Classic Chevrolet Sparks Future Careers
When U.S. Representative, JoebrBarton (R-Ennis) was approached by Anne Weydeck, Transitional Liaison for thebrArlington ISD, to discuss ways to give at risk teens a viable path forward inbrlife, the conversation quickly led to the automotive industry. Anne Weydeck suggested a program designed tobrget kids familiar with the automotive repair industry. “We wanted to set thesebrkids on a path towards a productive and rewarding career,” explained Weydeck. It didn't take Representative Barton long tobrthink of the perfect partner to help. br“I've known Tom Durant (owner of Classic Chevrolet) for a long time,”brsaid Barton, “I knew he would jump in to help.” And when Tom and wife SusanbrDurant decide to tackle a project (especially one involving children), it’sbrwell known that the Classic employees will quickly spring into action. Within just weeks of the idea, the AISDbridentified approximately 15 kids from Hutchinson Junior High and Carter JuniorbrHigh to enter a 10-week program designed to inspire and motivate them tobrconsider a career in the auto industry. brAnd that’s when the employees of Classic Chevrolet took the reins of thebrproject now known as “Life’s Garage.”
Inbrthe area of community service, Tom Durant, owner of Classic Chevrolet inbrGrapevine, as well as 9 other dealerships, has a distinguished record,brespecially in support of organizations that focus on youth, including Make AbrWish Foundation, MDA, The Boys Club, and Ninos de Mexico and Big Brothers BigbrSisters. In just two fundraisers (2010 and 2011), the Classic ChevroletbrEmployees Charity Fund raised $170,000 for local charities which Tom and SusanbrDurant matched for a total of $340,000, benefiting organizations such asbrChrist's Haven for Children, The Angel Fund of Trinity High School, SevenfoldbrPeace Foundation, and GRACE. And justbrthis week, Classic held a charity golf tournament that is expected to exceedbreven the last few years' efforts.
Nowbras a partner with the AISD and the “Life's Garage” program, Classic employeesbrenjoy the ability to personally interact with the young students. Wednesday'sbrevent held in the service department of Classic Chevrolet gave the students abrhands-on experience with oil and filter changes and how to change a tire. Mike Zorn, Service Director of Classic, led the discussionbrwith an infectious enthusiasm that demonstrated his love of the job. Rather than a dry and tedious lesson, Zornbrkept the session full of personal stories, and explained real benefits ofbrmastering the techniques of basic car repair. brThe mechanics also spoke to the kids one on one, answering all of theirbrquestions and showing obvious pride in their profession. “Hopefully this experience will rub off,”brsaid Zorn. Everyone here at Classicbrreally does love coming to work and being the best at what we do. If just one kid sees that as motivation tobrlearn the skills and reap the rewards, that's fulfilling.”
Representative Barton could not agree more. “We hope to expand this program to all ofbrTarrant Country, then state-wide, and perhaps nationally. Even in just this short time, we've seen somebrof these kid's grades improve already. brIt's inspiring.” Barton alsobrcould not praise the employees of Classic enough. “The Classic employees have completely takenbrownership of this, making it their project. brI can't thank them enough.”
Pictured left to right in top photo: Mike Zorn, Classic Chevrolet Service Director; Joe Barton, U.S. Representative R-Ennis; Mario Moreno, Classic Chevrolet service technician, and AISD students with Anne Weydeck, Transitional Liaison for the Arlington Independent School District.
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