Kicking Off The New Year With The Pajama Program!

Lexus of Stevens Creek is thrilled to partner once again with the non-profit organization Pajama Program. The program provides new pajamas and books to children in need. For most children, bedtime is a time of comfort, love and security. A time when children crave intimacy with their moms and dads, a few minutes of bonding and sharing in a safe, secure environment. But for the millions of children living in poverty in America, a good night is a luxury they do not often experience.

"I like pajamas because they are comfortable and make me more fun and makes me be energized and tired at the same time. I like books because it makes me go to places I've always wanted to go without going anywhere. Thank you for the books and pajamas, I appreciate it dearly." ~ Jessica, age 12

"The mission goes with giving those children dignity of bedtime, and so children in foster care particularly are often there by no fault of their own and end up with just the clothes on their back," says Pallie Zambrano, Pajama Program Bay Area Chapter President. "Giving them the opportunity to transition to bedtime with a new pair of pajamas that are theirs to keep, a book for bedtime stories to read on their own time, it gives them that opportunity."

Starting New Years Day, receive 10% off your service bill when you donate new pajamas and/or books valued at $10 or more. The pajamas must be new and a complete set or nightgown. The items should also be for children ages infant - 12 years old. The Pajama Program drive is going on through February 29th at the Lexus of Stevens Creek Service Center, located at 300 Martin Avenue, Santa Clara.

If you would like to learn more about the organization, please visit www.pajamaprogram.org/chapters/CA-Bay-Area. Happy New Year to our generous guests and supporters!

Surprise Christmas Tree Deliveries Brighten Holiday for Families in Need

Families in the Unity Place community in San Jose received a special holiday surprise... Christmas trees! The families were so excited to have trees with bright lights in their homes this Christmas. This is the second year Lexus of Stevens Creek has partnered with the non-profit organization Unity Care to help brighten the holidays for families in need. The eight trees and lights were donated by the Rotary Club of Santa Clara and Lexus of Stevens Creek.

Unity Place, a program of Unity Care, provides affordable housing for extremely-low income families. To learn more about the group or for ways how you can help, please visit www.unitycare.org. 

Spreading Christmas Cheer To Children In Need

It was a holiday celebration filled with joy, happiness, giving and laughter. One hundred and fifty children from the Santa Clara school district were treated to a special afternoon. The Rotary Club of Santa Clara's Christmas for Kids was hosted at Lexus of Stevens Creek on Thursday, December 10th.

The children enjoyed an afternoon of fun including lunch, arts & crafts, hanging out with Sharkie and photos with Santa! Each child also received a gift bag full of gifts and a warm coat for Christmas.

"It's such an amazing thing to see the kids and their joy. You hear them saying things like 'that's exactly what I wanted!' or 'that's so amazing!' and they're just so excited,"says Elizabeth Mayo, Chairperson of The Rotary Club of Santa Clara's Christmas for Kids.

Christmas for Kids was started about 20 years ago by the rotary as a way to give back to the community particularly children in need. The children attend Bowers, Hughes and Scott Lane Elementary Schools. They arrived at 11am to Lexus of Stevens Creek and enjoyed two hours of holiday fun.

 “Christmas for Kids is one of our favorite events of the year, and we are so thrilled to continue to support The Rotary Club of Santa Clara and thank them for their efforts in making such a positive difference in our community,” says Jared Miller, Lexus of Stevens Creek General Manager & Vice-President. “It just warms our hearts to see the children’s faces when they receive their gifts from Santa, and knowing that these gifts may be the only ones that they receive for the holidays, it’s just so special,” he added.

Santa made a special entrance this year in the holiday wrapped 2016 RX as the children cheered. After, each child had the opportunity to take a photo with Santa and receive their gifts. Many of the toys were donated by generous Lexus guests during Lexus of Stevens Creek's annual toy drive.

