The 2025 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award
We are honored to be nationally recognized by Subaru of America, Inc. for our dedication to our customers, our community, and the Subaru Love Promise.
The 2025 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award recognizes elite Subaru retailer who provide an exceptional customer experience at every interaction with Subaru. These retailers have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting passions and causes in their local communities in important areas such as environment, community, health, education, and pets.
Here at Subaru, we love our community as much as we love our vehicles and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of all of our customers and neighbors.
What is the Subaru Love Promise?
The Subaru Love Promise® is our vision to show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru. Subaru and our retailers believe every day gives us an opportunity to positively impact the world around us – by how we support each other, our customers, and our community. Together, we are committed to making the world a better place. The Love Promise is what makes Subaru More Than a Car Company® and a Subaru retailer More Than a Car Dealer®. It sets a standard that we are committed to living every day. What is the Subaru Love Promise Community Commitment? At Subaru, we believe in being a positive force in our community, not just with donations, but with actions that set an example for others to follow. We aim to make the world a better place through several key initiatives that help support and protect people, pets, and our planet:
How is Tucson Subaru dedicated locally to the Love Promise?
At Tucson Subaru, we are dedicated to improving the lives of people in Tucson and the surrounding Southern Arizona communities through the Subaru Love Promise—our pledge to show love, respect, and care for all people while making a lasting impact in the world around us. Our commitment goes far beyond car sales. We believe in being a positive force where we live and work—not just through financial donations, but also by giving our time, sharing resources, and offering space to local organizations. Through partnerships with a diverse range of charities and community groups, we strive to spread the Subaru Love Promise as far and wide as possible. As part of the Gee Automotive family, Tucson Subaru is also proud to support the Community Cancer Fund (CCF), based in Spokane, Washington. The CCF is dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families across the Inland Northwest. You can join us in making a difference through the CCF Assists program, which raises funds to support local cancer services and programs. Supporters can choose to make a flat donation or pledge per assist recorded by Gonzaga University basketball players—either by individual player or the entire team. Your donation helps fund CCF’s critical mission: providing resources and support to cancer patients, their families, and community partners working to improve lives every day. Get involved and make a donation today at https://charity.pledgeit.org/CCFassists.
Pima Animal Care Center, The Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Paws for A Cause, Cody's Friends, Barb's Dog Rescue
Arbor Day Foundation, Talking Trash Recycling Contest
AdoptAClassroom.org, Cares for Classrooms, Ready 4 School, Cholla High School Campus Pantry
Youth on Their Own, Angel Tree, Lifesavers, Portable, Practical Educational Preparation, Pima County Community Prevention Coalition
Southern Arizona Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Community Cancer Fund of Spokane, Washington
Love Promise Stories from Tucson Subaru
Subaru and Tucson Subaru believe in making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. We uphold that belief through our Love Promise Community Commitment. Every month, we select inspiring stories from customers and partners from around our area who strive to support our collective commitment and feature them here
Tucson Subaru Makes Your Dog’s Day With Social Contest - Tucson S
When we sat down to talk about Make A Dog’s Day this year, the ideas were flowing. We already had our big event planned, but then our General Manager, John, threw out one simple thought that sparked everything: “Let’s make someone’s personal dog’s day too.” So we launched a Make YOUR Dog’s Day giveaway on social media and asked our followers to tell us what would make their dog’s perfect day. The responses were sweet and funny and full of love. There were dogs who lived for car rides, dogs who wanted ice cream, dogs who dreamed of squeaky toys and cookies and being spoiled just because. We chose not one, but FOUR lucky pups, and then the fun really started. First stop: a local pet store. And we did not hold back. Toys, cookies, plush squeakers, ball launchers, light-up toys, bones, treats... the works. We had so much in the cart that the cashier finally asked, “Okay, what’s going on here?” After that, we teamed up again with Bark and Berry, who kindly donated gift cards for doggie ice cream. Then we came back to the dealership, put on our crafting hats, and turned all those goodies into personalized baskets. We added Subaru pet swag like collapsible bowls, paw wipes, a Chewbaru, and even handmade dog-bone name tags for each winner. When it was time to pick them up, we invited the winners to bring their pups to the showroom. That meant one very important thing: bonus car rides for the dogs. There is nothing better than watching a dog hop out of a car like they already won the lottery. The reaction was priceless. Happy dogs, happy humans, tail wags everywhere. Winners posted photos and videos, and we got to see those pups dig into their baskets at home. Watching them enjoy every single treat and toy made our day right back.
