All posts by jon

Pay It Forward – Children’s National Hospital Volunteer

Community,

 

It speaks volumes when a person goes above and beyond to help others in need.? Jonathan Bell is a former patient of Children?s National Hospital in Washington D.C.? When Bell was a child, he suffered from kidney failure but unfortunately this was in the 1940s before many medical advances.? There was so such thing as dialysis at that time so he spent much of his childhood in and out of the hospital.? His personal health experience inspired him to become a volunteer at Children?s National Hospital.? Bell has been volunteering for over 20 years and is truly an inspiration for being a selfless individual that chooses to put others first.? It was and still is important to him to make a difference in the lives of sick children and encourage them to persevere and appreciate the top-tier medical care they have been given.? Thanks to Bell, the children in the hospital are able to talk and work with someone that has been in their shoes and directly affected by health issues firsthand.

Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group of DC, Maryland, and Virginia teamed up to surprise Bell during their Pay It Forward segment.? Maureen Umeh, host of Good Day DC, surprised Bell with Fox 5 DC cameras during his volunteer hours at Children?s National Hospital.? Joel Bassam of Easterns was also in attendance to present Bell with a $1,000 gift card to help him buy books and supplies to continue his volunteer work.? To top it off, Bell also received tickets to take his grandchildren to the Washington Nationals baseball game.? He has been a Nationals fan for years so being able to witness the excitement on his face was truly priceless.? We must congratulate the Washington Nationals as they are now playing in the World Series against the Houston Astros.? If you would like to learn how to be a Patient Care Volunteer at Children?s National Hospital, please visit www.childrensnational.org

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized, Click here to nominate them.

 

Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

Link to original article ? https://www.fox5dc.com/news/pay-it-foward-childrens-national-hospital-volunteer-surprised-with-nats-tickets

Road to a Better Community – StyleEsteem Wardrobe

Community,

October is upon us which means that it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.? Breast cancer affects more woman than any other cancer.? Before the end of 2019, over 300,000 women in the United States will have been diagnosed with breast cancer along with 2,670 men.? Easterns Automotive Group and WUSA 9 decided to come together for their Road to a Better Community segment in a major way.? They wanted to highlight and give back to those directly affected by breast cancer.? They chose StyleEsteem Wardrobe, a business that creates head wraps for women fighting cancer.? Sonya Keshwani created StyleEsteem after suffering from breast cancer herself.? Going to chemotherapy resulted in her losing her hair which inspired her to get creative with her look.? She began to shop at the fabric store and sew her own head wraps as an alternative to wearing a hat.? It was important to her that she was still fashionable even while going through such a dark time in her life.? Keshwani grew her new found passion into a business when she realized that many others are faced with the same journey.? StyleEsteem Wardrobe has a head wrap collection for every season.

 

One woman who in particular that StyleEsteem Wardrobe was able to help is Maggie Kudirka aka Bald Ballerina.? As a dancer, her life was affected drastically by breast cancer but she refused to give up.? She continues to go through chemotherapy and dance through the pain.? Her head wrap keeps her stylish and confident when she goes out into the world.? Keshwani has done so much to support the community through her business that Easterns Automotive Group was inspired to make a donation.? Joel Bassam of Easterns presented StyleEsteem Wardrobe with a check for $2,500 to continue their incredible efforts.? Not only will this money be used to create new head wrap collections but it will also be used for their one for one donations.? If you would like to learn more about StyleEsteem, order a head wrap, or make a donation ? please visit www.styleesteemshop.com

 

Please also educate yourself and those around you on the topic of Breast Cancer. ?When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%. www.nationalbreastcancer.org

 

 

To learn more about Easterns Automotive Group?s partnership with WUSA 9 and how they come together to empower the DMV community, please visit www.wusa9.com/BetterCommunity

Get Up Give Back – Easterns Automotive Group donates to Critical Exposure

Community,

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An incredible non-profit organization by the name of Critical Exposure is teaching Washington D.C. students the power of photography. They have set out to create a new generation of civic leaders that have the necessary tools to prosper. Through their various campaigns, students are able to start young and learn about the various issues that affect their community. The youth are our future so it?s imperative that they find their voice and know how to fight for educational equality and social justice. Change takes effort and the art of photography truly brings people together. The images taken by the students of Critical Exposure are shown in galleries, libraries, and directly to many public officials.

Reese Waters of WUSA 9 became aware of this incredible cause and called Easterns Automotive to be a part of this segment.? Critical Exposure plays such an instrumental role in fighting for change in the DC community that they wanted to make a donation.? Easterns Automotive Group donated $1,000 to the non-profit for them to continue blessing the youth. If you would like to learn more about Critical Exposure and how you can donate to their mission, please visit http://www.criticalexposure.org?