Piedmont Hills Student Recognized by Lexus of Stevens Creek During School Pep Rally

Pictured: LSC Community Relations Manager Jessica Keener, Jessica Sobrepena of Piedmont Hills High School and Karen Zimmerman of the American Diabetes Association

Jessica Sobrepena was recognized today for her efforts in the fight against diabetes. The Piedmont Hills High School student has type 1 diabetes and led her school in fundraising this year for Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. Piedmont Hill had the top team of 145 participants which included students and family members. As a school, students raised a total of $4,156. Jessica raised nearly half of the funds, raising $2,054.

Lexus of Stevens Creek Community Relations Manager Jessica Keener presented the student with a cruiser bike for her efforts - in partnership with the American Diabetes Association and Mike's Bikes. The presentation was made during Piedmont Hills High School's pep rally.

Thank you Jessica for being a leader in the fight against diabetes!

Lexus Cares Team Helps Distribute Food at Cityteam's Thanksgiving Event

Community Relations Manager Jessica Keener Helps Carry Food

Families were greeted with applause and cheer as the doors opened at 1pm. Within a few hours, thousands of people walked away with turkeys and all the trimmings to help feed their families this Thanksgiving. The non-profit organization Cityteam hosted their annual Thanksgiving food distribution event at Avaya Stadium on Tuesday.

The Lexus of Stevens Creek Cares team joined more than 500 volunteers to help distribute food to the needy and carry bags of goods from the distribution stations to the parking lot or bus stop.

Lexus of Stevens Creek Cares Team

Folks started lining up at 9am, in the rain, to get their spot on line, waiting until the doors opened for distribution at 1pm. 3,000 bags of food were handed out in hopes of providing an estimated 15,000 members of the San Jose community with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner that they can enjoy in the comfort of their own home.

To learn more about Cityteam and their efforts in helping those in need, please visit www.cityteam.org.

JW House Surprised With 93" Teddy Bear & Big Check For

Lexus of Stevens Creek Community Relations Manager Jessica Keener with the Lexus Cares Bear

JW House staff was surprised Monday morning with a huge 93” teddy bear and a big check for $5,000 to support their efforts in providing a warm, comfortable home away from home for families facing medical crises.

“Thank you Lexus Stevens Creek for choosing JW House as the recipient of the Lexus Cares grant! Your generosity will help to keep more than 100 families experiencing medical crises together during the holidays and beyond,” says JW's mother and JW House board member Anne Marie Knapen. “JW House will provide many more hot meals, hot showers, and hugs because of YOU!”

Lexus of Stevens Creek General Manager and V.P. Jared Miller and Community Relations Manager Jessica Keener presented the award to Anne Marie Knapen and Family Service Director April Bignell as part of the dealership’s special $5,000 Giveaway. JW House was one of 15 local non-profits that participated in the promotion. This is the first year that Lexus of Stevens Creek offered this giveaway to non-profits serving children and youth in Santa Clara County.

“We wanted to come up with a fun way to not only award a non-profit for their efforts in our community, but also spread the word about many non-profits that are truly make a difference in the lives of many,” says Keener.

Lexus corporate philanthropy believes that children have the potential, and the desire, to make the world a better place. In an effort to encourage children to pursue their dreams, Lexus has pledged to support organizations that build, shape and improve children's lives. Lexus of Stevens Creek shares that same commitment.

In September, Lexus of Stevens Creek announced the $5,000 funding opportunity in which the winner will be awarded a $2,500 check from Lexus of Stevens Creek and a second $2,500 check from the Lexus Pursuit of Potential Matching Funds Program.

Local non-profits were invited to participate in the giveaway and were asked to submit a 2-minute video sharing a story of a child or family they have helped and how the funds will help their program. For 3 weeks, the community was able to vote for their favorite video at www.lexusstevenscreek.com/Calling-Non-Profits, and the top 3 non-profits with the most votes – Okizu, PARTI Program and JW House - moved on to the final interview phase.

The non-profit groups that participated in the giveaway were Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, ALS Association Golden West Chapter, Amigos de las Américas, Angels on Stage, Breakthrough Silicon Valley, Far West Wheelchair Athletic Association, Freedom House, JW House, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Okizu, PARTI Program, Sacred Heart Community Service, Triton Museum of Art, United Way Silicon Valley and Unity Care.

