The 2025 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award
We are honored to be nationally recognized by Subaru of America, Inc. for our dedication to our customers, our community, and the Subaru Love Promise.
The 2025 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award recognizes elite Subaru retailer who provide an exceptional customer experience at every interaction with Subaru. These retailers have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting passions and causes in their local communities in important areas such as environment, community, health, education, and pets.
Here at Subaru, we love our community as much as we love our vehicles and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of all of our customers and neighbors.
What is the Subaru Love Promise?
Subaru and our retailers believe in making the world a better place and the Subaru Love Promise is our vision of respecting all people. This is our commitment to show love and respect to our customers and to work to make a positive impact in the world.
How is Sport Subaru dedicated locally to the Love Promise?
Our Love Promise can be seen in various partnerships with local charities and non-profits. We're grateful for the opportunity, not only to be a part of our community, but to serve it as well!
Pet Rescue by Judy
All Green Electronics Recycling Inc.
Edgewater High School, Rock Lake Elementary
Toys For Tots, Warriors on Water
Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County, Yellow Brick Road Foundation
Love Promise Stories from Sport Subaru
Subaru and Sport Subaru believe in making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. We uphold that belief through our Love Promise Community Commitment. Every month, we select inspiring stories from customers and partners from around our area who strive to support our collective commitment and feature them here
Sport Subaru Sponsored Another Vehicle Giveaway in Partnership with Central Florida Public Media - Reginald J
Sport Subaru has a longstanding partnership with the local NPR affiliate, Central Florida Public Media (90.7 FM on the dial and previously known as WMFE); and the automotive retailer recently sponsored another annual vehicle giveaway to one lucky winner who is an avid listener of the station: Mr. Dan R. of Orlando qualified for the drawing by being a donor to CFPM, and joined dealership staff and several employees of the broadcaster on June 26 to receive the keys to his brand new Subaru Crosstrek! The loyal listener, who incidentally had been heavily researching the Crosstrek in the six months prior to his surprising win, graciously accepted the SUV amid the congratulations, handshakes, balloons and confetti; and the gentleman was nearly at a loss for words as the timing coincided with his upcoming cross-country trip to California with his precious pooch to refresh and reset. Sport Subaru is honored to have played a role in bringing some happiness and good fortune to this gentleman in the midst of his trip planning and many hours ahead on the roadways; and is grateful for his loyalty to the Subaru brand. Central Florida Public Media’s goal is as follows (per its website): “Our vision is to lead Central Florida’s community conversation, based on substantiated facts and respect for diverse perspectives. We aim to be the essential source for distinctive journalism, grounded in listening and committed to creating a safe but challenging space to broaden our understanding of each other and the world. We strive to be a model workplace that embraces risk, innovation, and authenticity.” Nicole Abbondandolo, Membership Director at CFPM, also chimed in on the joyful experience with Mr. R. and the non-profit organization’s years-long relationship with Sport Subaru: “Don Mealey Sport Subaru has been amazing with their passionate support. Their generous annual donation of a brand-new car for our Spring Fund Drive is a true testament to their philanthropic commitment, and we are beyond grateful for their partnership!” Sport Subaru values such interactions with the community-at-large and looks forward to continuing the business relationship with this valuable community presence!
Sport Subaru Teams Up to Support Local Community - Karen D
Imagine going without a coat, shoes, or even socks. For millions of children and adults experiencing homelessness and other urgent need situations across the country, even here in Orlando, this is a harsh reality. Helping others strengthens communities, which is why Sport Subaru is partnering with Operation Warm®, a national nonprofit focused on connecting children with the resources they need to thrive. Through this partnership and other Subaru Loves to Help® efforts, Subaru and retailers like Sport Subaru have helped nearly 900,000 children and adults in urgent need. On 01/30/2025, Sport Subaru donated 120 shoes/socks to Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. These essential items not only help keep children protected, warm, and dry, it can have a significant impact on a child's mental and emotional well-being.
