Did Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach go above and beyond, provide exceptional service, or support causes that are important to you? We'd love to hear about it.
We are honored to be nationally recognized by Subaru of America, Inc. for our dedication to our customers, our community, and the Subaru Love Promise.
The 2024 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award recognizes elite Subaru retailer who provide an exceptional customer experience at every interaction with Subaru. These retailers have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting passions and causes in their local communities in important areas such as environment, community, health, education, and pets.
Here at Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach, we love our community as much as we love our vehicles and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of all of our customers and neighbors.
Subaru and our retailers believe in making the world a better place and the Subaru Love Promise is our vision of respecting all people. This is our commitment to show love and respect to our customers and to work to make a positive impact in the world.
Did Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach go above and beyond, provide exceptional service, or support causes that are important to you? We'd love to hear about it.
SUBMIT A STORYIn a perfect world, hunger would be history and hope would be commonplace. We believe a perfect world is possible.
In 2020, Subaru and its retailers made a donation to Feeding America to provide 50 million meals to help feed people in need during the COVID-19 crisis,* making meals available at 199 local food banks across the country.
*$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks.
Subaru and our retailers are committed to protecting and preserving the Earth, not just by our words, but also by our actions.
More than 13 million pieces of hard-to-recycle waste collected and recycled through TerraCycle®.
Subaru believes we all should have a chance to lead a healthy life. That's why Subaru and its retailers, like us, partner with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) and their local hospital or cancer treatment center to give warm blankets and encouraging messages of hope, written by retailers and Subaru customers in their stores, to support patients facing cancer. Through our partnership with LLS, we've supported nearly 350,000 cancer patients nationwide. We're proud to be LLS's largest automotive donor.
Subaru and its retailers, like us, are continuing our support of education and high-needs schools in our communities through Subaru Loves Learning(R) by providing teachers across the country with funding to purchase the school supplies and resources they know are needed to help students thrive in the classroom. Through our partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, Subaru and its retailers will have supported more than 470,000 students nationwide and are proud to be their largest corporate supporter.
Subaru believes all pets deserve a loving home. That's why Subaru and its retailers, like us, partner with a local animal shelter every October to provide direct financial assistance and host adoption events to help animals find loving homes. Through our partnership with local and national organizations, we have donated over $51 million, which has supported the adoption, rescue, transport, and health of over 420,000 animals. We're proud to be the largest corporate donor to the ASPCA.
Subaru and its retailers believe in giving back to our communities. That's why for every new vehicle sold or leased during the Subaru Share the Love event, Subaru and its retailers, like us, makes a donation to national charities that our owners care about and to over 2,100 local charities where Subaru owners live and work.
Now, after 15 years, Subaru and our retailers have donated over $256 million to charity all to give back and to make the world a better place.
Please use Subaru pre-written statement
Saving With Soul Pet Rescue
Meals on Wheels
Pryor Middle School
Choctahatchee Basin Alliance
Fresh Start Womens Shelter
Subaru and Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach believe in making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. We uphold that belief through our Love Promise Community Commitment. Every month, we select inspiring stories from customers and partners from around our area who strive to support our collective commitment and feature them here.
On Saturday, September 21, the team from Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach joined forces with volunteers from across the Florida Panhandle to participate in the annual International Coastal Clean Up. Armed with buckets, gloves, and trash bags, the team took charge of the Okaloosa Beach Boardwalk, cleaning up bin after bin of litter and marine debris. In true Subaru fashion, Step One Subaru took the initiative further by sponsoring prizes for the various trash pick-up competitions, creating a fun and engaging way to encourage participation. By the end of the morning, everyone gathered for a well-earned pancake breakfast to celebrate their collective effort in preserving the beauty of our beaches. This event wasn’t just about cleaning the coast—it was about showing love for our community and the environment. As part of Subaru’s Love Promise, Step One Subaru continues to make a positive impact, ensuring our coastlines stay beautiful for generations to come.
At Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach, giving back to the community is more than just a promise—it's a commitment. This year, the team proudly participated in a school supply drive in partnership with United Way Emerald Coast, ensuring that students in Okaloosa County had everything they needed to start the school year off right. Making an Impact in the Community The collected supplies were distributed at the Niceville Community Center during the first annual Back to School Resource Fair in Okaloosa County. The event provided much-needed resources to families, ensuring that every student could begin the school year fully prepared and ready to succeed. Going Above and Beyond The Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach team went above and beyond, gathering an incredible amount of supplies. Not only were all attending families able to stock up, but the generosity extended even further. A first-year special needs teacher received a full year's worth of supplies for her classroom, providing her students with the tools they need to thrive. Additionally, the remaining supplies were distributed among eight non-profit organizations that focus on supporting children and their families. A Commitment to Education This initiative reflects Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach’s dedication to education and community support. By ensuring that students and teachers are equipped with essential supplies, the dealership is investing in the future of Okaloosa County, one backpack at a time. The Subaru Love Promise is all about making a positive impact, and Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach is proud to have contributed to the success of the Back to School Resource Fair. Their efforts will help shape the educational journey of countless students, fostering a brighter future for all.
