MINNEAPOLIS and SAN JOSE, Calif. -

Del Grande Dealer Group (DGDG) and Walser Automotive Group made positive headlines on Thursday and Friday in connection with their workplaces and philanthropic efforts.

At Walser, the group highlighted its campaign is driving more than $100,000 to nonprofits in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area as well as the Wichita, Kan., region.

According to a news release, Walser’s campaign called Shop For a Cause donated $25 for every new and pre-owned vehicle sold during June.

Before getting the keys to their vehicle, Walser customers could choose from a menu of local nonprofits to support. Walser, which operates dealerships in Minnesota and Kansas, preselected local organizations in those states for the 2021 Shop For a Cause event.

The benefiting nonprofits of Shop for a Cause cover a wide range of social services, including support for veterans, mental health services, LGBTQ+ and homeless youth, wealth-building initiatives in BIPOC communities, teachers, and rescue animals.

“We’re excited to expand Walser’s scope of giving with Shop For a Cause. This event allows Walser Automotive Group to further support community groups that are typically outside the mission of the Walser Foundation,” Nancy Warner, director of the Walser Foundation, said in the news release.

Walser Automotive Group commits 5% of all pre-tax earnings to the Walser Foundation, which annually funds hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants and sponsorships. The Walser Foundation primarily focuses grants on education and workforce development nonprofits.

“Shop For a Cause was incredibly well received by our customers. People are genuinely excited to learn about these organizations and give back, especially in this time of heightened need,” Warner said.

Warner added that COVID-19 has profoundly impacted nonprofits and communities. She said the unpredictability of canceled or virtual fundraising events, loss of sponsors, and overall staffing issues have created concern in the nonprofit sector.

“We’re proud to make this impact at a key time in the communities where we live and work,” Warner said.

Walser’s Shop For a Cause event supported the following organizations:

— Every Third Saturday
— Nexus Community Partners
— People Incorporated
— The Bridge For Youth
— Project Teacher
— Rise Up For Youth
— Beauties & Beasts

Walser operates 26 new and preowned dealerships and multiple rental, fleet and affiliate businesses throughout Minnesota, Kansas and Illinois.

DGDG receives another award

Meanwhile on the West Coast, the Bay Area News Group has recognized the Del Grande Dealer Group as one of the Top Workplaces of 2021, marking the 11th consecutive year that DGDG has achieved this honor. 

According to a news release, DGDG placed third in the large company category. The group said winners are chosen based on results of an annual employee feedback survey completed solely by employees. The survey measures several aspects of workplace culture including alignment, future company vision, execution and communication.

“We are so proud of our team and the accomplishments we have achieved over the past year,” DGDG chief executive officer Shaun Del Grande said in the news release.

“This award is the highlight of our year and we are proud to be on this list with such incredible companies. Our team continues to provide a world-class experience for our guests and DGDG will continue to innovate to be at our best for all team members,” Del Grande added.

DGDG includes 14 brands and 12 dealerships in the Bay Area.