“It wasn’t an easy decision for us as each non-profit is doing such incredible work,” says Keener. “JW House is providing wonderful year-round services and support to families undergoing such difficult times in their lives, and we are excited to partner and support the organization.” 

JW House began as the idea of Jan-Willem (JW) Knapen, a boy who in the midst of battling cancer, wanted to do something to help other children and families facing similar situations. To learn more about the organization, please visit jwhouse.org.

ABOUT LEXUS OF STEVENS CREEK CARES

Since 2010, Lexus of Stevens Creek has been partnering with local non-profit organizations in an effort to help others. From hosting donation drives to offering scholarships to student athletes to opening their doors to charities, Lexus of Stevens Creek is always looking for ways to give back and help make a differenc

Christmas for Kids Toy Drive Happening Now at Lexus of Stevens Creek

Give children a holiday to remember this year! Our annual toy drive is underway, and Lexus of Stevens Creek is thrilled to support Santa Clara Rotary's Christmas for Kids! This wonderful holiday program brings joy and cheer to more than 150 underprivileged children by providing warm coats and gifts. 

Lexus guests who donate an unwrapped toy will receive 10% off their service bill during the months of November and December. Thank you for helping to make this season bright for children in need!

Congratulations to the Top 3 Non-Profits in the $5,000 Giveaway

Congratulations to the top three non-profits with the most votes: Okizu, PARTI Program and JW House! These three organizations will be moving on to the final phase of the giveaway, the interview. Representatives from each non-profit will meet with a selection committee from Lexus of Stevens Creek on Thursday. The $5,000 winner will then be selected and announced on Monday, November 16th!

Okizu - Supporting Families with Childhood Cancer

PARTI Program - Positive Alternative Recreation Teambuilding Impact 

JW House - A Home Away from Home for Families Facing Medical Crises

Thank you to all of the non-profits that participated in Lexus of Steven Creek's $5,000 Giveaway. The videos were so heartwarming and inspiring. You are each making such a positive impact on the lives of children and families in our community, and we THANK YOU for the incredible work you are doing!

Thousands of Donations Collected During Annual Second Harvest Food Drive

Thank you to all of our generous Lexus guests who made our annual Second Harvest Food Drive a success! We had 10 barrels full of cans and many other food items. The donations will help feed the hungry this holiday season. 

For the months of September and October, Lexus of Stevens Creek teamed up once again with Second Harvest Food Bank. The goal was to collect 4,000 pounds of food, which equals a Lexus NX! Last year, Lexus guests donated 2,910 pounds of food which created 2,425 meals.

1 in 10 people, from almost every neighborhood on the Peninsula or in Silicon Valley, rely on Second Harvest for food every month, according to Second Harvest Food Bank.  

As we wait for this year's final count, we at Lexus of Stevens Creek would like to thank our guests once again for helping to make a difference in our community.

Donate Blood Next Week, Help Save A Life

The need for blood is constant, and blood donations are typically low during summer months. Every 2 seconds, someone in the country needs blood, according to the American Red Cross.

Michael's Story: Michael was involved in a bad car accident in 1979 and needed blood. "I always kept it in the back of my mind that I would give it back," said Michael. "But I always had an excuse that I was too busy."

The next time Michael saw a Red Cross bus parked for a blood drive, he decided to start the pay back and stop making excuses for his busy schedule.

Lexus of Stevens Creek has partnered once again with the non-profit organization to host its annual Community Blood Drive on Tuesday, October 6th from 11am- 4pm at the Lexus of Stevens Creek Service Center parking lot, located at 300 Martin Avenue in Santa Clara.

Any guest who donates will receive 10% off their service bill! (excludes tires)

To schedule an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor Code: Lexus. This is open to employees, family, friends and the community!

This Saturday: 5th Annual Teen Volunteer Fair!

Lexus of Stevens Creek continues to show its commitment to the community by investing in the future of teens in the Bay Area. The luxury car dealer is partnering once again this year with local non-profit organizations to host the 5th Annual Teen Volunteer Fair on Saturday, September 19th from 9am to 12pm at Lexus of Stevens Creek. Students and their parents are invited to meet representatives from a variety of charities and sign up to volunteer this school year.

