The Big E Hosts Hyundai Dealers of Western Mass. for the Salute to Heroes Giveaway
Eastern States Exposition (ESE), the home of The Big E, was proud to host the Hyundai Salute to Heroes event coordinated by the Hyundai dealers of Western Massachusetts. recognize a deserving local hero and presenting them with a Hyundai Tucson of their own. On Sept. 30 at the Storrowton Gazebo, sponsored by Good Health Saunas, Abbie Gonzales of Springfield, Mass., was surprised with a free vehicle by the Hyundai dealers of Western Mass. in recognition of her work in providing thousands of laptops to those in need.
The presentation was hosted by Gary Rome of Gary Rome Auto Group, Brian Houser of Balise Auto Group and Carla Cosenzi of TommyCar Auto. Attendees included Chief Revenue Officer Mark A. French of The Republican, ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy and his staff, members of the community and employees from Gary Rome Hyundai, Balise Hyundai and Country Hyundai.
When the Hyundai dealers put out the call for nominations, they could not have predicted the hundreds of applications that quickly rolled in. In total, there were nearly 500 nominations, including five for Gonzales. During the presentation, she was accompanied by her friend, Erica Andrews, who wrote the winning essay. As it turns out, just about everyone knows a hero who wears no cape as they sustain, save and provide for their community, whether that be as an educator, a first responder, a guardian or in another role.
“A hero is someone who does right by other people with hopes of making the world a better place,” said Rome. “A hero is an everyday person, like Abbie.”
Gonzales lives to help members of her community that find themselves in need. Through her work with Springfield.community, she has helped secure thousands of repaired and refurbished laptops for those who have need of technology and internet access in Greater Springfield. The residents that have benefited from her work are mothers, seniors, students and more looking to continue their career journeys, education and community participation in an increasingly technological world.
Gonzales is also the creator of the OpenDyslexic typeface, about which you can learn more at OpenDyslexic.org. This free-to-use digital font is legible for those suffering from certain common symptoms of dyslexia.
ESE is grateful to have served as a platform for such a positive event, and thanks Gonzales and other heroes for their hard work in providing for their neighbors in need. The organization also extends its appreciation to Gary Rome Auto Group, Balise Auto Group and TommyCar Auto for their partnership.