Pay It Forward – Final Round of Chemotherapy

Community,

With 2019 in full effect, Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC continue to push the envelope and find new ways to make an impact in the community.? As soon as the Pay It Forward partners got wind of a Prince George?s County woman by the name of Rhonda Stewart, they wanted to help.? Stewart was diagnosed with cancer and has just finished her final round of chemotherapy at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington DC.? She was there for over a month and during that time she was able to process her thoughts and put many things into prospective.? We hear about people having cancer all the time but it is impossible to understand the severity until It affects you or someone close.? Luckily for Stewart, she was surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones who gave her the support and encouragement she needed to overcome this tough time in her life.? ?My message would be to be thankful for everything and be thankful for the love and support,? Stewart said.? Hearing her words reminds us all to be grateful for any and everything because what happened to her can happen to anyone.

 

 

Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC decided to Pay It Forward to Stewart on the last day of her chemo treatment.? Allison Seymour of Fox 5 DC and Joel Bassam of Easterns met Stewart at Sibley Memorial Hospital where they surprised her with a girl?s trip to the National Harbor with a spa day, dinner, and a Ferris wheel ride.? Hopefully this fun time out will be the extra boost she needs after fighting so hard for her life.? We wish Stewart and her family all the best and encourage anyone facing obstacles or going through a hard time to never give up.? Tough times don?t last forever!

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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Get Up DC – Helping Out Furloughed Federal Workers w/ WUSA 9

Community

The government shutdown is over (temporarily)!? This is such great news to the tens of thousands of federal workers that were affected by this.? Federal employees were expected to work during the 35 day shutdown without receiving any pay.? Many had to take out loans and open new credit cards just to live, eat, and keep their bills paid.? A few weeks ago, Easterns Automotive Group teamed up to donate $10,000 a week to two Loudoun County food pantries to help feed local families that were in need due to the shutdown.? Even though the shutdown is over for now, the recovery process does not stop.? Families still need time to get back on their feet.? Easterns partnered with WUSA 9 on their Get Up DC segment to surprise several former furloughed workers in the District with gift cards.? In total, $1,000 in gift cards were given away.? Reese Waters from WUSA 9 did a great job chatting with federal workers and hearing their furloughed stories.? It was great to see so many smiling faces.? Little things go a long way especially in a time of need.

 

If you know someone in need please visit www.wusa9.com and let them know!

Pay It Forward – Law and Literacy Program at Arcola Elementary School

Community,

For Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC, the act of giving back is year round.? The Pay It Forward partners teamed up for the second time in 2019 to do some good in the community.? They came across Kelly Rogan who is a reading specialist at Arcola Elementary School in Aldie, Virginia.? Rogan created the Law and Literacy Program at Arcola Elementary where Loudoun County deputy sheriffs come out to read and do other literacy activities with the students.? She was inspired to create this program after seeing the deputy sheriffs that were shot in Dallas back in 2017.? It touched her because she sees how police in general put their lives on the line for the safety of civilians.? Her Law and Literacy program idea sparked conversation and led to change because the Loudoun County Sheriff?s Office was very receptive and willing to be a part of the program when she reached out.? The Law and Literacy program is for students in Kindergarten to second grade at Arcola Elementary School.? It?s great for children to have a relationship with law enforcement to bridge the gap within the community.

 

It was such a smart idea for Rogan to come up with this concept.? The children are able to be comfortable around the deputies and understand that they are only there to help them.? Doing small activities like this with young children go a long way especially in the real world.? This group of children won?t grow up fearing the police in their community because they already have a relationship with them.? Easterns and Fox 5 DC decided to gift Rogan with a $1,000 Amazon gift card to purchase more books for the students as well as bean bag chairs.? The kids will definitely feel cozy during reading time now!

 

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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.

 

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Robert Bassam & Easterns Autmomotive Group named 2019 Maryland State Quality Dealer of the Year presented by MidAtlantic IADA

Award, Easterns Automotive


 

Read the Full Article Here:?https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=564352#

 

MidAtlantic Independent Automotive Dealers Association?(IADA) recently named Robert Bassam?s company Easterns Automotive Group the 2019 Maryland Quality Dealer of the Year. This is such a prestigious honor! Many don?t know that Easterns started as just an idea Bassam had as a young man. He literally started from the bottom and worked his way up to where he is now with over 300 employees across 7 dealerships in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Easterns is truly light years ahead of the car dealer competition due to the innovation at their corporate facility in Sterling, VA. Every day staff works to turnaround between 30-40 vehicles that are ready for sale. Employees at Easterns really work together as a team despite the department that they work in. They understand that the goal is to sell high quality vehicles.
Throughout the years, Easterns went through several changes due to the economy. In 2008, Easterns had 17 locations across the area and Bassam decided it was best to downsize. The goal was to have less dealerships but convert the remaining small dealerships into larger super centers in the right locations to command customers. The internet also played a huge role in the growth of Easterns. Easterns.com has over 1,000 vehicles that are available to all customers despite the specific location. For example, if a customer likes a vehicle at the Laurel, MD store but their nearest store is Temple Hills, MD Easterns staff will have the vehicle transferred free of cost. After their purchase, customers are able to leave reviews online based on their Easterns car buying experience. This also helps potential customers when deciding on a dealer because they will see that Easterns has a 4.9 out of 5 rating and specializes in providing excellent customer service.
Many know Easterns from the early 2000 jingle commercials that have featured players from the Washington Redskins, Washington Wizards, and Baltimore Ravens. These commercials still garner attention on social media and still often go viral to this day. However, Easterns has another audience that is familiar with their philanthropy in the community. Easterns works with both Fox 5 DC and WUSA 9 on segments that are geared to helping individuals or organizations in need. Recently, Easterns stepped up to the plate to donate $10,000 a week to two Loudoun County food banks until the end of the government shutdown. The shutdown left hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed without pay. Bassam always does his best to make sure Easterns is present in the community that has supported his brand for over 30 years.

