A Decade of Donations:
Jim Ellis Automotive Group’s Partnership with Home of Hope
At the Jim Ellis Automotive Group, philanthropy is a team effort. In the middle of their culture of giving is Rosanne Hallisey, the executive assistant to the vice president and the general managers of five Jim Ellis stores. She’s been a member of the team for fifteen years, and the organization’s generosity has continued to inspire her.
“It’s always been part of our culture, and we encourage our employees to give back as well if they can,” Rosanne explained,.
“At my dealerships that I help run, we do blood drives and coat drives. We try to do things to help our community.”
For the leadership at Jim Ellis, philanthropy is a team effort. Stacey Ellis Hodges, corporate officer and VP of Group Teams at the organization, often reaches out for group input on what organizations Jim Ellis should support.
“She will send out an email and ask if there’s anything near and dear to someone’s heart,” Rosanne said. “And if we can, we’ll try to help everyone’s [passions]. But the main focus is women and children’s charities.”
One of the main fundraising avenues comes through the charity golf tournament that Rosanne helps to organize and execute.
The Jim Ellis team invites its employees and vendors to enjoy some relaxation on the course as well as a silent auction. They encourage their guests to donate cash or items to auction or sponsor the event. Every year, employees and partners go above and beyond to give back.
“We make over a hundred grand to give and to spread out, and we give every penny,” she said.
Almost ten years ago, Maureen Kornowa, executive director at Home of Hope, reached out to the Jim Ellis team to see if they would be interested in donating to the home. Rosanne visited Home of Hope to see if the organization would be a good fit for Jim Ellis.
“I was just so impressed with her facility,” she said. “Everything they do is to help these women get back on their feet after they’ve dealt with adversity or struggles.
“It’s hard to uproot your children and be in that kind of situation. But they make sure the kids get to school, and the ladies get to work. They provide meals, and they try to make life as normal as possible.”
After meeting Maureen and seeing Home of Hope for herself, Rosanne nominated Home of Hope to be a charity recipient, beginning a decade-long partnership of generosity, and she hopes Jim Ellis’ support will continue to further Home of Hope’s mission.
“The Home helps those ladies get back on their feet and gives them confidence and purpose,” she explained. “They now know they can take care of themselves, and they can take care of their kids.”
With faithful partners like Jim Ellis Automotive Group, Home of Hope has been able to expand its outreach and help women thrive in the community. Rosanne is proud to be an integral part of a culture of giving that shares hope with so many.
“It just makes you feel good to be able to help somebody that can’t help themselves for a moment,” she said.