Tucson Subaru Brings the Community Together to Make A Dog’s Day - Tucson S
At Tucson Subaru, Make A Dog’s Day has always been a team favorite. But this year, it hit a whole new level of heart and creativity. It all started when Sales Manager Curt McHenry casually asked during a meeting, “Why don’t we use this event to actually make a dog’s day?” Cue the collective lightbulb moment. Suddenly, the team couldn’t stop talking (or laughing) about it, brainstorming every possible way to make tails wag. Bacon bubbles? Absolutely. Pup cups? Of course. Costumes? Naturally. On October 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the dealership’s front patio and entrance turned into a full-blown dog party. Six adoptable dogs from Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) joined the fun, along with what felt like half of Tucson’s dog-loving population. By the end of the event, three dogs were adopted, including a ten-year-old underdog pug with one eye named Biggie. The other three dogs had plenty of fans too, and PACC was confident they’d be heading home soon. Local pet-loving businesses showed up in full force. C&T Ties sold handmade bandanas of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Bark and Berry, Tucson’s very own dog ice cream parlor and boutique, brought treats, smiles, and handmade dog necklace collars that she lovingly placed on each adoptable pup, and wouldn’t you know it, the adoptions started right after. Everyone joked the necklaces must have been lucky. Pura Vida Pet Care and Dogs-n-Donuts rounded out the lineup with expert pet services and a custom bone-shaped pet safe cake that had tails thumping on the patio. Tucson Subaru’s longtime partners from Friends of PACC were thrilled. “You took it to the next level,” said Torre, Chief Executive Officer. Laura O’Brien, Chief Operating Officer, added how excited she was to see three dogs find homes that day. The fun didn’t stop there. KIIM-FM was playing country tunes on-site and hosting a whipped cream “Pup Cup” eating contest (a labradoodle dressed as a werewolf dominated the competition). Then came the Howl-o-ween Costume Contest with categories including scariest, funniest, most original, best group, best couple, and best overall. Judges included Tucson Subaru General Manager John Petersavage, Love Promise Champion Layla Lopez, and Jim Bible from Subaru of America. Between a colorful dinosaur, dogs dressed as the entire cast of Little Red Riding Hood, and a dog dressed as Wednesday Addams complete with pigtail wig, choosing winners wasn’t easy. In the end, Wednesday took the Best Overall title. Every corner of the patio had something to discover. Bacon and peanut butter-scented bubbles drifted through the air, treat stations tempted dogs at every turn, and Subaru Love Pets swag (plus plenty of Chewbarus) made sure everyone left with something fun. The ink-free paw print station was a hit too. The Tucson Subaru team made one for each adoptable dog to take home with their new families. And then there was the Pack the Outback for PACC drive. The goal was simple: fill a Subaru Outback with donations for shelter pets. The result? The car was so packed you could barely see the driver’s seat. Torre and Laura couldn’t believe it. They kept thanking the Tucson Subaru team, who of course thanked them right back for everything they do for animals in the community. What began as a simple question from Curt turned into something unforgettable. By the time the last pawprint was made and the Outback was full, Tucson Subaru had done exactly what they set out to do: make a dog’s day.
Tucson Subaru Packs an Outback for PACC - Torre C
Tucson Subaru Delivers “Pack the Outback” Donations to Support Shelter Pets At Pima Animal Care Center (PACC), caring for thousands of animals each year is a team effort that depends on community support. One of the partners we’re most grateful for is Tucson Subaru, whose compassion and creativity continue to make a difference for pets and people across Southern Arizona. Following their Make A Dog’s Day celebration, Tucson Subaru kept the kindness going with a special effort called “Pack the Outback for PACC.” Guests at the event filled a Subaru Outback with pet food, toys, treats, and supplies until there was barely room left for the driver. The Tucson Subaru team didn’t stop at collecting donations. The very next day, they personally delivered everything to PACC so our team wouldn’t have to worry about transporting it after the busy weekend. Their timing couldn’t have been better. The supplies will provide food and treats for hundreds of dogs and cats. “The Tucson Subaru team and their community always show up in the best way,” said Torre Chisholm, CEO for Friends of PACC. “Every bag of food, every toy, and every blanket helps us give these pets the love and attention they deserve while they wait to be adopted.” From hosting adoption events to collecting donations like these, Tucson Subaru’s continued support reminds us of what community looks like. Their Outback may have arrived full of supplies, but it left full of gratitude and love for every animal in our care.