 

 

Pay It Forward – Fox 5 Diaper Drive Donation

Community,

Late post! A few days before 2018 came to a close; Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) joined Fox 5 DC for their Diaper Drive Donation.? Fox 5 DC asked businesses in the area to contribute or donate what they could so they could provide diapers to families in need with babies.? Many times as people we think about adults living in poverty but not always the affects it has on small children.? Due to the lack of diaper supply, babies are often left in dirty diapers causing various infections, skin aliments, and rashes.? Diapers also unfortunately cost more in low-income neighborhoods where they should in fact be cheaper.? The issue is that those areas don?t always have wholesale department stores where diapers can be purchased in bulk.

 

Fox 5 DC partnered with Horton?s Kids and the Greater DC Diaper Bank to make sure all donations and diapers goes directly to the babies affected by the lack of supplies.? When Fox 5 DC reached out to Easterns, they didn?t hesitate to get involved.? Joel Bassam of Easterns met Allison Seymour in Washington D.C. at the diaper drive to present Horton?s Kids with a $1,500 check.? That wasn?t all, Joel then walked Allison to an SUV full of diapers!

Please take some time to learn more about Horton?s Kids and the Greater DC Diaper Bank to find out more and learn how you too can get involved.

 

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.

 

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Road To A Better Community – SMYAL

Community,

Easterns Automotive Group and WUSA 9 recently got together to do their very first edition of their Road to a Better Community segment for 2019.? Easterns and WUSA 9 have such a unique relationship because their intentions always line up when it comes to giving back and helping others.? They found an amazing Washington D.C. based nonprofit that specializes in helping LGBTQ youth in the area.? The organization, SMYAL is short for Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League.? SMYAL brings LGBTQ youth together through their afterschool programs and leadership development opportunities.? They also offer counseling services to youth because they understand the importance of mental health and making sure the teens go on to prosper in the real world.? Many LGBTQ youth often feel isolated and alone with nobody to relate to so SMYAL also offers housing to teens in need.? SMYAL is there to be a safe space for them to be understood, loved, and appreciated.? The nonprofit offers a scholarship program to recent high school graduates that can be used at their discretion.

Joel Bassam, Director of Marketing for Easterns presented SMYAL with a check for $2,500 to help with their incredible organization.? This money will help them to cover the costs of their services needed to keep SYMAL going.? WUSA 9 and Easterns are no strangers to giving back to the LGBTQ youth.? Just a few months ago, the pair donated to the Latin American Youth Center in Washington D.C.? If you would like to learn more about SMYAL, the services that they provide, and how you too can get involved, please click here.

 

To learn more about how WUSA 9 and Easterns Automotive Group helps organizations through the Road to a Better Community partnership, please click here.

 

 

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Pay It Forward: La Cocina VA

Community

Happy New Year! We hope that everyone is having a good start to the year despite all the craziness going on in the world.? To those affected by the government shutdown, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.? In fact, Easterns Automotive Group announced that they will be donating $10,000 each week to two local Loudoun County food banks until the shutdown is over.? The overall goal is to help feed all the families that are currently without pay.? Being a part of the community for over 30 years, giving back is a huge part of Easterns? DNA.

Easterns and Fox 5 DC recently had their very first Pay It Forward collaboration for 2019.? The two became aware of a Northern Virginia woman by the name of Patricia Funegra.? She was working for an international development agency in Washington D.C. where she quit her job because she realized her passion was to impact her community.? This decision birthed her nonprofit organization called La Cocina VA.? Their mission is to create opportunities for social and economic change through feeding, educating, and empowering the minds of the community.? La Cocina VA has a Culinary Training Program where they teach those unemployed the necessary skills and knowledge they need to work in the food service industry.? They also have a Food Assistance Program where they help low income families have access to more healthy and affordable food options. ?The bigger picture is that there is power in food that can generate opportunities and create social and economic change.

Funegra is doing such amazing work in the community with LA Cocina VA that Easterns and Fox 5 DC decided to surprise them.? Joel Bassam, Director of Marketing for Easterns Automotive Group presented La Cocina VA with a $1,000 check to contribute to all of their expenses.? He also gifted the students with cast-ironed pots, recipe books, and $50 gift cards.? The holidays may be over but the giving certainly doesn?t stop!

