Winning Spirit Magazine March-April 2019 | Page 11

LHM Charities Donations for January and February 2019 ARIZONA Lions Camp Tatiyee Desert Mission Better Autism Schools for Arizona CALIFORNIA Peppermint Ridge COLORADO Attention Homes Packs of Hope IDAHO Discovery Center of Idaho UTAH Open Doors Social Services Children’s Service Society Dual Immersion Academy Mtn. View Christian Assembly/Royal Family Kids Camp NOVA Principles Foundation National Inventors Hall of Fame/Camp Invention Suazo Business Center Wasatch Community Gardens Latino Behavioral Health Services NEW MEXICO Patrons of the Arts Dealership Sponsors School Program W hen customer and Kennedy Middle School Community Coordinator Peggy Jugmahansingh approached Val Borissevitch, general manager at LHM Southwest Hyundai, about funding needs for the school’s art program, Val knew he could help. “Peggy told me about the current budget in the art department and the hopes for the program, and it was something that tugged at my heartstrings as a father of three,” said Borissevitch. “I decided to make a $500 donation to the program, which tripled their annual budget. Since the school is located in our neighborhood, I also thought it would be great to share the students’ artwork with the community by displaying the canvases in the dealership.” As a thank you, the students got to work painting canvases illustrating the beautiful landscape and history of New Mexico. Students presented their completed paintings to the dealership on Tuesday, December 18. The dealership group wanted to do more to give back and enrich lives at the school, so in addition to the donation to the art program, dealership employees presented a $10,000 check to Kennedy Middle School in support of its “Striving for Awesome Attendance” initiative. “We are so incredibly thankful for this additional donation and the generosity of the Larry H. Miller Dealerships,” said Principal Ed Bortot, Kennedy Middle School. “Research has repeatedly shown that there is a direct correlation between consistent school attendance and students’ academic performance, well-being, personal sense of responsibility, and various other benefits.” The “Striving for Awesome Attendance” program is three-fold. It aims to increase students’ attendance; their performance in math, English language, and art; and it also helps with discipline. ◆ “We are so incredibly thankful for this additional donation and the generosity of the Larry H. Miller Dealerships.” Principal Ed Bortot Kennedy Middle School LHMWSM.com 9