Tucson Subaru Lights the Night with Furry Friends - Tucson S
For more than a decade, Tucson Subaru has proudly supported Light The Night, the signature fundraising event for Blood Cancer United, which honors and remembers those impacted by blood cancer. This year, the dealership proudly returned as a supporter of Light The Night, this time as the Furry Friends Sponsor, a role that captured both the event’s spirit and Subaru’s passion for pets. As part of the sponsorship, Tucson Subaru created co-branded pet bandanas and hosted an inviting tent space filled with color, smiles, and heart. The team also brought their 15-foot inflatable dog, “Love,” and 10-foot inflatable cat, “Promise,” along with their Subaru Loves Pets-wrapped Ascent, which quickly became one of the most popular photo spots of the night. To make the experience even more meaningful, Tucson Subaru invited two long-time partners, Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSAZ), to share the tent space and connect with attendees. Together, they spread awareness about the importance of animal welfare and the joy that pets bring to our lives. HSSAZ also brought two adorable adoptable puppies who stole everyone’s hearts and were both adopted within an hour. The Tucson Subaru team came prepared with treats for every visiting dog, Subaru Loves Pets swag, and plenty of Chewbaru toys. By the end of the night, the tent had welcomed at least a hundred visitors, and nearly every box of giveaways had been emptied. In addition to sponsoring the event, the Tucson Subaru team formed a 36-member walking team and collectively raised $1,150 for Blood Cancer United. As lanterns illuminated the University of Arizona Campus Mall and families walked side by side, the sense of unity and compassion filled the air. Lisa Ball, Executive Director for Blood Cancer United’s Desert Region, shared how much joy the Tucson Subaru area brought to attendees, saying it was “one of the highlights of the night.” The 2025 Light The Night event was a beautiful reflection of the Subaru Love Promise, combining the Subaru Loves to Care and Subaru Loves Pets pillars into one unforgettable evening.
Tucson Subaru Uses Media Partnerships to Support DEA Drug Take Back Day - Tucson S
When Tucson Subaru learned about the upcoming DEA Drug Take Back Day, the team saw an opportunity to do more than just host the event. They wanted to help make sure the entire Tucson community knew about it. Using long-standing media relationships, Tucson Subaru partnered with Cox Media to create and distribute public service announcements (PSAs) for the event. The PSAs were produced at no cost to the organizers and aired for free on local television stations as part of their community programming. To extend the reach even further, Tucson Subaru also included the spots in its own bonus and no-charge commercial schedules that come with regular advertising. The goal was simple: to help people clean out their medicine cabinets, safely dispose of unused prescriptions, and keep Tucson families and the environment safe. This effort came together in partnership with PPEP, Inc.’s Community Prevention Coalition, the Tucson Police Department Counter Narcotics Alliance, and the DEA. By using existing media partnerships and resources, Tucson Subaru helped spread the word at no cost to the community or organizers. It was another example of the Subaru Love Promise in action, showing that sometimes the best way to make an impact is to use the connections and tools you already have to help others. Tucson Subaru is proud to play a small part in making Tucson a cleaner and safer place to live.
Tucson Subaru and KVOA Continue to Spotlight Adoptable Pets Across Southern Arizona - Tucson S
Since September 2023, Tucson Subaru has proudly partnered with KVOA and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona to feature adoptable pets every week on the Pets of the Week segment. This ongoing partnership is part of Subaru Loves Pets, a commitment to helping animals in need find safe, loving homes. Each week, viewers across Southern Arizona are introduced to dogs and cats waiting for their second chance at life. In September, three special dogs, Kato, Willow, and Amaya, were featured, each with their own story of resilience and hope. Kato, an affectionate senior pup, stole hearts with his never-ending tail wag and his love for carrying stuffed toys on walks. Willow, gentle and patient, continues to wait for a kind soul who can remind her what it feels like to be home again. Amaya, confident and full of energy, loves children, enjoys playtime, and is happiest surrounded by family. Through this partnership, Tucson Subaru and KVOA have brought countless shelter pets into the public eye, helping many of them find homes faster. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona provides the featured animals each week, and the segment continues to inspire viewers to adopt, foster, and support local shelters. By working together, Tucson Subaru, KVOA, and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona are spreading awareness about adoption and celebrating the incredible pets waiting for their new families.
Tucson Subaru Brings Comfort and Creativity to Children at Banner Children’s Center - Tucson S
At Tucson Subaru, we believe every child deserves comfort and joy, especially those facing the challenges of cancer treatment. During our Subaru Loves to Care visit to Banner Children’s Center, we learned about a pressing need: single use art supplies that allow kids to safely explore their creativity, and sensory toys to help them cope with the stress and anxiety of treatment. We knew we had to do more. Soon after, our team delivered 322 colorable Subaru drawstring bags, each filled with a brand new box of crayons. The bags gave children not only something practical, but also an outlet to design and make something truly their own. We also wanted to support the children with sensory tools that could provide calm during difficult moments. One of our employees partnered with us by creating 100 custom fidget toys using his 3D printer. Together, we tested several versions until we had a design that was durable and perfectly “fidgetable.” Our hope is that these toys bring relief, distraction, and comfort to kids in moments that can otherwise feel overwhelming. No child should have to face the weight of illness without tools to help them cope. By combining Subaru’s resources with the creativity and dedication of our team, we are proud to provide comfort, self expression, and peace to children who need it most.
