Chasing Dreams is a local charity committed to to providing programs for individuals with special needs and their families
Merrillville, Ind.—Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville presented local charity Chasing Dreams Inc. with a $24,208 check on Thursday, June 10. The check presentation took place at the dealership’s showroom with Denise Babjak, the organization’s founder and several leaders and beneficiaries accepting the donation.
“It was a very heartfelt experience presenting the check to Denise and her team,” said Kyle Faiman, Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville’s general manager. “We’re humbled by the opportunity to support Chasing Dreams, Inc. and honored to be able to give back to such a great cause.”
The donation was made possible by the Subaru Share the Love Event sponsored by Subaru of America, Inc. During the promotional event the automaker donates $250 for every Subaru vehicle purchased or leased. The dealer, in turn, donates an additional $50.
The customer purchasing or leasing the vehicle then gets to choose where the money goes, with the majority of Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville customers choosing Chasing Dreams, Inc., which is a local charity committed to to providing integrated and vital programs for individuals with special needs and their families, that facilitate an environment of growth, learning, and independence.
Mark Artibey, Zeigler of Merrillville’s new car director, nominated Chasing Dreams during the Share The Love Event as the store’s choice after the issue of lack of support for people with disabilities hit close to home.
He was surprised to learn about the lack of funding for people with down syndrome at a federal and state level from a close friend who had a child with down syndrome.
“I really started getting more involved when my friend Denise Babjak, who has a child with down syndrome and autism, started the non profit organization Chasing Dreams, Inc. They basically take anyone at any age, with any disability, and help with education, life skills, and anything else they may need without charging the family for anything. It’s 100 percent free!”
As for what the nonprofit plans to do with the donation, the founder, Babjak, says that there are plans to expand Chasing Dreams’s education programs because she feels that education is the basis for everything the organization provides. She also said that the organization is always looking for volunteers for those wanting to contribute within the community.
Zeigler Subaru of Merrillville has also announced that it will be once again supporting Chasing Dreams during the upcoming Share The Love Event.
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