Sport Subaru Helps LLS & Pediatric Cancer Patients in the Orlando, Florida, Area - Reginald J
Sport Subaru has a decade-long partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in its vitally important mission (as stated on its website): “Dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, we are now The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world's largest voluntary (nonprofit) health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services.” … and, in particular, the Orlando retailer’s close collaboration with LLS – North Florida Region and its Campaign Development Manager, Alexis Clement. On June 11, Sport Subaru and Subaru of America representatives presented a $78,950 check to Alexis during a brief ceremony in the dealership’s showroom as they stood in front of the “Subaru Loves to Care” display; and later that day the super-sized prop check (the real check having been cashed weeks earlier) was featured prominently at the 2025 Light the Night Leadership Launch gathering of supporters and sponsors at the Dubsdread Golf Course. Relatedly, since the $75,000 “Presenting Sponsorship-level” threshold was exceeded, LLS was authorized to utilize that $3,950 overage towards its “Matching Gift” efforts to help raise additional funds beyond what Sport Subaru donated. Days later on June 23, representatives of the dealership met Alexis again, this time at AdventHealth hospital, as caring staff of the pediatric cancer unit excitedly and graciously received many boxes of soft pillow-blankets, care kits and hand-written notes of encouragement that were soon be in the hands of courageous children who are fighting this awful disease. Out of understandable concern for the kids’ weakened immunity in their compromised health, Sport Subaru representatives were not able to interact in the patients’ hospital rooms; but there was no underestimating the gravity of the situation and the strong will of these youngsters and their supportive loved ones. Just hours later, Alexis emailed Sport Subaru the following statement: “Thank you so very much for a beautiful afternoon at the blanket delivery! We are truly grateful for all that you do for our patients and families and know that the AdventHealth team really appreciated it! ... [and for the authorization] to utilize [$3,950] for Matching Gift dollars and utilize your logo and verbiage to share with our LLS Family and volunteers!” Sport Subaru treasures such engagement with the community-at-large; for our employees are active participants in the Orlando area and know that not everyone is as fortunate to be in sound health, have a job, live in proper shelter and have other life essentials. Our central Florida dealership remains honored to play a part in Subaru’s overall philanthropic endeavors!
Pet Rescue by Judy Requested an Earlier-Than-Usual Adoption Event & Sport Subaru Obliged - Reginald J
Don Mealey Sport Subaru in west Orlando has a long-time partnership with Pet Rescue by Judy, based in nearby Sanford and celebrating 30 years of saving animals’ lives; and the dealership proudly hosted another adoption event on Saturday, June 7 from 10am to 2pm. This occasion was held in addition to the regularly scheduled, upcoming annual “Subaru Loves Pets” October event because Sport Subaru learned that the rescue was overwhelmed, in urgent need of finding furever homes as Judy graciously requested extra help. The shelter has also been recovering from last year’s devastating Hurricane Milton. A warm, overcast day in central Florida greeted volunteers, potential adopters and onlookers in front of the store near the main entrance to the showroom as they excitedly gathered with seven precious, loveable puppies seeking furever homes. All of the dogs were behaviorally and medically ready to be adopted on the spot once the necessary documentation, adopter background checks and other steps were completed. The non-profit Pet Rescue by Judy is a no-kill shelter whose story began in 1986, and it is committed to saving and rehabilitating companion animals; for many of the dogs and cats have medical conditions and, sadly, come from deplorable situations. For example, three of the seven puppies were four-month-old siblings from a litter of eight whose then-owners’ house burned down; and the hotel in which they were staying didn’t allow so many animals in one room. Thus, several puppies had to be surrendered to the shelter and slowly nursed back to health. Rescued animals are doctored and treated to the best of the shelter’s compassionate abilities and limited resources before being ready for fostering and, ultimately and hopefully, getting adopted by fully screened and vetted human parents. Sport Subaru again worked in concert with the organization’s founder and director, Judy Sarullo, and her team of dedicated and impassioned volunteers to promote and conduct the adoption event. These efforts included soliciting interest leading up to and day-of via social media; plus, carefully guiding the adorable and well-behaved puppies on walks throughout the dealership to entice interactions with and questions from curious and adoring customers. These latest efforts thankfully paid off, too, as five of the seven puppies featured onsite were adopted in scenes of tail-wagging, face-licking and cuddly joy from the fur babies and the happiest of smiles from the new pet parents (including one of Sport Subaru’s employees and his family who adopted Gumbo) and relieved volunteers! Judy’s website lists the other dogs and cats available for adoption, as well, including the two of seven precious puppies who were not yet adopted. Judy graciously provided the following statement of appreciation from one of the new pet-parent families: "Canyon is doing great and seems so happy! We already got him his own food, his new bowls, and honestly—he has over 10 toys now, haha. He’s settling in really well! Of course, we’ve had a few potty accidents here and there, but overall everything is going very smoothly. We’re even considering enrolling him in training classes at PetSmart so he can learn to be the best version of himself. We truly love him so much already. He’s brought so much joy into our home, and honestly, we can’t imagine life without him now! I am sending other photos!! Warmly, Daniela V." There is an urgent need for animal rescue nationwide and worldwide and, although Pet Rescue by Judy obviously cannot help every animal in dire straits, this remarkable and reputable charity has absolutely earned the highest of accolades for doing its part in Orlando and the surrounding area. Sport Subaru remains honored to assist!