Baby Crowned Dog Winner in the Pets of the Year Contest - Tucson S
Alongside our cat winner, Gordy, we are proud to announce the dog winner of the 2025 Pets of the Year contest: Baby, a loyal and intelligent pup whose love and devotion have changed lives. Baby is more than a companion. Her owner describes her as a lifesaver, crediting Baby with stepping in during more moments than can even be counted. She loves children, shows remarkable intelligence, and even has the talent of opening doors. Her story is a reminder of the many ways dogs enrich our lives with loyalty, protection, and joy. The Pets of the Year contest celebrates pets like Baby, but it also carries a greater purpose. By sharing these stories, we shine a light on shelters and adoption programs across Southern Arizona. Every day, pets with the same loyalty and spirit as Baby are waiting for their chance to bring love and comfort into a family’s home. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s contest and helped showcase the extraordinary bonds we share with our pets. Together, we can continue to support shelters and encourage adoptions, giving more animals the opportunity to become heroes, companions, and best friends just like Baby.
Gordy Crowned Cat Winner in the Pets of the Year Contest - Tucson S
As the 2025 Pets of the Year contest comes to a close, we are proud to announce our cat winner: Gordy, a future therapy cat and stomatitis survivor. Gordy’s story is one of resilience, healing, and hope, which is exactly what this contest is meant to highlight. Gordy endured painful dental disease and major surgery, yet emerged stronger and more determined to live life fully. What makes her story especially powerful is her new purpose. Gordy is now training to become a therapy cat, bringing comfort to others just as she was cared for. She has turned hardship into strength, and that transformation is why she was selected as this year’s winner. The Pets of the Year contest celebrates pets like Gordy, but it also has a larger purpose: raising awareness for animal adoption and supporting shelters in Southern Arizona. Every day, shelters are filled with cats and dogs waiting for a second chance, and Gordy’s journey shows the impact adoption can have. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s contest and to all who continue to support local shelters and rescues. Together, we are shining a light on the importance of giving every pet the chance to find love, healing, and a forever home.
Tucson Subaru’s Bike Build Gives Families Facing Cancer a Reason to Smile - Samantha H
The moment Harrison arrived at Tucson Subaru with his family, he had no idea a bike was waiting with his name on it. His mom pointed across the room and teased, “Does that say Harrison?” He paused, confused, then broke into a grin as he realized it was true. In a flash, he was on the bike, pedaling in circles as cheers filled the room. For Harrison and 19 other children affected by blood cancer, this surprise was more than a gift. It was freedom, strength, and the joy of simply being a kid again. For nearly a decade, Tucson Subaru has partnered with Blood Cancer United – Arizona to host the Annual Bike Build. What began in 2016 with 10 bikes has grown into 20 each year, totaling 130 bikes built and gifted to families since the tradition began. This year’s event brought together more than 200 volunteers, including Tucson Subaru staff, local news teams, University of Arizona basketball player Jaden Bradley, head coach Tommy Lloyd, and countless friends and families. Together, they transformed bolts and pedals into symbols of hope. When one mother received the call about her son’s bike, she immediately said yes, hoping it would help him slowly rebuild his strength and independence, which has been taken away from him by chemotherapy. Another moment came when a little girl was lifted onto a pink princess bike. Her legs kicked wildly as her dad pushed her around the lot, her smile growing wider with every push. For families who spend so much time in hospitals and isolation, these moments of joy mean everything. At the start of the event, Tucson Subaru General Manager John Petersavage reminded everyone why the Bike Build matters: “This is not about selling cars. This is about doing good for our community and helping others. Put your whole heart into today, so these families will remember this moment and you forever.” The impact extended beyond the bikes. Each child received a helmet, lock, tool kit, and personalized drawstring bag decorated by volunteers. Families were surprised with handmade posters, like the Lightning McQueen fan who was greeted with, “Vroom Vroom, your ride is ready! Built strong, just like you!” For the volunteers, the experience was just as meaningful. One longtime media partner, finally able to attend after years of conflicts, came with his wife and daughter. They left inspired, promising to return every year Tucson Subaru continues this tradition. Karyn Fortin, Campaign Development Director for Blood Cancer United – Arizona, shared: “For families battling pediatric blood cancers, joy can sometimes feel out of reach. This event gives that joy back in the form of freedom, strength, and hope. Tucson Subaru has stood beside us for nearly a decade, and their commitment reminds families they are not alone.” Through Subaru Loves to Care, Tucson Subaru extends compassion far beyond the showroom. The Annual Bike Build is about more than just bikes, it symbolizes restoring independence, resilience, and childhood to those who need it most. As long as Tucson Subaru keeps building bikes, families will keep building hope.
