Memorial Day Run
The 2009 Boys Town National
Research Hospital Memorial Day Run was an outstanding success, with
more than 2,500 walkers and runners competing in three events:
Children's 1-Mile Fun Run, 1-Mile Walk/Run and 5-Mile Walk/Run. Since
2001,
Performance Toyota Scion of La Vista
has maintained a consecutive sponsorship of this event.
Everyone from families with strollers to competitive
runners enjoyed the beautiful day to raise more than $76,000 for the
Boys Town National Research Hospital's Cochlear Implant Program and the
Lied Learning and Technology Center for Childhood Deafness and Vision
Disorders. "The Memorial Day Run is growing into a well-known family
event in the Omaha community," said Dr. Patrick Brookhouser, Vice
President of Health Care and Boys Town National Research Hospital
Director. "As the event grows, Boys Town National Research Hospital is
able to help more children with hearing and vision
disorders."
July 19,
2008Lexus Champions for Charity Hosts
Marian
High School Golf Tournament with Special Guest Janice
Moodie
Since 1996 Marian has maintained a
consecutive partnership with
Lexus of Omaha, the official sponsor
of the Champions for Marian High School Golf Tournament, which has
grossed more than $640,000 for Marian. The tournament is a benefit for
Marian and is part of the Lexus Champions for Charity, a unique series
of 200 charity golf tournaments throughout the United
States.
The 2008 tournament grossed more than $68,000
for Marian. Marian is Nebraska's only Class A, Catholic, college
preparatory high school for young women and is recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence.
Marian is sponsored by the Servants of Mary and welcomes students of all
religious, cultural and economic
backgrounds.
July 17,
2008KaBoom

The Performance
Automotive Group in conjunction with KaBOOM, Chrysler Corporation and
the Omaha Schools Foundation was able to construct a brand new
playground at Jackson Elementary this week. With the help of serveral
hundred volunteers this whole project was compleated in one
day!
"We became involved in this project to provide
support to Omaha's neighborhoods and to proved a clean, fun environment
for children. Contribution to our community is important to our
employees and we are proud to participate in this effort to revitalize
Midtown Omaha," said Tal Anderson, Performance Automotive Group
Chairman.
This new, updated playground will serve the
hundreds of children who attend Jackson Elementary and provide them
with a safe and enjoyable place to play.