EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (Aug. 29, 2013) — Mighty Auto Parts has chosen three winners of its “Mightiest of the Mighty” awards, recognizing the volunteerism and charitable work of its business partners.
Each of the national winners received a $5,000 grant.
The winners are Bobby Williams, founder and senior partner of Eden Prairie-based Bobby & Steve's Auto World; Keith Boyd, owner of Columbus, Ohio-based Boyd's Tire & Service Center; and David Epperly, owner of Columbus, Ga.-based Epperly Tire & Auto Centers.
Mr. Williams' Bobby & Steve's Auto World Youth Foundation, established in February 2007, promotes healthy living and literacy among local youth. Mighty said the foundation has partnered with communities throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area to build and refurbish playgrounds, including building a skateboard park and renovating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Minneapolis.
“The program celebrates the dramatic impact that one business and one person can make through volunteerism, charitable giving and philanthropic support,” said Ken Voelker, president and CEO of Mighty Auto Parts.
Mr. Boyd, along with event organizer Mike Hoover, were honored for raising money and bringing awareness to autism in their community through a donation drive and Mr. Hoover's own organization, the Make it Fit Foundation–Putting the Pieces Together. Mighty said the organization also partnered with their local NBC affiliate to co-sponsor the Autism Puzzle Call-in and Magazine.
Mr. Epperly, with the help of his daughter Lindsey, hosts a program at his shop called “Changing Oil, Changing Lives” that raises money from all oil changes one day a month for charity. Mighty said the charity rotates each month, and all money made from each oil change is donated — not just the profits.