Nucar Cares
At Nucar Kia of Tilton, we believe in the power of community and the incredible impact we can make when we work together. That’s why we’re proud to be a part of the Nucar Cares program, a testament to our commitment to giving back and supporting the vibrant communities of New Hampshire. Through partnerships with local organizations and initiatives, Nucar Cares aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors and friends. Whether it’s sponsoring enriching educational programs, advocating for the well-being of children, or preserving the cherished traditions of our local heritage, our dedication goes beyond the dealership doors. As we embark on this journey of community engagement and support, we’re honored to share the stories of remarkable local organizations that are making a profound impact right here in our backyard. Here are some of the great organizations the Nucar Cares program works with within New Hampshire.
Last Hope K9 Rescue
Last Hope K9 Rescue (LHK9) is a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization dedicated to saving dogs from high-kill shelters. This all-breed rescue focuses on providing a second chance to abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs, regardless of their age, breed, or medical condition. Through a network of committed volunteers, LHK9 ensures that each dog receives necessary medical treatment and foster care before being transported to New England, where they are placed in loving, permanent homes.
LHK9 is entirely volunteer-run, relying on a passionate team to foster dogs, organize adoption events, and educate the community on important issues like spaying, neutering, and responsible pet ownership. Since its founding in 2012, LHK9 has found homes for over 12,000 dogs, transforming lives and offering hope to countless animals in need. The organization’s dedication to every dog’s well-being and its commitment to education make it a vital resource for both the animals it saves and the communities it serves.
Bolduc Park Association
The Bolduc Park Association is a cherished local resource offering a variety of recreational activities for all ages, fostering a spirit of community and outdoor enjoyment. Located on the Laconia-Gilford line, Bolduc Park features a well-maintained Par 3 golf course, a 9-basket disc golf course, and walking trails. During the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park’s history is deeply rooted in community service, a tradition established by its founder, Bob Bolduc. Bolduc, a local businessman known for his philanthropy, envisioned the park as a place where everyone could enjoy the outdoors, regardless of their ability or income. The park operates entirely on volunteer efforts, ensuring that it remains accessible and affordable.
The Randy Annis Golf Tournament is one of the many events that support the park’s ongoing operations. This event not only brings the community together but also helps sustain the park’s mission of providing recreational opportunities to everyone. By participating in or supporting this tournament, community members contribute to the preservation and enhancement of a vital local resource.
Boys & Girls Club of Central and Northern New Hampshire
The Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region, part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central and Northern New Hampshire, is dedicated to creating a safe, enriching environment for children and teens aged six weeks to eighteen years. Through its early learning centers and before/after school programs, the Club provides essential support to families across the Lakes Region. Each year, it offers over 47 programs focused on education, health, and character development, helping young people discover their strengths and build a foundation for a bright future.
Beyond education, the Club ensures that kids have their basic needs met by serving over 22,000 snacks and hot meals annually. Safety is a top priority, with all sites adhering to strict state licensing requirements and rigorous staff screening protocols. The Club’s mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as responsible, caring citizens. Through a combination of nurturing support and structured activities, the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region plays a vital role in the community, helping shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire
The Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire are dedicated to guiding individuals towards a healthier, addiction-free life while offering healing support for their families. With two state-of-the-art facilities located in Laconia and Antrim, they provide a comprehensive range of addiction treatments. These offerings include a Drug and Alcohol Detox program, inpatient and outpatient treatment options, and individual and group therapy sessions. A trauma-informed approach ensures that each person receives personalized care, addressing the root causes of substance misuse. Their experienced and compassionate staff are committed to supporting every step of the recovery journey.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
The American Red Cross Blood Drive plays a crucial role in saving lives by collecting blood donations for patients in need. Blood donations are essential because there is no substitute for human blood, and they help patients of all ages, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer.
For instance, cancer patients often need platelet donations due to the impact of treatments on their blood production, while trauma patients benefit from Power Red donations that provide critical red blood cells. Sickle cell patients, who require closely matched blood types, often benefit from donations from those of the same race or ethnicity, particularly Type O.
By donating blood, you can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals facing serious health challenges. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and your donation could be the difference they need. Join us in supporting the American Red Cross Blood Drive and help save lives in our community. For more information or to make an appointment to donate, visit www.redcrossblood.org.
FUNds4Paws
At FUNds4Paws, the mission is simple yet profound—supporting organizations and individuals committed to the humane treatment of animals. The 2024 FUNds4Paws.org Indoor Triathlon at Funspot showcased this commitment, turning a fun-filled event into a powerful force for good. With a remarkable $63,000 raised, this triathlon not only highlighted the spirit of community and compassion but also significantly contributed to the welfare of animals across New Hampshire.
This event is a perfect example of how sports and charity can intersect to create a positive impact. Participants not only challenged themselves in a unique athletic endeavor but did so knowing every step taken, every lap completed, was in aid of animals in need. The success of the event underscores the dedication and generosity of all involved, from participants to sponsors, who came together to support a worthy cause.
Through initiatives like the Saving Animals Indoor Triathlon, FUNds4Paws continues to make a real difference in the lives of animals, providing help where it’s most needed and ensuring that the call for humane treatment echoes throughout our community.
