Paul and Jeremy Garavel at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital
What’s most remarkable to me is that not once have they ever asked for anything in return.
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (PRWEB)
April 14, 2020
Garavel Subaru has selflessly supported Michael “Mikey” Friedman’s vision of how to help kids cope with cancer for the last six years, never once asking for anything in return. Garavel Subaru’s Share The Love Events have raised more than $200,000 for Mikey’s Way Foundation since 2014.
Mikey’s story: At the age of 15, Michael “Mikey” Friedman was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. After undergoing equally aggressive treatment he was offered a Make-A-Wish to go anywhere or buy anything. Rather than buy something for himself, Mikey selflessly chose to give away his wish to other young cancer patients, starting Mikey’s Way Foundation in 2005. The Foundation gives laptop computers, tablets, and other Wi-Fi ready electronics to kids undergoing long-term, debilitating treatment. The gifts provide a strong diversion and connection with the outside world to patients isolated by their treatment.
The Garavel connection: Jeremy Garavel attended the same high school as Mikey and witnessed first-hand Mikey’s determination to make a difference for kids in treatment like him. Many years later, when Garavel Subaru was looking for a hometown charity for their Share the Love Event, Mikey’s Way Foundation seemed the perfect fit.
One selfless act of giving inspires others: Ever since hearing Mikey’s story, Garavel Subaru employees from Sales to Service to Accounting and the front office have worked to share Mikey’s vision with their customers and the broader community. For the 2019 Share The Love Event, Subaru of America made a $250 donation for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased at Garavel Subaru in Norwalk. In addition, every time Mikey’s Way Foundation was chosen as the charity of choice, Garavel Subaru donated an additional amount to Mikey’s Way.
Over the years, Garavel Subaru’s support has translated into more than 1,000 brand new electronic gifts for pediatric cancer patients in treatment. With Garavel’s support, Mikey’s Way was also able to outfit each in-patient pediatric hematology/oncology room at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital with an iPad for use during prolonged stays.
“It’s difficult to put into words just how special the Garavel Subaru team is and how they have positively impacted the lives of so many young cancer patients struggling through treatment. What’s most remarkable to me is that not once have they ever asked for anything in return,” reports Les Friedman, Mikey’s Way Foundation CEO and Mikey’s Dad. “Some corporate philanthropy programs want to know what’s in it for them. All Garavel Subaru has ever wanted is to make a difference in the lives of kids with cancer.”
“Mikey’s story is inspiring – it brings out the best in all of us and we are honored to be a part of it,” said Paul Garavel, owner of Garavel Subaru.
Mikey’s Way Foundation gives laptop computers, tablets, and other Wi-Fi ready electronics to kids affected by the emotional and physical hardships of long-term debilitating treatment. They distribute these electronic gifts via their Mikey’s Way Day and Mikey’s Wish List programs to children all over the country with an emphasis in Connecticut and New York. The gifts provide diversion and connection with family and friends, helping them to cope with cancer… Mikey’s Way.
Garavel Subaru is located at 10 Tindall Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Everyday Garavel Subaru holds true to their motto: “Selling cars is what we do. Helping the community is who we are.” For more information about Garavel Subaru visit http://www.garavelsubaru.com.
For more information about Mikey’s Way Foundation, visit http://www.mikeysway.org and follow Mikey’s Way on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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