Participating non-profits include: ALS Association, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, AMIGOS, Bill Wilson Center, Breakthrough Silicon Valley, Breathe California of the Bay Area, Center for Employment Training, Chinese American Chamber of Commerce, Christmas in the Park, City of San Jose/Anti-Graffiti & Litter, Cityteam, Environmental Volunteers, Evergreen Valley Youth Orchestra, Family & Children Services of SV/The LGBTQ Youth Space, Family Giving Tree, Goodwill of Silicon Valley, Hospice of the Valley, Humane Society Silicon Valley, Junior Achievement of Northern California, Learning for Life & Exploring, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen, Make A Birthday Wish, Mission College, Mothers’ Milk Bank, Positive Alternative Recreation Teambuilding Impact Program (P.A.R.T.I.), Positive Coaching Alliance, Project Linus, Reading Partners, Recycling4Smiles, San Jose Public Library, Santa Clara County Parks, Sunday Friends, The Marine Mammal Center, The Tech Museum of Innovation, Triton Museum of Art, Unity Care, Via Services, Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley and Yu-Ai Kai Senior Center.

Le Boulanger and Nothing Bundt Cakes will be providing free breakfast items for attendees, and participants will be able to enter a drawing for an iPad Mini 2! The event is FREE! 

Lexus of Stevens Creek Announces $5,000 Giveaway!

"Lexus believes that children have the potential, and the desire, to make the world a better place. To encourage them to pursue their dreams, Lexus will support organizations that build, shape and improve children's lives." 

Lexus of Stevens Creek shares the same commitment and is pleased to announce a funding opportunity.

Non-profits that serve children in our community are invited to participate in a $5,000 giveaway. Starting Saturday, September 19th, participating non-profits must submit a video (2 minute max) sharing a story of a child or family they have helped and what the organization would do if they were awarded $5,000, and include a brief explanation why the funds are needed.

The winner will be awarded a check from Lexus of Stevens Creek for $2,500 and a second check for $2,500 from the Lexus Pursuit of Potential Matching Funds Program (please allow up to 6 months from when the winner is announced to receive the matching funds). This is also a great way to build exposure for your non-profit group!

Guidelines for participating non-profits:

• Charity is a 501(c)(3) designated nonprofit organization
• Supports the Lexus Pursuit of Potential Mission Statement (above)
• Charity benefits children in the Santa Clara County community
• Must be approved by Lexus of Stevens Creek General Manager

Please visit Lexusstevenscreek.com/Calling-Non-Profits for more information on the giveaway and how to participate!

Feeding the Hungry: Second Harvest Food Drive

Lexus of Stevens Creek has teamed up once again with Second Harvest Food Bank for the months of September and October. The goal is to collect 4,000 lbs of food, which equals a Lexus NX! Last year, Lexus guests donated 2,910 pounds of food which created 2,425 meals.

Since its inception in 1974, Second Harvest has become one of the largest food banks in the nation, providing food to nearly a quarter of a million people each month.

Folks can get involved and help by dropping off donations at the Lexus of Stevens Creek Service Center located at 300 Martin Avenue in Santa Clara. And anyone who donates, will receive 10% off their service bill!

Milpitas HS Football Team Receives $5,000 from Lexus of Stevens Creek and the Lexus Pursuit of Potential Matching Grant Program

Lexus of Stevens Creek is so excited to support the Milpitas Varsity Football Team! The Trojans are the recipients of a $5,000 donation from LSC and the Lexus Pursuit of Potential Matching Grant Program which helped them purchase new uniforms this year. The team kicks off their season on Friday, September 4th against Antioch High School.

"With the new fall program in high school athletics in this area, there's budget cuts all the time and it's always taken away from athletics so it's hard to raise funds and get your team on the field," says Kelly King, Head Coach of the Milpitas Varsity Football Team. "Lexus has stepped up big time and helped our program. We're really excited about it, and we're looking forward to playing as good as we look!"

For more information on charity opportunities, please visit www.lexusstevenscreek.com and click on our Community Hub page.