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that is worthy of being helped or recognized, please contact at @ReeseWaters on social media.? #GetUpDC #GetUpGiveBack

Pay It Forward – Stuttering Since ’02

Community,

Meet Jared Glickfield?

Growing up as a millennial has its fair share of obstacles.? Bullying used to just be something that children had to encounter while at school.? However, due to the rise of technology, it often extends on to the world of social media.? A Montgomery County teen learned his true power when he decided to take his speech disorder into his own hands by choosing to embrace it and inspire others along the way.? Jared Glickfield was born with a stutter but he aimed to not let it get the best of him.? Dr. Tommie Robinson Jr. works with Jared on techniques to help him manage his stuttering and encouraged him to start his very own podcast.? Jared created Stuttering Since ?02 to be an inspiration to other students facing the same battle as him.? The platform gives him the privilege to share his story, give kids a positive experience, and provide a safe space on the internet that encourages others to be themselves.

Easterns Joins Fox 5 DC to Pay It Forward to Jared?

Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC joined forces to Pay It Forward to Jared because they were so touched by his incredible story.? Allison Seymour of Good Day DC invited Jared and his parents down to the studio to chat about raise awareness about his podcast.? He was surprised by Joel Bassam who presented him with some promo items to market his podcast along with a $500 gift card to Sweetwater Sound to purchase new audio equipment to record the podcast.? ?The smile on Jared?s face was priceless.? He is a great example to teens and even adults to show that when you own your truth, no one can use it against you.? If you would like to listen to his incredible podcast, please click here.

Washington Football Team chooses Easterns!

Washington Football Team

Washington Football Team Help Out with Our Latest Video!

Everyone that owns a car knows the frustration that comes with buying one.? Car buying is no easy task and can truthfully it can be very time-consuming. Adrian Peterson, Ryan Kerrigan, and Landon Collins of the Washington Football Team came together for this fun sketch to educate people on the benefits of buying a car from Easterns Automotive Group.

Redefining Used Car Buying

Not only is Easterns one of the most prestigious and sought after dealers in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area but they have set out to redefine what car buying looks like.? The players discuss Easterns? all-new express store on their website that allows customers to shop the inventory, estimate payments, and even fill out a credit application from the comfort of their own home.? This process eliminates time spent in the dealership and gives customers the freedom to come in to finalize their purchase and drive off with their new vehicle.? The ultimate goal is to make car buying more fun and easier on customers.? Please be sure to cheer the Washington Football Team on this NFL season! #HTTR

Easterns’ own makes Auto Remarketing’s 40 Under 40

Easterns Automotive

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Joel Bassam Honored by Auto Remarketing

 

Remarketing & Used-Car Industry’s 40 Under 40

Auto Remarketing is the premier print and digital publication covering developments and trends in the used-car and auto remarketing industry.? Each year, they recognize 40 young professionals that are dominating the industry.? The 40 selected are from various auctions, dealerships, banks, automakers, remarketing organizations, financial institutions, industry vendors/partners, tech companies, and industry associations.? Surviving and thriving in the used car business is extremely tough so making it on this list is a very prestigious honor.

Congrats to our very own Joel Bassam

Joel Bassam, Director of Marketing for Easterns Automotive Group, was selected as an honoree for this year’s Remarketing & Used-Car Industry’s 40 Under 40.? Being that this is Bassam’s very first 40 Under 40 nomination, this is a huge milestone and accomplishment for not only himself but the entire Easterns brand.?? Bassam and the host of other honorees will be recognized with a very special ceremony at Used Car Week in Las Vegas, NV.? The event will be held at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa during the week of November 11-15th.

 

Please visit www.easterns.com to learn more about Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) and the numerous car dealership store locations throughout the Washington D.C, Maryland, and Virginia metro area.

Get Up Give Back – Easterns Automotive Group gives away donuts and dinero

Community,

It?s fair to say that everyone loves a free surprise giveaway. Easterns Automotive Group continues to partner with WUSA 9 on fun initiatives that make an impact on people in the community. Camera crews followed Reese Waters of Get Up DC down to Dupont Circle in the District where he gave away free Krispy Kreme donuts and over $1,000 dollars to strangers as they strolled the streets. The lucky winners were filled with pure joy and excitement. It?s the little things like this that really impact a person?s day. This segment is a must watch!

Pay It Forward – Clear the Lists for Teachers

Community,

Joel Bassam ‘Clears the List’ for Local Teachers

The ‘Clear the List’ Movement

The 2019 school year has officially begun in most counties across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.? This means that teachers have been extremely hard at work preparing their classrooms.? School budgets are so small that many teachers take it upon themselves to fund their own classroom decorations and materials. There is an official movement called ?Clear the Lists? to help teachers across the country cover these expenses.? They are able to share their classroom wish lists on social media and people who are interested can volunteer to make a donation for the needed supplies.

