Benzel-Busch Kicks Off the Grand Opening of Its New Mercedes-Benz Dealership With a Thank You Partnership With the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA and the City of Englewood
Gala Launches Support for Coaches as Students Head Back to School
ENGLEWOOD, N.J., Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Benzel-Busch Motor Car Corp. celebrated the opening of their new state-of-the-art Mercedes Benz dealership by forging a new partnership with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA to benefit the City of Englewood Sports and Recreation Department. Specifically, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA is a charitable organization that supports projects to improve the lives of youth through the power of sports. In Englewood, this initiative will train and place coaches to mentor children through Coach Across America, the Laureus delivery partner.
This initiative is part of a nationwide program that, with a $1.3 million national commitment from Mercedes-Benz USA and its dealers to Laureus, is placing 250 coaches in underserved neighborhoods across five U.S. cities: Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and New Orleans.
In addition to contributing to the national program, Benzel-Busch is activating this initiative in the City of Englewood where their funds will directly support the deployment of coaches supporting hockey, volleyball and basketball programs helping hundreds of children.
"We are celebrating the opening of our new facility by thanking the local community for supporting us for more than half a century here in Englewood," said Joseph Agresta, Jr., President of Benzel-Busch Motor Car. "This initiative will provide support to the "at-risk" children in our community through the development of structured sports programs. We are giving these children an alternative founded in positive role models and an active healthy lifestyle to help support their development. We are proud of our new beginnings with the Laureus partnership."
The funding announcement was made amidst smiles and VIPs gathered in the 170,000 square foot space, located at 28 Grand Avenue in downtown Englewood. Elected officials in attendance to support the new dealership and cause included City of Englewood Mayor Frank Huttle, Assemblywoman Valerie Vanieri, Councilwoman Lynee Algrant and Councilman Eugene Skurnick. New York Yankees legend Bernie Williams also made a special guest appearance.
"Mercedes-Benz USA and our dealer partners have a long tradition of supporting and giving back to our communities. When you combine that with MBUSA's extensive involvement in high-profile sports events, this is an undertaking that really makes sense for us and provides a real benefit to youth across the country," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.
Coaches play a crucial role in developing character in today's youth as well as keeping students engaged in constructive physical activities instead of turning to the streets. A recent GAO report confirmed that despite the important role of coaches, quality coaches are in short supply.(1) Proper coaching increases the chance of better grades, better behavior, healthier lives and longer life due to fitness activity. Therefore, Laureus USA has selected Coach Across America as its delivery partner.
Additionally, this initiative provides employment opportunities, relevant experience and scholarships in the sport for development sector for young adults in this tough economy. Many of the coaches recruited by Coach Across America are college graduates from the local community.
About Benzel-Busch
For nearly half a century Benzel-Busch Motor Car Corp. has been establishing a new standard of automotive excellence. Our unique approach to automotive retailing focuses on superior attention to detail and an unparalleled response to owner requests, assuring the ultimate personalized experience. Benzel-Busch proudly represents the Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Maybach and smart brands with dealerships located in Northern New Jersey, convenient to New York City and the entire Tri-State area.
About Laureus USA
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA (www.laureususa.com) is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States. It is part of the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation global network, which includes the global Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the Laureus World Sports Academy, and the Laureus World Sports Awards. Collectively, the Laureus global network harnesses the power of sport to promote social change and celebrate sporting excellence. Laureus champions the universal power of sport to bring people together as a force for good, pursuit of excellence, overcoming challenges, celebrating achievement, and winning against the odds.
About MBUSA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar. MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.
1. K-12 Education – School-Based Physical Education and Sports Programs GAO-12-350, Feb 29, 2012 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-350
SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA
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