At Balise Auto Group, supporting local communities has always been a top priority. With roots dating back to 1919 and a strong presence across New England, Balise is more than just a family-owned automotive dealership group-they're a company committed to making a difference. That commitment was on full display last week when the Balise team made a heartwarming delivery to one of their most cherished community partners: Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.
For over 25 years, Hasbro Children's Hospital has used ride-on vehicles to help pediatric patients travel to the operating room with less fear and more fun. These pint-sized vehicles give young patients a chance to cruise the hallways in style-transforming a nerve-wracking experience into one filled with smiles, giggles, and comfort. Until recently, the hospital's small fleet included a Pink Chevrolet Camaro and a Black Chevrolet Silverado, both donated by Balise back in 2018. But after years of use, those beloved vehicles were in need of a refresh.
On April 30th, that refresh arrived in the form of a brand-new fleet of colorful ride-on vehicles, courtesy of Balise. Members of the Balise team proudly delivered four new additions: a black GMC Sierra HD Denali, a red Toyota Tacoma, a pink Volkswagen Beetle, and a yellow Chevrolet Camaro. The moment these mini cars rolled into the hospital, they were met with excitement-not only from the children, but from the hospital staff as well.
"Balise is so proud to support the incredible work being done at Hasbro Children's Hospital," said Justin Fortner, General Manager at Balise Subaru. "If these vehicles can bring even a little fun and comfort to the kids facing these extremely tough moments, then we know we're making a difference in the right way."
The impact of these vehicles goes far beyond their eye-catching colors or realistic details. For young patients, they provide a sense of control, normalcy, and even joy during an otherwise intimidating time. According to Kerri Baker, Certified Child Life Specialist at Hasbro Children's, the ride-on cars help create memorable moments that ease the emotional burden for both children and their families.
"Being in the hospital and having to undergo surgery can be a scary experience, especially for children. Our goal at Hasbro Children's is to do everything we can to reduce that fear, and we are incredibly fortunate to have great partners, like Balise, supporting the work of Child Life and the exceptional care we provide," Baker explained. "As the kids drive down the hallway to the operating room, parents can be seen taking pictures and laughing, forgetting about the stress for a moment, and making a life-long memory. We're proud to offer this special experience and deeply grateful to Balise for their continued support."
The ride-on vehicles may be small, but their impact is anything but. Through their donation, Balise is helping Hasbro Children's continue to offer compassionate and creative care-one tiny car ride at a time.
Looking ahead, Balise remains committed to supporting the growing needs of Hasbro Children's Hospital and other local institutions making a difference every day. As a company deeply rooted in service, this special delivery is just one example of how Balise is driving change-in every sense of the word.
To learn more about Hasbro Children's Hospital, visit brownhealth.org/locations/hasbrochildrens .
