Local dealership pays it ‘Ford-ward’

The Henning family and Fallon Ford-Toyota staff brightened the end of the year for some local nonprofit and charity organizations on Dec. 15 during its annual Pay It Forward program.

Fallon Ford Toyota donates $50 from each sale throughout the year to one of 14 local nonprofit organizations designated by the buyer. The dealership, which collected $43,450 in 2023, distributes the donations in mid-December.

Since the program began in 2011,  $489,650 has been distributed to the different groups. While he wrote on the “big check” for one recipient, General Manager Tim Mitchell said he believes the program will reach the half million-dollar mark next year.

The William N. Pennington Life Center receives $5,400 from the Fallon Ford-Toyota Pay It Forward program to benefit Meals on Wheels. From left are Jackee Stewart, Jennifer Lambert, Jill Manha, Shannon Ernst, Dianna Pruitt, Kari Mafi, Gina DeAloia, Samantha Maffi and Jocelyn Favier.

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 Director Shannon Goodrick said the Fallon Youth Club is always “really grateful for unexpected funds.” This year the $5,000 Pay It Forward check will help to open the new FYC Little Clubhouse child care center for “littles” from 6 weeks to 6 years old.

Jimmy Chicola, left, of Fallon Ford-Toyota helps Monica Miller hold the giant check that gives Care Net Pregnancy Care Center $2,250 through the Pay It Forward program.

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Mike Berney and Star Olsen said the Fallon Theatre functions on donations, monthly memberships, sponsors and concessions sales. The $1,800 from Pay It Forward will fund the highest priority projects which are new seating in the upper theatre and finishing the heating and cooling system. The donation will also help the theatre to continue offering free movies every weekend.

Care Net Pregnancy Care Center received $2,250 from the program this year. Director Monica Miller said the nonprofit does not receive any state funding so any way that the community can help benefits the moms who use their services. Care Net includes classes and educational supplies, counseling services and a boutique that accepts donations of new and gently used items for mothers and babies.

The Fallon Ford-Toyota Pay It Forward program supports the Fallon Community Theatre with a check for $1,800. From left are Kevin Thomas, Jorge Perez, Mike Berney, Nancy Upham, John Perazzo, Star Olsen, Glen Perazzo, Casey Duby and Bryan Golding.

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Churchill County Social Services Director Shannon Ernst accepted $5,400 on behalf of the William N. Pennington Life Center. Ernst said the funds will support the Meals on Wheels program to help feed the vulnerable, aging and disabled in the community.

The University of Nevada Fallon Alumni Chapter President Brenda Boone said the $2,000 from Pay It Forward will fund scholarships to UNR. She felt this donation would either allow the chapter to add several scholarships or increase existing scholarship amounts.

Multiple members of the Lahontan Valley Claybreakers said the $1,100 from Pay It Forward will help with their biggest expense of ammunition used during practice sessions at the Fallon Trap Club. The team-based clay target shooting program is funded through the parents and grants so donations are always appreciated. Team co-founder Pat Whitten said it was a nice surprise when she received a text from Mitchell.

“We were excited,” she said.

This $2,000 check from the Pay It Forward program to the University of Nevada, Reno Fallon Alumni Chapter will fund scholarships. From left are Wendy Bullock, Brenda Boone, Vince Esposito and Tim Mitchell.

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PAY IT FORWARD 2023

$5,400 WNP Life Center

$2,850 Fallon Youth Athletics

$5,200 Churchill County 4-H

$1,600 Fallon Rodeo Club

$1,700 Churchill County High School NJROTC

$2,200 CC Search & Rescue

$2,250 Care Net Pregnancy Care Center

$5,000 Fallon Youth Club

$4,400 Family In Need Fund

$5,450 Domestic Violence Intervention

$2,500 Renown Children’s Network

$2,000 University of Nevada, Reno Fallon Alumni Chapter

$1,100 Lahontan Valley Claybreakers

$1,800 Fallon Community Theatre

Lahontan Valley Claybreakers accepts an $1,100 check from the Fallon Ford-Toyota Pay It Forward program. From left are Miles Henning, Aaron Housel, Ethan Hickox, JJ Becket, Pat Whitten, David Penn, Wyatt Ricks, Buddy Barrenchea, Barry Stewart and Mary Bonde.

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