Pay It Forward | The Lead By Example Foundation is teaching kids the importance of health and wellness

Community,

Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC recently found an incredible organization to Pay It Forward to.? William Craig, Antonio Beard, and Jalen Thomas created the Lead By Example non-profit foundation to teach children the importance of health and fitness.? The is done by mentoring, educating, and keeping children of the District active to combat childhood obesity and help develop healthy eating habits while they are young.? The three of them are working to implement their program into schools, which would in turn replace detention, suspension, or school punishment.? Children would learn various workout programs to reduce stress.

Easterns and Fox 5 DC came together to Pay It Forward the wonderful founders of Lead By Example so that they can continue their tremendous efforts.? Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group presented $1,500 to the foundation so that 200 students can go to the Universoul Circus.? This will be a fun experience for the kids to bond and catch up with eachother out of school. The volunteers were also given $20 gas card to help transport the children.? You too can be a part of the Lead By Example Foundation.? Please click here to see how you 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.

Watch the video to see the way everything unfolded.

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Pay It Forward | Celebrating a 10-Year-Old Girl that is on a mission to save gorillas

Community,

Happy June!? Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) teamed up with Fox 5 DC once again for another segment of Pay It Forward.? The two came across a young 10-year-old girl from Maryland that is doing some great things in the community by helping to save animals.? Addy Barrett created her own non-profit organization by the name of Gorilla Heroes to help the endangered mountain gorillas in Africa.? She came up with the idea to start a pie-face challenge that will help raise money for this cause.? The initial campaign took off due to Addy?s mom Sarah taking a picture of the poster that Addy created and sharing it on social media.?? In the photo, Addy is holding a poster that says ?Save the Gorillas!?? Addy?s site has since raised over $1,000 due to the impact of the pie-face challenge.? She got the inspiration for the challenge from the ALS Bucket Challenge.? Addy got a pie in her face every time a donation was made or a t-shirt was purchased.? People were eager to support the cause because they can see she is doing something extremely clever and charitable for her age.? While other kids her age are playing on video games or on the computer, Addy is continuing to create awareness about her cause.

Addy?s efforts caught the attention of David Singer, a member of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.? Singer praised Addy for her generous efforts and even gave her a keepsake from his trip to Rwanda where he got to see the mountain gorillas.? It?s only the beginning for Addy and her philanthropic ways.? She is set to host a Gorilla Gala on Sunday, June 23rd at A Bit Better Farm in Brookville, Maryland. ?The event is intended to get kids and their families excited about the gorillas and of course learn more.? There will be games, crafts, VR Gorilla Tours, and some pie-face fun.? All proceeds from this event will go directly to The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Ellen Degeneres Wildlife Fund.

Easterns Automotive Group and Fox 5 DC got wind of the remarkable things that Addy is doing with Gorilla Heroes and wanted to do their part and contributing.? Easterns donated $500 to the Gorilla Gala along with t-shirts and a gift-card to Sakura.? Addy and her mother Sarah are looking forward to eating at their favorite restaurant.? Allison Seymour of Fox 5 DC and Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group were such great sports that the two decided to take a pie in the face on live tv.? It?s all about having fun!? If you would like to donate

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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Alex Ovechkin Wants to Play Football with the Washington Football Team

Throwback Thursday, Washington Football Team, ,

Welcome back! We have a special Throwback Thursday Clip of the week for you guys. We must start out this blog by congratulating the Washington Capitals. Alex Ovechkin helped lead the Capitals to their first ever NHL Stanley Cup win last week against the Golden Knights. Ovechkin was also the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy since he was voted most valuable player (MVP). The energy throughout the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area has been electrifying since the big win. The team celebrated a few days ago with Capitals? Stanley Cup parade on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. where an estimated 100,000 fans attended.

In honor of the big win, we thought it would be only right to post an Ovechkin throwback clip with Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) for you guys to enjoy. In this clip from 2009, Ovechkin is cornered in by Chris Cooley and Antwaan Randle El in the locker room. Both Cooley and Randle El played for the Washington Redskins at the time. Ovechkin put a helmet on and told the guys that he too could play football. The guys put Ovechkin to the test but clearly he wasn?t fit for the NFL. Perhaps he?ll stick to hockey. Watch the clip below to see for yourself!

