Balise & Thunderbirds: A Whole Month of Fun!

The ICCWNE's rugby and soccer pitch in West Springfield was officially named Balise Field this September. A long-time community fixture, the newly named field is home to the West Springfield Youth Soccer Club, as well as the Springfield Rifles men's and women's rugby teams. With Balise Auto's support, the ICCWNE plans to continue the field's legacy of promoting sportsmanship and culture in the community. The dedication of the field to Balise Auto Group marks the beginning of the dealership family's five-year commitment to sponsoring the ICCWNE's $2 million Capstone Capital Campaign, which will benefit the organization's Community Performance Center. Once renovated, the ICCWNE hopes to utilize the center for events that advance the organization's mission of celebrating Irish heritage and cultivating cultural partnerships within West Springfield. Balise Auto Group extends its gratitude to everyone who attended the ribbon-cutting and is proud to support the ICCWNE's community engagement efforts.

The United Way of Pioneer Valley received a donation boost this past July with the help of two local businesses, when Balise Auto Group teamed up with Mykonos Restaurant to host the "Pitas and Pencils" supply drive. The event benefitted the United Way of Pioneer Valley's Stuff the Bus program, which aims to provide every area student experiencing homelessness with a backpack filled with supplies for the upcoming school year. Stuff the Bus also collects classroom materials to ensure local teachers have the tools they need to set their students up for success. Mykonos Restaurant hosted the event at its new location-the TD Bank Building, which also houses the United Way of Pioneer Valley. Attendees who donated school supplies enjoyed complimentary Mediterranean cuisine courtesy of event sponsor Balise Auto Group and were treated to a live appearance by local radio personality Zito of MIX 93.1 FM's Zito in the Morning show. Balise Auto Group thanks everyone who came out to support Stuff the Bus through the Pitas and Pencils supply drive and is proud to have been a part of the United Way of Pioneer Valley's mission to help students in need succeed.

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.