Larry Tabloff, general manager of Toyota of Surprise, with Alissa Parton, Phoenix Children’s corporate development officer, and Rachel Cole on 12 News, “Arizona Midday,” announcing the $50,000 charitable gift by Valley Toyota Dealers to Phoenix Children’s for Giving Tuesday
For more than two decades, the Valley Toyota Dealers have demonstrated what it looks like when a business coalition treats community investment not as a marketing strategy but as a shared responsibility. Representing 10 dealerships across the Phoenix metropolitan area, the association has built a model of giving rooted in proximity: They live here, work here, raise their families here and see their customers as neighbors. That closeness has shaped a philanthropic identity defined by consistency, visibility and genuine care.
What began as a collective advertising effort gradually evolved into something more intentional. As the association grew, so did its desire to direct resources toward the people and organizations strengthening the Valley. Rather than simply promoting their brand, the dealers made a deliberate decision to channel a significant portion of their advertising budget into local nonprofits, an approach that has added $14.8 million back into the community to date.
“We’re more than just your local Toyota dealerships. The Valley Toyota Dealers are your neighbors,” says Kamal Charef, president of the Valley Toyota Dealers Association. “This is our home, and giving back to the community that supports us every day isn’t just important, it’s who we are.”
That philosophy has guided partnerships across a wide spectrum of needs: people and community empowerment; health and wellness; animal care and rescue; first responders and public safety; and arts, culture and sports. The association’s board of directors meets monthly to evaluate opportunities, ensuring their support remains hands-on and aligned with real-time community priorities. Without a separate foundation or formal staff, their model relies on personal engagement, and board members often bring forward relationships built through years of civic involvement.
One of the most visible expressions of their commitment is JoinUsInGiving.com, a platform created to spotlight local nonprofits, promote community events and encourage residents to get involved. The site serves as a hub for learning, volunteering and seeing the impact of collective action. It also highlights the many events the association sponsors, each intentionally designed with a give-back component that benefits a nonprofit partner.
Their long-standing relationship with Phoenix Children’s is a powerful example of how sustained corporate partnership can shape outcomes for families across Arizona. “For more than 20 years, Toyota Valley Dealers have stood alongside Phoenix Children’s as a trusted partner,” says Tim Harrison, vice president of Corporate Partnerships, Special Events & Grants Philanthropy. “Their record-breaking $350,000 gift in 2025 and $3.4 million in lifetime support help ensure children across Arizona receive world-class care while advancing critical injury prevention programs.”
This kind of impact reflects the association’s belief that meaningful change happens when businesses step forward not just as sponsors but as collaborators. Their support extends beyond financial contributions to include participation in community festivals, awareness campaigns and local initiatives that bring people together.
At its core, the Valley Toyota Dealers’ approach is simple but powerful: When neighbors unite around shared values, they can create lasting, measurable change. Their work continues to demonstrate how a business community can strengthen the social fabric of a region, one partnership, one event, one investment at a time.
How You Can Join the Movement
Community impact grows when more people get involved, and JoinUsInGiving.com makes it easy. The platform highlights local nonprofits, upcoming events and simple ways to support causes that strengthen Arizona families. For those looking to volunteer, attend a giveback event or learn about organizations making a difference, it’s a direct path to meaningful action.
Tyler Butler, a trailblazer in ESG and corporate citizenship, has led Fortune 500 sustainability programs, contributed to two IPOs and founded Collaboration for Good. With degrees from ASU, Boston College and Cornell, she writes for top publications and serves as a strategic CSR consultant for Omnicom.