For more information on Easterns, please visit www.easterns.com to find out why Easterns continues to be the #1 car dealership with 6 locations throughout the DMV. Easterns serves the hard working men and women of DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Behind the Scenes for the 2018 Eastern Motors Commercial Shoot w/ the Washington Football Team

Easterns Automotive, Washington Football Team

June is off to a great start! Last week, Easterns Automotive Group was joined by some players from the Washington Redskins to shoot a new commercial. Eastern Motors commercials at this point are renowned and celebrated across the world. Each year these commercials seem to take on a life of their own and get the people talking. Larry Michael, the Voice of the Redskins, came by to chat with the players about their experience filming with Easterns. He was joined by Josh Norman, Alex Smith, Ryan Kerrigan, and Jamison Crowder. However, this is not Norman?s and Kerrigan?s first rodeo. The two have been a part of the Easterns All Star team since 2016 along with Kirk Cousins before he got traded to the Minnesota Vikings. Smith and Crowder on the other hand are newbies. All of the guys were excited to shoot and had a fun time welcoming Smith to the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. Let?s just say excited can?t even begin to describe how we feel going into the 2018 Redskins season. These guys are ready to win it all. This upcoming series of commercials just may be the best yet. Stay tuned for what is coming in the next few months. We?ll be bringing you the news first!

PSA: Please follow our social channels ? Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We will be doing some fun Redskins giveaways soon so please follow us so you can get in on the action!

For exclusive Behind the Scenes photos from the shoot, please visit our Facebook by clicking here.

Washington Post Interview

Throwback Thursday Clip of the Week: No Bow and Arrow for Josh Norman

Throwback Thursday, Washington Football Team, ,

Guess what day it is? Thursday! This means that it is time for another Throwback Thursday Clip of the week presented by Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors). In 2016, upon his arrival to the DMV area to play for the Washington Redskins, Josh Norman became a part of the Easterns All Star team with Ryan Kerrigan and Kirk Cousins. Norman has shot a variety of commercials since then but this clip is one that stuck out. During a 2016 Washington Redskins game against the Cleveland Browns, Norman pretended to shoot an imaginary bow and arrow in the air to celebrate his interception. He was flagged and fined $10,000 by the NFL because they felt that the gesture simulated violence. The discussion grew when former New Orleans Saints player, Brandin Cooks was thrown into the mix since he has been doing the gesture for years and has never been penalized. Norman felt that the NFL organization was singling him out and making an example out of him.

In the Throwback Thursday clip, Norman is shown attempting to do the same bow and arrow celebration but was stopped by someone yelling, ?No!? It was a fun skit to remake because there was never any harm meant in the first place. Norman is not a violent person nor does he condone that type of behavior so for it was just strange for people to imply violence behind the celebratory gesture. In fact, Norman is one of the few players to start his very own foundation in DC ?Starz24? to help support children in the local community. Click Here to find out more about Josh Norman?s Starz24 foundation.

Pay It Forward | Celebrating Military Appreciation Month at Washington Navy Yard

Community,

Pay It Forward partners Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group teamed up once again, but this time in honor of Military Appreciation Month. The military is the heart of this country because they continue risk their own lives to fight for us civilians on a daily basis. Often times, we forget to honor them and really show them the love and respect that they deserve. Fox 5 DC and Easterns decided that they were going to change things. Joel Bassam, Director of Marketing at Easterns Automotive Group, met with Mike Thomas of Fox 5 DC to pass out gift cards to both retired and active members of the military. The overall goal was just to bring a smile to veterans? faces and show veterans genuine appreciation for protecting this country and keeping us all safe.

Sgt. Matt Wilkes stopped by to chat and help Pay It Forward to other veterans. He is currently retired after serving 3 tours. According to Sgt. Wilkes, life as a member of the military is much more structured and discipline than life as a civilian. Unlike many of us, he has been able to be both in his lifetime. The key to surviving in the military is having a strong support system. His wife was just that as she raised the kids and handled everything at home when he was away. Sgt. Wilkes just recently received his degree from George Mason University in Cyber Security Engineering and is in the process of transitioning fields. He is proof that there is another life after retiring from the military. It really comes down to what you want in life.

Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group gave out over $3,000 in gift cards to active and retired military around the Washington Naval Yard. Hopefully you feel inspired to do something nice for any military personnel that you know. We must continue to let our military know they are appreciated.

