Uplifting, community orientated, dedicated. These are words that exemplify Garcia Subaru North and General Manager, Aubry Padilla as they partner with Make-A-Wish New Mexico to create life-changing wishes to children in New Mexico with a critical illness. Aubry has continually shown her commitment to serving our community and has whole heartedly supported the Make-A-Wish New Mexico mission. This year, Garcia Subaru North chose Make-A-Wish New Mexico as their fifth local charity for Share the Love. During the Share the Love Event, Subaru of America donates $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased, donating $118 million to charitable causes since the program’s inception eleven years ago. Last year alone, Subaru donated more than $2.9 million to Make-A-Wish® Nationally. Locally, Aubry and her team kicked off the partnership with a Halloween Party at the dealership. They invited wish families, volunteers, their own families, and the community at large to take part in the fun! Aubry Padilla personally filled the Subaru’s with candy for the kids to trick-or-treat, corn hole, and a dance team performed Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”! We were fortunate to have news coverage from KRQE at the event, and Aubry joined Make-A-Wish New Mexico’s Chief Development Officer, Sydney Graczyk, on KRQE to promote the partnership and the upcoming Holiday Event. Again, the dealership will open its doors to the Make-A-Wish community by hosting a holiday party that will include story time with Santa Claus, gifts, hot cocoa and sweet treats. In addition to all of this, Aubry and her team at Garcia Subaru North have committed to financially granting wishes, and in New Mexico, the average cost of a wish is $6,000. Aubry and her team are committed to transforming the communities in which we work and live. Garcia Automotive and Aubry Padilla are catalysts for change in our community, not just with their financial gifts, but their overall involvement. Since the beginning of the Share the Love Partnership in 2012, Subaru has given $40,245.29 locally, which equates to over 6 life-changing wishes to children in our community. A wish is a beacon of hope during one of life’s darkest seasons. This hope is the most precious thing we can offer, and it is not possible without the community support that we receive from Garcia Subaru North and Aubry Padilla. Thank you, Garcia Subaru North, and all your team for creating change in Albuquerque and thank you for supporting your employee’s efforts in making a difference.

I had a problem with my 2016 Forester, so I took it to Rocky at Garcia North. My heater/air was acting up not working properly. He looked up my warranty and said this will be covered let me order the part. I was going to take in the car to get the part put in and, but I noticed a bulge in the tire. I called Rocky and he said don't worry we will check. I take my car in and I was in a hurry I had a meeting. Rocky checked me in right away and gave me a loaner car to get to my meeting on time. Later that morning Rocky called me and said the heater/air part was put in. He explained that the bulge was not a safety hazard but that my tire tread was low. I didn't understand about the tire tread so for the next 10 minutes explained to me about how they measure tire tread for the car. He said that the tread might be good for another couple of months then asked if I was taking my car out of town any time soon. I told him I had a mother-son trip planned that weekend. I had been planning this trip for several months and was so excited to be going out of town I could not miss this. He said he would like me to get new tires as it would be safer for me and my son. He would get them on my car ASAP and balanced for my trip. I like that he gave me options but ultimately was looking out for my safety. He did what he said and got my tires on my car right away and balanced. When I went to pick up my car he went through the entire car with me. Where all the parts were in my car (battery oil change, filters, etc.). He also said that he wanted me to come back to see him when the weather got cold to check the air pressure on the tires as the cold weather can affect them. He gave me his card told me to call him if there were any issues with the car to call him and he would get it taken care of. Therefore, I take my car to Garcia North they always take care of me. They tell me what is wrong with my car and give me options to fix it. I bought my car at Garcia North and I will only take it for maintenance at Garcia North. What I like most is that they worry about the safety of their customers. I knew that I was going out of town with a car that was safe and could handle any type of weather condition that arose. That piece of mind was there because of Rocky and the great customer service that Garcia North provides to us all.

Garcia Subaru is dedicated to serving our local community and General Manager, Aubry Padilla is an example of the organization's commitment to our community. Two years ago, Garcia Subaru retailers in Albuquerque partnered with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to provide blankets to local patients receiving treatment for blood cancers. Aubry Padilla personally presented the blankets to patients at Presbyterian Hospital and became committed to our mission to support blood cancer patients and their families. From that moment, we have had a long-standing relationship with Aubry that has resulted in tremendous donations raised solely by her efforts. She volunteered her time to help LLS raise money to fund cutting edge research for blood cancer therapies. She joined the Executive Challenge team for Light the Night, breaking the fundraising record by over $5,000, winning the New Mexico/El Paso's chapter’s Executive Challenge. Within a few months, she was nominated to run for Man Woman of the Year for LLS. Man & Woman of the Year is philanthropic competition to support blood cancer research among a group of motivated and dedicated individuals in communities across the United States. Candidates form powerful fundraising teams and compete in honor of two local children who are blood cancer survivors. Not only was she crowned Woman of the Year, but again, she exceeded the fundraising record for New Mexico by raising $68,815.000. She is responsible for donating countless hours and dollars to the area of blood cancer research, which will undoubtedly help our overall cause. Aubry is committed to supporting the communities in which we work and live. Garcia Automotive and Aubry Padilla have shown that they are unlike many dealerships, in that they truly care and strive to make noticeable differences in their local community. We are thrilled that she recently agreed to join the Board of Trustees for the LLS New Mexico Chapter. Garcia Subaru and Aubry Padilla are truly committed to enhancing the communities where they live and work. Thank you Garcia Subaru for all that you do for Albuquerque and thank you for supporting your employee’s efforts in making a difference. - Kristja Falvo - Executive Director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, New Mexico/El Paso Chapter