Sport Subaru in Orlando, FL Celebrated Arbor Day by Giving Away Trees to Customers & Charities - Reginald J
Sport Subaru in Orlando, Florida, celebrated Arbor Day by hosting a tree giveaway on Saturday, March 15, 2025. In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and as a part of the “Subaru Loves the Earth” program, over 100 saplings (one-half Crapemyrtle AKA "lilac of the South" and one-half Sweetbay Magnolia) were taken to new homes, er, landscapes in which to grow and provide wonderful scenery for decades to come. The dealership’s customers were emailed weeks ahead of the giveaway to reserve online their choice of tree, and a great majority of those reservations were followed through; as customers happily and gratefully visited the dealership and picked out whatever sapling caught their attention. Sport Subaru teammates occasionally watered the trees to keep them healthy since the pallet arrived a week in advance of the event. It was a green-thumb day! In anticipation that there would be saplings left over despite the great turnout by customers who reserved in advance and those who learned just that day of the giveaway, Sport Subaru also arranged for local charities to benefit. Indeed, there were leftovers, so animal causes Live to Purr Another Day and Pet Rescue by Judy and conservation cause 4Roots sent representatives to select trees, too. The animal rescue personnel indicated that the trees would be planted in memory of pets who passed while beautifying their landscaping; and the plants were a natural fit for the conservation cause that promotes sustainable agriculture and lifestyles on its spacious farming campus. Nearly every attendee commented how amazing it is that the Subaru brand is so philanthropic and that Sport Subaru hosted yet another community event at the dealership. In short, patrons know that Subaru genuinely walks the walk and isn’t just talk. Philanthropy is a part of our brand and dealership DNA! Sport Subaru cherishes such community involvement and is proud to play a part in supporting terrific causes and making the world a better and more livable place – tree-by-tree in this case.
Sport Subaru's Donation of Shoes Helps an Orlando, FL Homeless Shelter Help Children - Reginald J
As part of “Operation Warm” as even The Sunshine State gets the chills, Sport Subaru continued its partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless in Central Florida; proudly delivering to this large and professionally managed shelter a donation of many boxes of new shoes that catered to a wide range of children’s sizes and ages. The delivery was greeted with much appreciation from the amazing Coalition team, and the distribution of footwear started soon thereafter! In addition, management gave the Sport Subaru representative an extensive tour of the impressive, bustling and multi-building campus – including the check-in and sleeping and recreation areas, kitchen and cafeteria, children’s daycare and education rooms, storage area for the many donations and supplies, staff offices, library, etc. As a safe, security-gated, well-maintained and low-barrier residential shelter located on a sprawling Orlando property that is adjacent to the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights’ football stadium, the Coalition’s focus is on housing, emergency services and diversion in helping people return to stable and permanent living situations as soon as possible – including overcoming food insecurity. Housing: “Our goal is to end homelessness for the men, women, and children who walk through our doors. Following the Housing First approach, we return individuals and families to safe, stable, permanent housing as quickly as possible.” Emergency Services: “No one should be without safe shelter, nutritious meals, clean clothes, or access to showers. We offer a variety of emergency services to meet the needs of our community.” Diversion: “In order to ensure that shelter beds are utilized by those most in need, our Diversion Services help homeless individuals and families find housing options outside the homeless services system.” Indeed, as part of the collaborative community effort to prevent and end homelessness, the Coalition’s 2023/2024 fiscal year impact was again substantial: Nearly 2,500 guests placed in permanent housing; nearly 5,400 guests served; and nearly 233,000 nutritious meals served! Trinette Nation, Director of Development, mailed an extremely gracious, hand-written postcard containing her signature and those of her colleagues that reads as follows: “Thank you for your generous donation of 10 boxes of brand-new children’s shoes! Your contribution will directly benefit many children in our community, providing them with much-needed footwear and helping them feel confident and supported. We’re truly grateful for your kindness and the positive impact you’ve made on the families we serve. “ Sport Subaru cherishes such community involvement!
