With $10,000 Donation, Toyota of Merrillville Drives Boys & Girls Clubs Members toward Great Futures

With $10,000 Donation, Toyota of Merrillville Drives Boys & Girls Clubs Members toward Great Futures

Toyota of Merrillville helped ensure Northwest Indiana kids are on the road to great futures with a donation of $10,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana on Tuesday.

Toyota of Merrillville General Manager Mike Bauner said the dealership is a dedicated donor of Boys & Girls Clubs and understands the important work Clubs do for the youth in the region, especially at the end of a difficult year.

“It’s important for us to give back to the communities we serve, and we really believe in Boys & Girls Clubs,” Bauner said. “We know how important it is for kids to have safe places to go when they’re not in school and have the resources they need to succeed while they’re there.”

At a check presentation on Tuesday, Boys & Girls Clubs President and CEO Ryan Smiley said the donation would allow the organization some flexibility in determining how it can best continue to serve youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Smiley also thanked Bauner for the donation and said the partnership has never been more important than in 2020.

“Obviously this year has been challenging for everyone. For Toyota to come through at the end of the year with a donation of this size is extremely meaningful for our organization,” Smiley said. “We are really fortunate to have dedicated people like Mike and Tricia Bauner and everyone at Toyota, who year after year are committed to supporting our mission and helping members reach their full potential.”