Lexus Pursuit of Potential Mission Statement: "Lexus believes that children have the potential, and the desire, to make the world a better place. To encourage them to pursue their dreams, Lexus will support organizations that build, shape and improve children's lives." 

Students Looking for Volunteer Opportunities: 5th Annual Teen Volunteer Fair Happening September 19th

Lexus of Stevens Creek continues to show its commitment to the community by investing in the future of teens in the Bay Area. The luxury car dealer is partnering once again this year with local non-profit organizations to host the 5th Annual Teen Volunteer Fair on Saturday, September 19th.

“Our mission is to connect high school students who are looking for volunteer opportunities this school year with charities that are making a positive impact in our community,” says Vice-President and General Manager Jared Miller. “It’s a great opportunity for students to get a taste of what it means to volunteer and make a difference in our community.”

More than a thousand students and parents are expected and will have the opportunity to meet face to face with representatives from a variety of non-profit groups.

Participating non-profit organizations include American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, AMIGOS, Bill Wilson Center, Breakthrough Silicon Valley, Breathe California, Cityteam, Environmental Volunteers, Family Giving Tree, Goodwill of Silicon, Humane Society Silicon Valley, Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen, Make A Birthday Wish, Mothers Milk Bank, Reading Partners, Recycling 4 Smiles, Sunday Friends, The Marine Mammal Center, The Tech Museum of innovation, Unity Care, Via Services and many, many more!

Le Boulanger and Nothing Bundt Cakes will be providing free breakfast items for attendees, and the event is FREE!

WHAT: 5th Annual Teen Volunteer Fair

WHEN: Saturday, September 19^th, 9am – 12pm

WHERE: Lexus of Stevens Creek, 3333 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, CA 

ABOUT LEXUS OF STEVENS CREEK

Since 2010, Lexus of Stevens Creek has been partnering with local non-profit organizations in an effort to help others. From hosting donation drives to offering scholarships to student athletes to opening their doors to charities, Lexus of Stevens Creek is always looking for ways to give back and help make a difference. For more on our efforts, please contact Community Relations Manager Jessica Keener at jessica.keener@lexusofstevenscreek.com.

Lexus of Stevens Creek is a Proud Supporter of Jazz on the Plazz

Courtesy: Jazz on the Plazz

Jazz on the Plazz is a free concert series held annually at Los Gatos Town Plaza. The community is invited to listen to great jazz musicians every Wednesday from June 24th through August 26th at 6:30pm. This year is The Summer of Sinatra, paying tribute to the legendary singer.

There is premium reserved seating and a Hospitality Lounge. For more information on seating and for the artist line-up, please visit jazzontheplazz.com.

Courtesy: Jazz on the Plazz

Back to School Drive: Help Children in Need This Upcoming School Year

Photo Courtesy: Family Giving Tree

Lexus of Stevens Creek has partnered once again with the non-profit organization Family Giving Tree this year to host the Annual Back to School Drive! The donated items will be distributed to the neediest students who are enrolled in the Federal Free & Reduced Price Meal Program in an effort to help reduce the effects of poverty and allow them to start the school year off right! 

During the months of July and August, Lexus guests can help by donating new backpacks and supplies such crayons, folders with pockets and calculators. Anyone who donates will receive 10% off their service bill at the Lexus of Stevens Creek Service Center.

Thank You to Everyone Who Came Out for Pack the Park With Purple!

San Jose Giants Municipal Stadium was packed with purple for a special event benefiting the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Lexus of Stevens Creek was proud to be the presenting sponsor of the event which took place on Saturday, June 20th. 

Lexus of Stevens Creek Sales Guest Relations Manager Maya Lai threw out the first pitch. Maya was part of the Lexus of Stevens Creek Cares team and walked the most steps and hours at this year's annual Cambrian Relay for Life event. Maya says cancer is something that has affected her family and is a cause that is close to her heart. 

Before the start of the game, the team hosted a pregame ceremony to honor all those fighting and affected by cancer. Players and coaches from the San Jose Giants and Inland Empire 66ers came together on the diamond with cancer survivors as well as family members and caregivers, signifying the worldwide effort to join together and find a cure. They released purple balloons into the air remembering all the loved ones.