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.

 

 

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Pay It Forward | Surprising educators at Mount Vernon

Community,

Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group teamed up once again but this time to celebrate. Tuesday, May 8th was National Teacher Appreciation Day so the two Pay It Forward partners teamed up to surprise the incredible educators at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School. The day started off with free breakfast courtesy of Easterns. Mike Thomas was able to speak with several teachers to discuss their important role in kids? lives and understand the reason that inspired them to teach. Joel Bassam, Director of Marketing at Easterns, was got on the mic to address the teachers and also give each of them a $50 Amazon to in honor of their selfless contributions to their students? day in and day out.

Allison Seymour came to the school later in the day where she met with the principal of Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School, Dr. Clint Mitchell. The two helped surprise a standout 3rd grade teacher by the name of Jamelle Adamson. Ms. Adamson was singled out for going above and beyond to accommodate all her students and always bringing her A game in the classroom. As a community, we should do our best to always make sure teachers make sure they feel loved and appreciated.

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.


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Easterns Automotive Group supports Fairfax County Police Association

Community, Easterns Automotive

For years, Easterns Automotive Group (Eastern Motors) has been a generous organization that loves giving back to others and helping the people of the DC, Maryland, and Virginia community. Eastern Motors, founded by Robert Bassam, recently teamed up to donate to the Fairfax County Police Association (FCPA) in Virginia. The FCPA represents more than 1,000 police officers in Fairfax County, both active and retired. The mission of the FCPA is to reach common goals of both the men and women of the Fairfax County Police Department. With everything going on in this country involving police, it?s good to know that unity is at the core of this group. FCPA holds several events throughout the year to celebrate and bring the community together as one.

Donations play a large role in helping organizations like FCPA because it takes funds to continue making an impact. They also help provide benefits to police officers and support staff. It?s important to them that they continue to promote unity and bring people together during times of crisis. The lovely people of the FCPA do so much good for Fairfax County that the people of Easterns decided to make a $750 donation for their generous contributions to the community. If you would like to find out more about FCPA or make a donation of your own, click here.

Pay It Forward | Humane Rescue Alliance is committed to finding happy homes for pets

Community, Events,

Pay It Forward partners Fox 5 DC and Easterns Automotive Group have teamed up again to do some good in the community. April 30th was National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. The two decided that it was only right that the two celebrate and highlight an incredible local organization that continues to help animals in the area. The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) was formed by the Washington Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League to help animals find forever homes. Each year, HRA manages to help over 60,000 area animals.

HRA has a unique set up because they house everything under one roof, including low-cost veterinary services, behavioral training, and animal care. The donations and support from the community is the reason that HRA has been so successful at this. Easterns and Fox 5 DC got wind of the incredible things that HRA is doing and volunteered to help out. In honor of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, they made a donation of $3,000 to cover the cost of all pet adoptions on Tuesday, May 1st. It was a success! People definitely came out to support and several now have new additions to their families. The remainder of the money will go to HRA?s vet care fund. The vet care fund was set up to pay for the additional care needed after the animals find a home. HRA is such an incredible organization for going beyond the call of duty to help these animals. We hope that you too are inspired to get involved.

To find out more about Humane Rescue Alliance and to learn how you can adopt a pet, Click Here.

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.

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Easterns Automotive Group partners with Earth Lady / Small Footprint Lifestyle

Community

Earth Lady Programs were founded by the amazing Izolda Trakhtenberg to teach students about Earth Science and natural resources. Trakhtenberg or ?Earth Lady? is a science collaborator at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. With all of her experience, she has made it her job to share her environmental-friendly experience with others and encourage people to go green, especially children. If you start teaching children young, they learn and carry those teachings with them throughout the rest of their life. The major reason for going green is to save the Earth and keep it as clean as possible for the generations to come. Trakhtenberg teaches a variety of workshops and programs to students to students in Greenbelt and Prince Georges County, Maryland but also travels all over the world.

Easterns Automotive Group got wind of some of the fabulous work that Earth Lady is doing with the students in the community and wanted to help out. With all the programs and workshops coming up, Earth Lady was in need of some supplies for her students. Easterns donated several items including educational thermometers, beakers, and paint. The students will get to use all of these during their upcoming workshop at Watkins Park. If you would like to find out more about Earth Lady and her workshops/programs for students, Click Here.