The Henning family displays this year’s total of $40,650 from the Pay It Forward program. Back row from left are Kurt, Debi, Clint (with Luke), Ember and Chris. Front row from left are Kamiah, Lili, Travis and Miles.
Photo by Steve Ranson.
The holiday season is a festive time of community giving at Fallon Ford-Toyota.
Every year since 2011, the Henning family and company employees have handed out checks to many nonprofit organizations as part of their Pay It Forward program. When customers purchase a vehicle, they designate a specific nonprofit for Fallon Ford-Toyota to donate $50.
“We ask them where they want us to donate the money,” said General Manager Tim Mitchell. “They have a pretty good idea where they the money will go.”
This year, co-owner Chris Henning said the dealership gave out $40,650, which brings the overall total to $402,350. Both Henning and Mitchell said one of their goals is to reach a half-million dollars.
Fourteen nonprofit organizations received Pay It Forward checks this year ranging from a high of $6,000 for the William N. Pennington Life Center to $1,050 for the Fallon Community Theatre.
The Churchill County 4-H program received $5,100, while the Fallon Youth Club and Domestic Violence Intervention each received $5,000. Mitchell said that amount includes a matching fund from Toyota.
Fallon Youth Athletics, which garnered $3,050, helps the area’s sports teams from all ages. Every year, Mitchell said the list also includes several newcomers.
“Look at each one,” Mitchell said, looking at the showroom's big board with this year’s totals. “The seniors need help, and the money goes for their Meals on Wheels program. DVI is underfunded. Consider 4-H reaches so many kids, and the money allows them to attend their annual camps.”
One of the newest nonprofits is the Out of Egypt food bank, which serves the entire community. Mitchell said Henning received a tour of the facilities.
“They are very vital to the community,” Mitchell added. “They are helping people who need help.”
Both Nancy Upham and Mike Berney from the Fallon Community Theatre said the Pay It Forward money will help renovate the Maine Street marquee and begin the first phase of seismic rehabilitation.
“In the next few weeks, we’ll roof over the theater part,” Berney added.
The theater has achieved sustainability with memberships, grants and donations from renting the theater for parties, concerts, recitals and comedy shows.
Karen Bogdanowicz, a community-based instructor with the University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension and director of the Churchill County 4-H program, was overwhelmed.
“Our community supports local businesses and Churchill County youth programs,” she said.
Bogdanowicz said members of 4-H work to become productive citizens, and the money received from Fallon Ford-Toyota allows the students to attend 4-H camps. She said competitors will be able to travel out of state with the additional financial assistance.
“We have a good program for the county,” she said.
Over the years, Henning said watching the children attend the check presentations has been rewarding. With some programs that still receive donations, the children are now returning as high school students.
“The kids are among our great scholars and athletes,” he said. “It’s fun to watch them grow. I am proud of them. We have a great community, and I love it here.”
