Behind every number is a life changed: 1,096 second chances at childhood joy and reliable transportation for adults, and over 3,340 pounds of nourishing food headed straight to Valley families in need. Throughout September, the community joined hands with Earnhardt Auto Centers to fuel an incredible wave of relief for St. Vincent de Paul. From refurbished bicycles empowering local workers and children to thousands of pounds of pantry staples filling empty kitchen tables, this outpouring of generosity proves what happens when neighbors show up for neighbors. To everyone who donated: The Earnhardt family thanks you from the bottom of their hearts.
Co-sponsored by ABC15 and KTAR, the 2nd Chance Bike Drive and Food Drive encouraged people to bring gently used bikes and non-perishable food items to any Earnhardt dealership around the Valley.
Volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul refurbished and donated bicycles to kids and families. The Bike Shop at St. Vincent de Paul has repaired bicycles for 15 years and partners with community organizations to donate them to individuals in need. Bikes are also provided to individuals and families who come to St. Vincent de Paul for assistance from its shelters, dining rooms, food pantries, employment programs or other services. Individuals might also receive bicycles if they have obtained employment and need transportation to keep those jobs.
“The participation from the Phoenix-area community, combined with the enthusiasm of our employees across Earnhardt Auto Centers, has been amazing,” said Nature Earnhardt, Marketing Director of Sponsorships & Promotions for Earnhardt Auto Centers. “We look forward to doing this and seeing how much we can grow it. The partnership with St. Vincent de Paul has helped make this program successful every year since we started doing this with them.”
Earnhardt Auto Centers has a long history of supporting the local community. In addition to ongoing philanthropy, to celebrate the organization’s 75th anniversary this year, Earnhardt Auto Centers also provided surprise donations to different charities throughout the year, reaching nearly $500,000 in total contributions!
Employees can also opt to deduct donations from each paycheck to benefit different local charities. Past recipients have included Hospice of the Valley, the Armed Forces Relief Trust, Arizona Humane Society, Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation and United Food Bank.
Founder Tex Earnhardt started the company in 1951 with a Chandler-based Ford franchise. The company expanded over the years, opening more dealerships with Tex at the head. Today, the company represents 15 brands at 17 dealerships throughout the Phoenix metro area. Tex’s sons, Hal and Jim Babe, joined him in the business, and so did several of his grandchildren, making it a true family business. Tex passed away in 2020 at the age of 89, and his family continues to carry on his legacy.
Thank you, Earnhardt Auto Centers, for your generosity to the local community!
Last Updated on 10/29/2026 by Carolyn Sostrom
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