New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars
The New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit and dedication of America’s veterans. Established from the aftermath of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection, the VFW has grown from a few small bands of veterans seeking mutual aid to an influential organization advocating for veterans’ rights and benefits. With 43 posts across New Hampshire, the VFW offers a community and support network for veterans of various conflicts, from the Persian Gulf to Kosovo and the war on terrorism.
The organization’s achievements are monumental, playing pivotal roles in establishing the Veterans Administration, crafting the GI bills of the 20th and 21st centuries, developing the national cemetery system, and securing compensation for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and those diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. Moreover, the VFW’s commitment extends to improving VA medical services for women veterans and supporting the construction of memorials dedicated to veterans’ sacrifices.
Beyond advocacy, the VFW and its Auxiliaries embody the spirit of volunteerism, dedicating over 8.6 million hours annually to community service. They also invest in the future, providing more than $3 million in scholarships and savings bonds to students each year. This organization not only honors the legacy of America’s veterans but actively supports and uplifts them, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered and their needs are met.
The Rey Cultural Center – Waterville Valley, NH
Nucar Ford of Plymouth had the incredible opportunity to sponsor the annual Skijor Galore and education event in Waterville Valley during the winter of 2023!
The renowned authors of the beloved Curious George children’s book series, Margret and H.A. Rey, once graced Waterville Valley as summer residents. Their lives were adorned with a myriad of passions and adventures, embracing roles as artists, historians, naturalists, and devoted stewards. Today, their indomitable spirit lives on through the Margret and H.A. Rey Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring their legacy of curiosity and discovery. The center achieves this noble goal by fostering a deeper appreciation for art, science, and nature through a diverse array of programs catering to youth, adults, and families alike.
The Reys’ lives were an ongoing pursuit of learning and community service, encompassing various realms like writing, illustration, astronomy, natural history, photography, environmental activism (with a focus on renewable energy), compassion for animals, and the simple joys of gardening, walking, and cycling. They held a special place in their hearts for children’s experiential learning, igniting curiosity and sparking imaginations. These very pursuits, emblematic of the Reys’ remarkable journey, form the bedrock of the Rey Center’s programs.
With a harmonious blend of art and science, physical and intellectual endeavors, a seamless intergenerational connection, and an unquenchable thirst for discovery, the Rey Center thrives as a beacon of learning and exploration. Through their endeavors, they continue to inspire countless individuals to embark on a lifelong journey of discovery, celebrating the joy of learning and the wonders of the world around us.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) – Manchester, NH
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire stands as a compassionate nonprofit organization, devoted to enlisting, educating, and supporting a dedicated team of community volunteers. These remarkable individuals step forward to become advocates for children throughout the state who have endured the harsh realities of abuse or neglect. CASA’s noble mission revolves around offering vital support to the children, ensuring their voices are heard, and presenting crucial information to judges, thereby enabling informed decisions in the child’s best interest.
With the involvement of CASA volunteer advocates, the trajectory of a child’s life can undergo a profound transformation. Their tireless efforts work wonders, altering the course of a child’s narrative for the better.
Since its establishment in 1989, CASA has left an indelible mark on the lives of over 10,000 New Hampshire children, granting them the priceless gift of a voice within the District and Family Courts. Each child’s story is now fortified with hope, setting them on a path towards a brighter, more promising future. This remarkable impact is a testament to the unwavering dedication of CASA and its volunteers, championing the rights and well-being of these vulnerable children.
Notre Dame Ice Arena – Berlin, NH
The Notre Dame Arena, an architectural gem established in 1947 under the auspices of the Catholic Church, stands tall as the second oldest indoor ice hockey arena in New Hampshire. Remarkably, it holds the distinction of being the sole 501(c)(4) non-profit arena in the region. A storied legacy accompanies this venerable arena, boasting the largest collection of New Hampshire Boys Ice Hockey State Championships and a remarkable four National Amateur champions.
For over seven decades, Notre Dame Arena has remained a cherished fixture in the vibrant Berlin community. Now, it is poised to undergo a grand metamorphosis, all thanks to a magnanimous and generous donation of $300,000 from the esteemed New Hampshire auto dealer, Dan Dagesse. The arena will emerge anew, splendidly rechristened as the “Nucar Notre Dame Arena,” a testament to Dagesse’s unwavering dedication to the facility and the community.
Dan Dagesse’s enduring support for the arena spans many years, with a genuine passion for participating in hockey and athletic events within the Berlin community. In his own words, “This renovation reflects our commitment to innovation, giving back, and being an integral part of the community. We are also proud that the Nucar name will now not only grace dealerships in New Hampshire but will also be synonymous with the arena.”
Notably, this act of generosity marks a continuation of Dagesse’s history of remarkable contributions to the arena. Back in 2007, he bestowed a substantial donation of $250,000, a pivotal contribution that breathed new life into the arena, fortifying its financial standing. Now, his latest benevolent gift will propel the renovations forward, fortifying financial stability, and ensuring the arena’s resilience even in the face of the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond the monumental $300,000 donation, Dagesse has pledged an annual commitment of $30,000, dedicated to empowering young minds by offering scholarships for ice-skating lessons and extending financial support to those in need. As if this weren’t enough, the horizon is aglow with exciting prospects, as plans are underway to create the Nucar invitational hockey tournament, a thrilling event that promises to elevate the arena’s reputation even further.
