Corporate Community Service

SPONSOR: Bregante + Company LLP, CPAs

2011 Award Recipient: Matt & Jeff's Car Wash and Detail Center

Since opening their business in 1996 Matt and Jeff have been involved as supporters of the community through donations, hosting events and supporting fundraising activities. They support a culture of giving back and connecting to the community.

Matt & Jeff’s donates one penny to local schools for every gallon of gas sold. Those contributions total over $120,000. In addition to the support of the Novato schools the company promotes recognition of Veterans Day every year with a free lunch and car wash for all vets.

They host fundraisers for over a dozen community groups each year ranging from scouts to sports teams to dancing troupes. They support music education bringing them to the store to perform. Jeff serves as a volunteer in Novato schools promoting literacy by serving as a guest reader and speaker. The store promotes literacy and positive parenting through their recommended reading shelf on display at the store.

Their support of Novato public schools has helped preserve the school library program for 8,000 students. Over 300 vets were honored with lunch. More than 30 community, youth, music and athletic groups have benefitted from fundraisers.

Matt & Jeff have worked with their employees to identify areas of need in the community and reach out to organizations that are addressing those needs. They introduced an electronic gift card program to help with fundraising. Most importantly as a small business they have not reduced their support of all of he various groups who have been supported in the past despite a tough economy that is putting increased pressure on their business’ bottom line.

The Corporate Community Service Award is presented to a business that has fostered and encouraged volunteerism and philanthropy among its employees.

Download 2011 Heart of Marin Brochure and Form

1. Briefly write a statement demonstrating the organization’s corporate commitment to volunteerism, community service or civic engagement. How does this align with the business’ culture, values and goals?

2. Give examples of programs or initiatives that the organization has that encourages/demonstrates civic engagement (matching grants, recruiting and placing volunteers, board service, recognition, paid time off for service activities).

3. Describe the measurable outcomes in Marin that have resulted from the organization’s programs, including number of participants.

4. Over the past 12 months, how has the nominee responded to the increased need of the community?