Please click here and take some time out of your day to learn more about La Cocina VA. Find out how you can invest, donate, or volunteer if you would like to be a part of their amazing family.

 

 

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.

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Easterns Supports Loudoun County Federal Workers In Government Shutdown

Community

It has been nearly a month that the government has been shut down for issues regarding politics.? This has unfortunately left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay.? The entire country is in an uproar because federal employees are still expected to work while they have no clue when they will receive their income.? Though this is a tremendous tragedy, life certainly does not stop.? In the meantime, people still have to live, pay bills, and support their families.? Easterns Automotive Group, headquartered in Sterling, Virginia has always been a company that steps up to the plate to help the members of the DMV community (DC, Maryland, and Virginia).? This government shutdown issue is no different.

 

Easterns Director of Marketing Joel Bassam collaborated with his father CEO Robert Bassam on ways they could give back and help the many families affected during such a hard time.? The two came up with the idea to donate $10,000 each week to both Loudoun Hunger Relief and Dulles South Food Pantry.? Both are local food banks located in Loudoun County, Virginia.? This will continue until the shutdown is brought to an end.? Unfortunately, the shutdown has caused many people to run out of money which in turn has lead to not being able to eat or provide food for their families.? An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 federal workers live in Loudoun so this will definitely be a start to help people out.? Easterns also donated $5,000 to that Capital Area Food Bank which is a member of Feeding America that responds to hunger in the Washington, DC metro area.? We want to encourage everyone that is facing tough times to stay strong. Please keep hope alive and remember that this won?t last forever!

 

DONATE: If you are looking to donate to any of these incredible organizations, please visit: Loudoun Hunger Relief, Dulles South Food Pantry, or Capital Area Food Bank.

RECEIVE SERVICES: If you are looking to receive services during this government shutdown, please visit: Loudoun Hunger Relief, Dulles South Food Pantry, or Capital Area Food Bank.

Pay It Forward ? Anthony?s Angels

Community

Happy Holidays everyone! As we approach Christmas, giving back is more imperative than ever. Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group recently came together for a very special Pay It Forward segment. They got wind of what a DC woman by the name of LeShawn Weathers was doing for the homeless of her community and decided to help out. Weathers lost her son to gun violence roughly six still years ago and his murder still remains a mystery. Her son Anthony was 25 years old when he was killed. This unexpected yet painful loss inspired her to turn her grief into giving. Weathers created nonprofit called Anthony?s Angels which she named after her late son. It has become quite a hobby for her as she gathers cans around her Southeast neighborhood. She turns the cans into coasters and ashtrays that she gives away in exchange for donations. The donations that she is able to raise allow her to continue helping the homeless. Weathers has the kind of compassion that everyone in this world needs; especially during this time of the year.

What separates Weathers from most is that she is coming from a place of understanding after being homeless herself before. She understands that some people just need that extra boost to remain encouraged. Her son would definitely be proud of the hard work that his mother is doing for others. Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group came together to surprise Weathers because they wanted to help make her job easier. They gave her gloves, hats, hand warmers, and dozens of coats for Anthony?s Angels that she can gift to the homeless. Hopefully the selfless heart that Weathers has can inspire you to also do some good in your own community. Remember, it doesn?t take much to make a difference!

 

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 post ? http://www.fox5dc.com/news/pay-it-forward/pay-it-forward-dc-woman-turns-grief-from-sons-murder-into-opportunity-to-give-to-homeless

Redskins Rides: Chris’ 2011 Harley-Davidson Street Glide

Washington Football Team

Redskins Rides ?
Chris lets Washington Redskins fans go up close and personal with his Harley-Davidson Street Glide Motorcycle

Hey Redskins Fans! As all of you know, we still have shot at making the playoffs. We cannot give up or lose hope just yet. Our boys have been playing amazing and we believe that they will go all the way. We wanted to bring you something different for this edition of Redskins Rides presented by Easterns Automotive Group along with the Washington Redskins. The camera crew met with Chris at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Virginia where he showed off his black and burgundy 2011 Harley-Davidson Street Glide motorcycle. His bike is so unique that there was no way we couldn?t share it with you all. Chris has been a diehard Redskins fan for years and decided to express it through his bike. At first glance, all eyes go to the huge wheel in the front of the bike. This is because Chris replaced the original wheel on the bike with an aftermarket 30 inch wheel that has a rat fender. The front and rear air suspension definitely adds a layer of cool to the motorcycle. Chris added a custom fender that adds a dramatic effect to the rear of the bike. The detail on the paint and custom seats is what really takes it up a notch from your every day Harley-Davidson that you may see on the road. It definitely has a Darth Vader feel. We have to thank Chris for taking the time to show off his amazing bike with us! Please stay tuned for more Redskins Rides in DC, Maryland, and Virginia community. Easterns and the Washington Redskins got you covered! #HTTR