Dealer Raises $100 Million For Children In Need

A Ford dealer, who has made charity a lifetime pursuit, has raised a combined $100 million dollars for children in need. His entrance into philanthropy began when a religious leader needed a van and came to his store.

Don Rodman, founder of Rodman Ford in Foxborough, Massachusetts has become known as a charity leader. Rodman’s most noteworthy charity, the Rodman Ride for Kids, celebrated its 25-year anniversary this past September. The bike ride for charity raised $12 million dollars this year. The funds raised will go to local organizations, which help at-risk youth in the surrounding community.

Speaking about his event which raises millions to help those local children, Rodman told the Sun Chronicle, “While you’re out there on the road grinding it out, just think of the impact you’ll be having on hundreds and hundreds of kids.”

1,200 participants showed up to help raise that $12 million for children in need. 1,200 is an even bigger number considering the population of Foxborough, Massachusetts is just over 16,000.

The story of how Rodman began helping individuals in need goes back over 20 years. Speaking to the Boston Globe, Rodman said that once upon a time the leader of Catholic Charities came to him looking for passenger vans to shuttle guests to a charity event. Rodman’s store donated the vans for the event, and Rodman, in speaking with the head of Catholic charities, ended up running the event that he loaned the vans for, for the next 20 years.

What are your thoughts on the philanthropy on the part of Rodman that has raised over $100 million dollars for children in need? What type of community outreach or charity work does your store or group undertake? Finally, in your community or network what other examples have you seen of dealers doing good?