Driving Change, WAM Breakfasts

October 23rd, 2023 by

Driving Change, One Breakfast at a Time

Back in 2015, our CEO, Larry Haynes, had an unexpected conversation that launched a remarkable journey of community support. During a chat with an acquaintance from Nobis, Larry was introduced to the Walk-A-Mile (WAM) event- an initiative by the Crisis Center of Central New Hampshire (CCCNH) where participants walk in high heels in downtown Concord to raise awareness and funding to combat domestic violence. 

Larry then approached his colleague, Dave Hammond, the director of Fixed Ops, with the idea of participating in the event. Dave agreed and rallied a group of team members from Grappone Automotive Group’s service and parts department to join. After participating in the first WAM event, the Grappone team also supported CCCNH’s efforts to renovate a house in downtown Concord for use as a shelter that same year.

Team members of Grappone Automotive Group, get ready at the start of the 2018 WAM event. Dave Hammond, Director of Fixed Ops, is in the center. 
Deeply moved by their visit to the facility and stories about the work CCCNH does, Dave and Phil Bailey, who works at Grappone Ford, saw an opportunity to do more. They decided to organize breakfast fundraisers to support the CCCNH cause. The challenge They didn’t have the equipment to cook breakfast on a large scale. Fortunately, Pitco stepped in and donated a griddle when they heard about the new initiative that was going to take place at Grappone Ford.

Grappone Automotive Group team members and their families gather for photos before the annual event.
With the griddle in hand, the first WAM breakfast was born and marked the beginning of a tradition that has grown stronger each year. After hosting multiple breakfast fundraisers throughout the year, a lunch fundraiser and an annual classic car show were added to the events, and proceeds were used to raise money for WAM. 

Phil Bailey and Dave Hammond man the grill, cooking pancakes to fulfill team members orders. 
Today, the breakfast crew at Grappone Automotive Group operates like a well-oiled machine. Each team member has a designated role, and they serve over 100 breakfasts to team members in just two hours on some mornings. Dave, Phil, and their co-workers have been the driving force behind these efforts, embodying the spirit of giving back to their community. They love cooking for their team and, more importantly, supporting CCCNH’s vital work.

Team members gather around the grill while Dave and Phil finish cooking pancakes. 
In recognition of their unwavering commitment and dedication, Dave Hammond and Phil Bailey were recently awarded the prestigious Fleischman Award by CCCNH. This highly esteemed award is named after the beloved Rob and Marianne Fleischman, the first recipients. Each year, the WAM committee thoughtfully selects nominees and votes on the individual or group who best embodies the Fleischmans’ spirit of generosity and compassion. 

Dave Hammond and Phil Bailey, receiving the Fleischman Award at 2023’s WAM Event. 

We are immensely proud of our team members and their continuous efforts to make our community a better place. Together, we’re driving change, one breakfast at a time. 
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