Lexus CARes Volunteers Serve Dinner to the Hungry

Lexus of Stevens Creek cares for the community and helping those in need. On Tuesday, June 16th Lexus CARes Volunteers helped lend a hand to Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen. The team joined other volunteers from the community in preparing and serving dinner to more than 40 guests at Goodwill Kitchen in San Jose. 

Loaves & Fishes is a non-profit organization committed to providing no cost, hot nutritious meals and support services in a dignified, safe and caring environment. They provide services to all needy individuals, with special concern for families, senior citizens and homeless.

Lexus of Stevens Creek is Proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of Pack the Park with Purple!

Lexus of Stevens Creek is thrilled to support the American Cancer Society and the Pack the Park with Purple event on Saturday, June 20th at 5pm. Every year, the San Jose Giants and the American Cancer Society host this special event to benefit the non-profit organization's Relay for Life and join in the fight against cancer.

Look out for the Lexus of Stevens Creek booth at the game. The San Jose Giants are hosting the Inland Empire 66ers. The players on the Giants team will be sporting purple jerseys for the event. General admission tickets are $5. To purchase tickets or more information, please email relayforlifealmaden@yahoo.com. To make a donation or find out more about Relay for Life, visit www.relayforlife.org.

Lexus of Stevens Creek Sponsors $10,000 in Scholarships to Local Student Athletes

Pictured: Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Award Winners Avanti Mehrotra, Annie Doyle, Michael Kelker, Amy Apostol and Melanie Ramirez


18 year-old Michael Kelker of Pioneer High School was awarded the Grand Prize of $3,000 as the Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Awards were handed out Monday night during Cal-Hi Sports’ Annual Awards at EA Sports in Redwood City.

Michael has been very involved in his school and community and a member of the Pioneer
Football Team.

"Throughout the years, becoming involved in service has greatly shaped me into the person I am today. For me the phrase, 'if you want to learn about yourself help others' for me this is been very true," said Michael during his acceptance speech.

Michael says growing up with a brother who is disabled greatly influenced him, and he became involved in a non-profit program called Wheels on Fire, a sports league for physically disabled children and young adults. Since his freshman year, Michael has also been an active member of the Santa Clara County Youth Task Force, a group of high school students who come together to represent youth in our communities and help implement legislative change.

As athletes we have sacrificed, worked hard and pushed ourselves for our sports. Now let’s take those same skills to make a difference in our own community," said Michael.

In the fall, Michael will be attending Cal Poly majoring in Political Science.

Pictured: Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Grand Prize Award Winner Michael Kelker & Family

The Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Awards were started in 2013 as a way to honor five extraordinary young individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions as they strive to make a difference in the world around them.

The following volunteer athletes were also awarded scholarships:

$2,000 Scholarship: Avanti Mehrotra - Lynbrook High School:

 

$2,000 Scholarship: Melanie Ramirez - College Park High School:

$1,500 Scholarship: Amy Apostol - Archbishop Mitty High School:

$1,500 Scholarship: Annie Doyle - Campolindo High School

“Investing in our community and young futures is a fundamental belief of Lexus of Stevens Creek,” said V.P. and General Manager Jared Miller. “These impressive and inspiring individuals have not only succeeded in the classroom and in athletics, but have also demonstrated a high level of commitment to their community through service.”

Lexus of Stevens Creek, in association with Cal-Hi Sports and the non-profit organization 19 for Life, presents the 2015 Lexus Volunteer Scholarship Program to local high school athletes who embrace the spirit of volunteering and have been selected by Cal-Hi Sports as a "Volunteer of the Week" during the 2014-2015 season.

The first phase of the program kicked off March 25th with a Facebook voting contest in which family, friends and the community had the opportunity to vote for their favorite volunteer athlete. The voting period lasted three weeks, through April 15th, and the top tem participants moved on to the second phase, the essay portion. From there, a panel of judges chose the five volunteer athletes to be interviewed, and they were awards one of five scholarships at the Cal-Hi Sports Banquet.