The Baumann Auto Group has a long history of giving to local charities. Recently, owner Buck Baumann divided a donation of $100,000 among 10 organizations on behalf of all the Baumann Auto Group employees.
In Seneca County, Morrison House in Tiffin and First Step in Fostoria each received $10,000. Buck Baumann and Dave Conn of GM of Baumann Tiffin, presented checks to both agencies Feb. 13.
Tiffin's Community Task Force and New Housing Ohio opened Morrison House last year as a transitional residence for homeless people. Eight people currently are housed there. The former bed and breakfast offers not only shelter but also guidance and support to help families and individuals become self-sufficient.
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Morrison House in Tiffin is one of two Seneca County organizations awarded $10,000 grants from Baumann Auto Group.
Accepting the check for Morrison House were Patricia DeMonte, director of Tiffin Seneca United Way; Terry Jones, task force member; and Ronele Campbell of New Housing Ohio.
"We are so grateful to Baumann Auto Group for this generous donation. The funds will go into our account for overall operating expenses of the Morrison House facility," Campbell said.
First Step Family Resource Center in Fostoria opened in 1980 as a shelter for female victims of domestic violence and their children. Over the years, it has evolved to provide a shelter for male domestic violence victims, and a variety of classes and other services to enhance family stability. First Step serves Seneca, Sandusky, Wood and Wyandot counties.
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The Baumann Auto Group's Big Charity Raffle is under way for 2013. Baumann is donating a choice of one of the following vehicles: Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Buick Verano, Ford Fusion or a Dodge Dart to one lucky winner.
Last year, 12,728 raffle tickets were sold to benefit 20 charities in Northwest Ohio. Over the past 10 years, the raffle has raised $605,847 for local charities. The vehicle is 100-percent donated by Baumann Auto Group.
Tickets for 2013 are $5 each with all proceeds to benefit area charities. Agencies that sell raffle tickets keep all proceeds from the sales at their offices. The drawing is to take place Sept. 28, 2013.
Seneca County organizations selling auto raffle tickets include:
Community Hospice Care of Tiffin.
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties.
Easter Seals of Seneca, Sandusky and Ottawa Counties.
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties.
First Step of Seneca, Sandusky, Wyandot and Wood Counties.
Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment of Seneca County.
Seneca County Agency Transportation.
Accepting the check for First Step were Terri Mercer, director, and Sami Reamer, community resource coordinator.
"First Step is so very grateful for Baumann Auto Group's donation. The funds will be used in part to cover the costs of our shelter and outreach services. In addition, we will use a portion of the funds to help cover the costs for a much needed new roof for our shelter," Reamer said.
A spokesman from Baumann said the funds disbursed were not connected to the company's annual charity auto raffle. None of the agencies was expecting a contribution from Baumann. A press release stated Baumann Auto Group wanted to thank all employees and volunteers of these local charities for the great work they do helping people in need in our communities.
Established in 1956, Baumann Auto Group has locations in Fremont, Norwalk, Port Clinton, Tiffin and Genoa. The dealerships sell Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Hyundai, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ford. Their website is www.baumannautogroup.com.
In addition to First Step and Morrison House, the following charities received $10,000 each:
Liberty Center of Fremont.
Village House of Fremont.
Sandusky County YMCA.
Back To The Wild of Castalia.
Safe Harbour of Sandusky.
Ruth Ann's House of Port Clinton.
Genoa Athletic Boosters.
Norwalk Area Food Bank.