July 7th was a very special day for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Our organization in partnership with Subaru North had the opportunity to deliver 80 blankets to cancer patients at the New Mexico Cancer Center. Subaru North delivered 80 blankets for cancer patients, providing warmth and care for those going through chemotherapy. Cyndi Heller was a very special recipient of a blanket. Not only is Cyndi a blood cancer survivor, she now hosts a support group for others. In addition, she is a longtime Subaru owner. Cindy was excited to receive a blanket and also shared that during her treatment, her new she could rely on her Subaru to get her to her treatments safely and on time.

Our school garden is in the middle of a food desert (an urban center with no fresh produce available for miles). Many students don't know basics about gardening. I work with the students to teach them about wildlife, saving the bees, and providing food for their families. They love helping out during lunch, which is a big sacrifice for them because they are high schoolers and we all know how much teenagers love their free time. These girls are all current or former students who came to help spread cedar mulch purchased with money donated by Subaru. This mulch protects plants from pests and also keeps them moist when watering. We took a lot of pictures and wish we could share them all, but this shows a good view of our lovely garden.

Thousands gathered to participate in Animal Humane New Mexico’s 34th annual Doggie Dash and Dawdle despite rainy weather. This event is one of largest fundraisers the Animal Humane New Mexico puts together with over 2000 dogs and 4000 people in attendance. Garcia Subaru North has been a leading sponsor in the event for the last 7 years and was this year’s “Leader of the Pack” presenting sponsor. Garcia Subaru North donated $20,000 to the event’s goal of $300,000 with 100% percent of the net proceeds going to support homeless pets. Subaru also sponsored the free micro-chipping that was offered at the event. The Doggie Dash is one of many events that we work with Animal Humane on throughout the year and always promises a great time for everyone who attends. We love working with Animal Humane and helping out homeless pets here in the community and look forward to our continued support of a wonderful organization!

The beautiful Monarch Butterfly is a favorite for all butterfly lovers. Milkweed plants are the only natural habitat for Monarch larvae. There has been a decline in Milkweed plants that has caused the Monarch population to decline considerably. Garcia Subaru has partnered with the National Wildlife Federation as part of our Subaru Loves the Earth initiative during the month of April. Stop by the dealership in the month of April to get information on the National Wildlife Federation’s Butterfly Heroes program and learn how you can start your own butterfly habitat. We will even provide a pack of seeds to start your own butterfly habitat and help save one of the most beautiful butterflies in existence.

On April 16th, homeless dogs and cats at Animal Humane New Mexico received $25,000 in a generous contribution from longstanding supporter Garcia Subaru. This amount is the highest received by Animal Humane in its 3 years as a beneficiary of the Subaru "Share the Love" program and will make a significant impact for homeless pets in our care. "Thousands of dogs and cats enter our shelter each year," said Peggy Weigle, Executive Director. "Our partnership with Garcia Subaru began in 2008 with support for building the Robbie Jones Memorial Cat House. Their dedication to our mission continues and these funds will help us provide vital medical and behavioral services to pets in need and help us find even more pets loving homes." Two puppies, Nerf and Schools, looked on at the check presentation in Harbor Lights Park at Animal Humane's 615 Virginia St. SE campus. Because Animal Humane receives no federal, state or city funding, contributions like Garcia Subaru's are vital to supporting pets like Nerf and Schools. Both puppies arrived in our care from the Gallup-McKinley shelter through our Project Fetch program, and both received treatment for medical conditions to help them become healthy and ready for adoption. The $25,000 received today from Garcia Subaru can help many homeless pets like these on their way to loving new homes. Garcia Subaru is a longstanding supporter of Animal Humane New Mexico, contributing a wide range of support each year.

Every year for the past five years, we have been fortunate enough to Join Animal Humane for our signature event and largest fundraiser, the 32nd annual Doggie Dash & Dawdle. Recognized as Albuquerque's must attend pet owner event, Doggie Dash attracts more than 4,500 attendees. We are extremely proud to be able to assist Animal Humane in raising funds that will make an impact on countless pet lives in our community!