Earnhardt Ford, HOPE for the Homeless raffle 2024 Ford Mustang convertible

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A longtime friend to Earnhardt Auto Centers, Tim Berry is currently raffling a 2024 Rapid Red Ford Mustang convertible, with proceeds benefiting his nonprofit organization HOPE for the Homeless. Stop by Earnhardt Ford soon to see this classic vehicle and support a worthy cause!

HOPE stands for Humbly Offering Positive Encouragement, and the organization’s mission is to assist homeless individuals throughout Arizona. Their efforts include hosting 12-step recovery meetings followed by meals at locations in the greater Phoenix area. They also distribute HOPE bags, which provide self-care items to homeless people. Funds from the raffle will help fill the bags with toiletries, snack packs, socks, blankets, first aid kits and more.

The Mustang is currently displayed at Earnhardt Ford, to the right of the service drive. Purchase your tickets online soon and support a great cause! The raffle winner will be announced on November 30 at the Ahwatukee Fall Car Show.

If you’re interested in volunteering with HOPE for the Homeless, help is always needed to assemble or distribute HOPE bags or to prepare or serve meals. Each week, a Sunday meal is hosted by a different community organization. Financial donations are also welcomed and can be made here: https://www.hope4thehomelessaz.com/donate-now.

Earnhardt Auto Centers has a long history of serving the community. Employees are encouraged to give their time to different events in the Valley. Events have included the 2nd Chance Bike Drive, which benefitted St. Vincent de Paul. In addition to collecting gently used bicycles at Earnhardt dealerships, employees donated their time to refurbish them.

Earnhardt employees can also opt to donate a portion of their paychecks to a different local charity each quarter. Beneficiaries have included Hospice of the Valley, the Armed Forces Relief Trust, Paz de Cristo, Arizona Humane Society, the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation and United Food Bank.

Founder Tex Earnhardt started Earnhardt Auto Centers in 1951 with his Chandler-based Ford franchise. Over the years the company expanded, opening more dealerships with Tex at the forefront. Today, the company represents 15 brands at 17 dealerships throughout the Valley. Thank you Earnhardt Auto Centers and HOPE for the Homeless for your support of the community!

Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.