Easterns Supporting Frederick County Teachers

Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group caught wind of this incredible movement and took it upon themselves to help out a few lucky teachers.? Fox 5 DC followed Mike Thomas and Joel Bassam of Easterns where they met up with Justin Ridenour and Melissa Kaehny.? Both are science teachers in Frederick County, Maryland.? These two are very persistent when it comes to getting the supplies needed because they believe in providing a fun learning environment for their students.? Joel Bassam of Easterns announced that he would be clearing not only their classroom lists but also seven other teachers.? Both Ridenour and Kaehny were thrilled by the generosity that Easterns displayed.? Afterwards, Bassam treated the two lovely teachers to breakfast at Waffle House to show his appreciation for their hard work.? If you would learn more about this fantastic initiative to help out teachers across the United States, please visit donorschoose.org/clearthelists.

 

 

 

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized, Click here to nominate them.

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Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

 

Link to original article ? https://www.fox5dc.com/news/pay-it-forward-helping-teachers-clear-the-lists

Pay It Forward – Marine Veteran Car Giveaway

Community,

Meet Dwayne Frost

No matter what you are going through in life, there is someone out there that would love to be in your shoes. It?s important to always be thankful for everything. Dwayne Frost is someone who does this very well. He has been a volunteer chaplain for the Prince George?s County Fire Department for five years. Prior to that, Frost was stationed in Iraq serving our country in the U.S. Marine Corps. It was during this time that he suffered a leg injury after being shot. His leg had to be amputated which of course had a major impact on his life. Frost was awarded with The Purple Heart which is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving. What separates his drive from most is that even after suffering such a loss, he did lose hope or give up on his desire to help and serve others.

Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Pay It Forward

Both Frost and his wife continue to service as a support system to members of the corps by providing peer and group support. The fact that they have been through so much and still manage to push through makes them relatable to other members. Just a few weeks ago, Frosts? car was totaled and his new prosthetic leg was damaged during a car accident that really set the couple back. Without a car, Frost is unable to transport his wife to her cancer treatments so the last few weeks have been extremely hard for them. Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group got wind of Frost and his fantastic story so they decided to Pay It Forward. Fox 5 DC cameras captured the lovely couple at the Prince Georges Fire Department Fire Station in Capitol Heights where they were surprised with a new Ford Escape. The reaction on both of their faces was truly priceless as you can see how much this truly means to them. Both Joel Bassam of Easterns and Allison Seymour of Fox 5 DC were emotional because they know that this vehicle was much needed and so well deserved. Hopefully seeing this inspires more people to be kind and find ways to help others in need whether it is big or small. What a touching Pay It Forward segment!

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized, Click here to nominate them.

Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

Link to original article ? https://www.fox5dc.com/news/marine-veteran-injured-in-combat-gifted-with-car-in-prince-georges-county-to-help-get-wife-to-hospital-for-cancer-treatment

Road to a Better Community – Camp Kesem

Community,

Easterns Automotive Group and WUSA 9 Recognize Camp Kesem

These days, it seems as though most people have been affected by cancer in some way. There are more than 100 types of cancer to date that of course have various causes. While cancer affects people of all ages, many times the trauma that children experience in relation to cancer goes unnoticed. WUSA 9 and Easterns Automotive Group saw the tremendous work that Camp Kesem was doing for children affected by cancer and wanted to get involved.

Camp Kesem – Supporting Children of Parents with Cancer

Camp Kesem is the largest national organization dedicated to supporting children impacted by a parent?s cancer at no cost to families. They serve children that have lost a parent to cancer, have a parent undergoing cancer treatment, or whose parent is a cancer survivor. Over 5 million children have been impacted by the parent having cancer so this foundation is needed. The camps are run by passionate college volunteers that sacrifice their personal time to invest and empower children. Kids just want to have fun during the summer and Camp Kesem gives them the chance do to just that. They are also provided a safe place and a proper outlet to talk about their various experiences without feeling judged. Many of the volunteers have been directly affected by cancer themselves so they are able to share their personal experiences and offer insight and advice. In 2018, Kesem served nearly 9,000 children which is incredible being a nonprofit organization that relies strictly on fundraising and donations. Children and teens ages 6 to 18 are welcome to attend each summer free-of-charge. They offer a wide network of camps across the United States that is attended by kids coast-to-coast.

Joel Bassam and Easterns Donates to Camp Kesem

WUSA 9 and Easterns Automotive Group invited staff from Camp Kesem to the studio where they presented them with a very special surprise. Joel Bassam donated $2,500 on behalf of Easterns to help continue their incredible mission. Giving back is necessary especially when wonderful organizations like this are doing the right thing and making such a great impact in the community. If you would like to find out more information about Camp Kesem or about how you can get involved, please visit www.campkesem.org

To learn more about Easterns Automotive Group?s partnership with WUSA 9 and how they come together to empower the DMV community, please visit www.wusa9.com/BetterCommunity