Plaza Auto Mall’s long tradition of supporting local education has reached another milestone.

The Brooklyn, N.Y., dealership donated 2,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in the Brooklyn community in its annual backpack giveaway for 2024, which it said “reflects Plaza Auto Mall’s commitment to ensuring every child has the resources they need to succeed in the classroom.”

The giveaway surpassed last year’s event, during which 1,650 backpacks were distributed.

“Education is the foundation of our future,” general manager Adam Rosatti said, “and it’s vital that every child has the tools they need to thrive. We’re proud to play a part in equipping the next generation for success, and we’re grateful for the continued support of our dedicated elected officials and community organizations who have helped make this event possible.”

Rosatti recognized the support of area government leaders, including the New York City Mayor’s community affairs team, City Council members Farah Louis and Inna Vernikov, state Sens. Roxanne Persaud and Iwen Chu, and state Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, as well as the Jewish Community Council of Marine Park, Council of Jewish Organizations and the NYPD Community Affairs Unit.

“Together,” Rosatti said, “we’re not just giving away backpacks. We’re investing in the bright future of our children.”

This 2024 backpack event coincided with the grand opening of Plaza Auto Mall’s new used car facility at the corner of Nostrand and Kings Highway in Brooklyn, joining the group’s five franchise dealerships.

Louis and Bichotte-Hermelyn cut the ribbon on the new store.

“It was a perfect way to tie together our commitment to this community with the event,” marketing director Sean Tahzib said.

Gee adds 2 more dealerships in Washington

Gee Automotive Companies has added to its holdings in the Pacific Northwest with the acquisition of Hanson Subaru and Hanson Kia in Olympia, Wash., from Vince and Kim Hanson, according to Performance Brokerage Services, which advised on the sale.

Gee Automotive was established in 1983 when George and Theresa Gee acquired a dealership in Spokane, Wash., which grew into the largest Pontiac dealership in Washington. In 2003, their son, Ryan Gee, took on the role of president and CEO, later appointing Jeff Jackson as president and retaining the positions of CEO and dealer principal.

During their tenure, Gee Automotive has expanded to 35 locations in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Arizona.

The dealerships, which will be renamed Olympia Subaru and Olympia Kia, were founded more than 50 years ago by Vince and Kim Hanson’s father Steve Hanson, selling Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi vehicles in downtown Olympia. In 1986, the business relocated to the Olympia Auto Mall.

“After 50 years in the auto industry,” said Vince Hanson, who took over the business from his father, “my sister and I decided the time was right to sell our stores.”