The Hoffman Auto Group has had such a long history of philanthropy that it has established guidelines for its giving philosophy.
The dealership, comprised of 11 stores mostly in Greater Hartford, has a dedicated giving philosophy that breaks down into three parts: arts, education and medicine. “An awful lot segues off those three categories,” said Jeffrey Hoffman, co-chairman, Hoffman Auto Group.
The Hoffman Auto Group has continued its giving even during difficult times for the automotive industry in general and finding itself in the midst of major construction projects over the last two years at many of its locations.
“When times are tough, the people who need the most help feel (giving) the most. Everybody’s paycheck is less, but it’s the less fortunate who get most impacted,” said Hoffman, who along with his brother Bradley, represents the third of four generations in the family-owned business. Jeffrey’s son, Matthew, is a vice president for the company that employees 400 people.
Hoffman Auto Group tied in charitable giving to its construction projects. The Hoffman Auto Group unveiled its new home for Hoffman Honda, located at 44 Albany Turnpike, Route 44 on the Avon/Canton line with an event that was emceed by Scot Haney and Mark Dixon. As part of the celebration, Hoffman Auto Group donated $10,000 to the Channel 3 Kids Camp.
Bradley Hoffman, the dealership’s other co-chairman, said, donating to programs benefiting children is important because of the long-term impact on their futures. “There’s nothing better than hearing the success stories,” he added.
Other charitable giving that was highlighted in the past year is the company’s donations to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Children’s Museum of West Hartford. MADD received a check for $10,350 at the Hoffman Lexus dealership located in East Hartford. The funds were raised as part of the annual Auto MADDness event that raises money for the organization and helps create awareness about the programs and services offered by MADD CT.
The Children’s Museum has a new look when it takes science education programs to schools. Hoffman Auto Group donated the museum’s new Science Education Outreach Van, which is used by staff to bring live animal and hands-on science programs to schools, libraries, and youth groups throughout the region.
“We want to touch as many lives as we can,” said Bradley Hoffman, but it’s not clear how many programs the company impacts because it has never added up the number of groups it supports. “We would like to do 10 times more,” he added.