Subaru Retailers Team Up to Support Hurricane Relief Efforts - Jess M
At Sport Subaru, we’re always ready to step up and support our communities, especially in times of crisis. This commitment is at the heart of the Subaru Love Promise®. When Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the Eastern region, Subaru retailers like us immediately sprang into action. Alongside other Subaru retailers, Subaru of America, and local organizations, we assessed the most urgent needs in the affected areas. It quickly became clear that local food banks were struggling to keep up with the surge in demand as they worked to support people hit hardest by the storms. In response, we teamed up with 67 Subaru retailers across the region to launch a $400,000 match campaign to aid the hurricane relief efforts of Feeding America®. Sport Subaru proudly contributed $10000 to this initiative. While the immediate impact of the storms fades from the headlines, many of our neighbors continue to face long-term challenges like food insecurity, water shortages, power outages, and limited access to essential services. Thanks to the collective generosity of Subaru retailers and the communities we serve, an additional $18,427 was raised. This brings the total impact to $418,427, or over 4,100,000 meals for those in need. "As one of the nation's largest disaster relief organizations, the Feeding America network of food banks and partner agencies is deeply rooted in communities across the country. Together, our partnership with trusted Subaru dealers has helped expedite emergency food assistance and supplies to people who need it most. We are immensely grateful," said Feeding America Chief Development Officer Casey Marsh.
Sport Subaru Collected Donations for the Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign - Reginald J
Sport Subaru in Orlando happily volunteered to be and was approved as a collection point for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign; with donations benefiting children ages newborn to 13 throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties in central Florida. Our dealership delivered a Crosstrek full of toys to Sergeant Paul Jackson, Assistant Coordinator of the local effort, on December 12 at the Orange County warehouse site of this year’s giveaway event; and they were quickly processed and integrated into the mix of choices for the many eager and appreciative boys and girls waiting in line. Smiling police officers joined Marines and the many other festively dressed volunteers in keeping things moving safely and securely; successfully managing an exciting-though-hectic scene. Kids living in this region of Florida rarely have an opportunity to play in the snow and Orlando temperatures are not often below freezing, but volunteers’ and observers’ hearts melted at the sites of kids and their parents or guardians taking joy in selecting toys from the myriad options available. From seeing small stuffed animals to coloring books to action playsets to dolls and soccer balls and much more, there was happiness in the air! Organizers anticipate that nearly 60,000 children will be in need of gifts from these three counties’ warehouses combined. Unfortunately, at this point in the campaign and with only two weeks remaining until Christmas, there is a shortage of toys. “We are shy of our mark for [ages] zero to two, eight to 10 and 11 to 13 for both boys and girls,” observed Sgt. Jackson. Per the campaign’s website, the local impact is astounding and is increasing to accommodate the demand, per 2023 data compiled from Orange and Seminole counties: 55,957 toys distributed in support of 27,621 children. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Programs Mission is as follows: “… to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.” … in concert with the Primary Goal: “… to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.” As with other charitable endeavors earlier in 2024, Sport Subaru is grateful to have received such a favorable response to this toy donation drive. The Orlando dealership treasures such interactions with the community-at-large; for our employees are a part of it and realize that not every person is as fortunate to have a job, shelter and other life essentials. Or, in this Season of Giving, not every child’s situation is conducive to receiving gifts as a part of Christmas and the holidays. Sport Subaru can neither solve all the world’s problems nor provide toys for every youngster, but we can all do our share to help make situations at least a bit jollier!
Sport Subaru Collects Pet Food & Supplies to Aid Two Orlando, FL Area Shelters - Reginald J
Sport Subaru in Orlando happily participated in the “Fill a Forester” pet food and supplies donation activation; benefitting the Orange County Animal Rescue municipal shelter and the Save A Life Pet Rescue private organization. The dealership had an existing partnership with the former, and delivered half of the donations to Orange County representatives on 11/19/24. The following day, the other half of donated items were delivered to the latter. Sport Subaru established a partnership with Save A Life upon being alerted to its needs via a social post following the devastating hurricanes Helene and Milton. Bryant Almeida, Public Information Officer at Orange County Animal Services in Orlando, responded to the donations by stating how urgently the dog and cat food and supplies were needed; and that he loves witnessing the lives saved daily as precious animals are adopted. Indeed, Bryant knows all about community service and saving lives; for he is also a former police officer who loves his role at this municipal shelter despite the numerous challenges – including the constant influx of dogs and cats in dire need of loving and qualified "furever" homes. (The Sport Subaru teammate who delivered the items knows OCAS well, for he and his wife recently adopted a stray cat from the shelter, their third cat rescue.) To wit, as of the writing of this story, OCAS has 154 dogs and 103 cats in its pet housing; and has initiated 485 adoptions month-to-date and 7457 adoptions year-to-date, per its website ocnetpets.com! Anna knows the feelings, challenges and rewards of saving pets' lives, too, as president at Oviedo-based Save a Life Pet Rescue. This non-profit’s transit van – vital to the shelter’s rescue efforts – was totaled by a big tree limb that fell on it during Hurricane Milton. A member of Sport Subaru’s management team learned of the organization’s urgent call for assistance while he was posting other updates on its Facebook business page. Although the dealership was unable to assist with providing a replacement transit van for Save a Life, the Sport Subaru teammate asked Anna if the shelter would like to be a partner in the “Fill a Forester” effort. She graciously responded “yes!” Save A Life Pet Rescue, according to its website savealifepetrescue.org, has “successfully rehabilitated, spayed/neutered, and placed over 20,000 animals with warm, loving families” since its formation in 2006 (though Anna informed that the total is closer to 40,000 now)! Its mission is “to save and enrich the lives of dogs of all ages, breeds, sizes, and conditions that have suffered from neglect, cruelty, abandonment, or overpopulation in high-kill animal shelters.” Sport Subaru is grateful to have received such a tremendous response to the donation drive, to the point that both shelters received a significant amount of pet food and supplies. Indeed, the Forester on display in the dealership’s lobby was not only filled, but overflowed with items small and large! The central Florida dealership values such interactions with the community-at-large; for our employees are a part of it and realize that not every person is as fortunate to have a job, shelter and other life essentials; nor does every would-be pet start out in loving and caring situations. Sport Subaru cannot solve all the world’s problems, but we can all do our part!
Sport Subaru's Donation of Blankets Helps Central FL Homeless Shelter as Temperatures Dip in Orlando - Reginald J
Sport Subaru in Orlando has a partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless in Central Florida; and proudly surprised staff members of this large shelter with a donation of three large boxes of blankets. As autumn is upon us and temperatures have begun to dip, especially in the evening and overnight even here in The Sunshine State, the delivery was greatly appreciated! While dropping off the blankets, the Sport Subaru representative witnessed a bustling, large, secure area with children outside playing with their parents and helpful and considerate staff taking pride in the tremendous good they’re doing for the community. As a safe, well-maintained, low-barrier residential shelter located in the shadows of the University of Central Florida Knights’ football stadium, the Coalition’s focus is on housing, emergency services and diversion in helping people return to stable and permanent living situations as quickly as possible. Housing: “Our goal is to end homelessness for the men, women, and children who walk through our doors. Following the Housing First approach, we return individuals and families to safe, stable, permanent housing as quickly as possible.” Emergency Services: “No one should be without safe shelter, nutritious meals, clean clothes, or access to showers. We offer a variety of emergency services to meet the needs of our community.” Diversion: “In order to ensure that shelter beds are utilized by those most in need, our Diversion Services help homeless individuals and families find housing options outside the homeless services system.” To wit, among the many forms of positive impact that the Coalition has had over the last year – as part of a collaborative community effort to prevent and end homelessness – are the following: nearly 2,500 guests placed in permanent housing; nearly 13,000 service units (showers, laundry, hygiene supplies and clothing) provided; and over 232,000 nutritious meals served. Makenzie Cerdena, Volunteer Coordinator at the Coalition, later graciously emailed Sport Subaru the following statement: “Thank you so much for the donation of blankets! With the colder weather creeping in, blankets are definitely needed.” Sport Subaru values such interactions with the community-at-large; for our employees are a part of it and realize that not everyone is as fortunate to have a job, shelter and other life essentials. Subaru cannot solve all the world’s problems, but we can all do our part!