On July 11, 2024, Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach proudly hosted a HerScan event, welcoming women from across the Florida Panhandle for a day dedicated to health and wellness. This important event offered breast ultrasound screenings, providing a vital service to women in the community. About HerScan HerScan is a mobile breast ultrasound screening organization that travels across the country, offering affordable and convenient screenings. Their mission is to provide early detection services that can save lives, making these critical screenings accessible to women who may otherwise face barriers to care. HerScan’s state-of-the-art ultrasound technology is pain-free, radiation-free, and highly accurate, making it a trusted option for proactive breast health. A Personal Connection to the Cause This event held special significance for the team at Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach, as it is a cause close to their hearts. Marlene Reidl, the General Sales Manager, is a recent breast cancer survivor. Her experience has brought an even deeper commitment to the fight against breast cancer within the team. Hosting the HerScan event allowed them to support a cause that resonates personally, while also giving back to the community that has supported them. Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach is honored to have played a role in promoting breast health and early detection, and they look forward to continuing their support for this vital cause in the future.
On Thursday, July 18, the team from Step One Subaru of Fort Walton Beach took time out of their workday to bring warmth and encouragement to the patients at the Emerald Coast Cancer Center. This visit was especially poignant for our team, as it is a place of personal significance for our General Manager, Marlene. Marlene is a breast cancer survivor who underwent treatment at this very clinic, and her journey has inspired all of us to give back to our community in meaningful ways. During our visit, we delivered cozy blankets and heartfelt messages of hope to those undergoing treatment. These simple yet powerful gestures are part of Subaru’s commitment to making a positive impact through our Subaru Loves to Care initiative, in partnership with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This initiative strives to provide comfort and support to cancer patients across the country, reminding them that they are not alone in their fight. Our dedication to the community extends beyond this single event. The Step One Subaru team is committed to supporting and uplifting each other and our neighbors through acts of kindness and compassion. Moments like this bring us closer together and reinforce our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around us. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can spread love and hope where it’s needed most.
In a heartfelt display of community support and commitment, Subaru Fort Walton Beach proudly sponsored the training of Liberty, a golden retriever with Healing Paws for Warriors. Liberty graduated in early June at the prestigious Air Force Armament Museum on Eglin Air Force Base and was paired with her veteran, John, marking a significant milestone in both their lives. The Impact of Service Dogs on Veterans: Service dogs like Liberty play a crucial role in the lives of veterans, offering more than just companionship. These specially trained dogs provide critical support for veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other service-related conditions. They help to mitigate symptoms, reduce anxiety, and assist with daily tasks, significantly enhancing the quality of life for their handlers. The bond between a service dog and a veteran is profound, fostering a sense of independence and emotional stability that is often hard to achieve otherwise. Healing Paws for Warriors: A Lifeline for Veterans Healing Paws for Warriors is dedicated to rescuing, training, and pairing service dogs with veterans in need. Their mission is to provide these life-changing companions at no cost to the veteran, ensuring that those who have sacrificed so much for their country receive the support they deserve. The organization’s commitment to rescuing dogs and giving them a new purpose aligns perfectly with their goal of healing the invisible wounds of war. Step One Subaru's Commitment to the Community: Step One Subaru is deeply committed to giving back to the community and supporting those who serve. Through initiatives like sponsoring Liberty’s training, Subaru Fort Walton Beach demonstrates its dedication to the Subaru Love Promise, which pledges to make a positive impact in the lives of others. By partnering with Healing Paws for Warriors, Subaru not only supports local veterans but also contributes to the well-being of rescue dogs, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the community. In celebrating Liberty’s graduation and the beginning of her journey with John, Subaru Fort Walton Beach reaffirms its commitment to fostering love, hope, and support for those who have served our nation.
We would like to give a huge shout out of gratitude to Subaru of America, Inc. and Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach for their community support in SO many areas and especially for animals! This sweet guy pictured is one of many that will receive the help they need due to their generous Share the Love program. 💛 Max came to us with many health issues. He has a cherry eye, corneal abrasions, needs entropion surgery, also a tail resection surgery, inter digital cyst removal, majorly infected ears and skin (bacterial and fungal), needs very expensive specialty diet, and more! SO many medications ! His medical needs are multiple $1000's. We feel so blessed to be able to immediately get to work on getting this boy feeling better! He's already improving after a week, but he has several surgeries still ahead.. Updates to follow! Maximus sends his appreciation to Subaru for helping Save Underdogs rescue pups like him! #fixerupperpuppers #healing SaveUnderdogs.com
Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach is proud to announce its recent contribution of $26,676 to Save Underdogs, as part of Subaru of America's annual Share the Love Event. This significant donation was celebrated at a special event attended by executives, including the CEO of Step One Automotive Group, and representatives from Subaru of America. The Share the Love Event is a charitable initiative by Subaru of America where $250 from every new Subaru purchased or leased is donated to a choice of charitable partners. Save Underdogs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and finding loving homes for underprivileged dogs, was the chosen beneficiary for Fort Walton Beach. Save Underdogs works tirelessly to provide care, rehabilitation, and adoption services to dogs facing adversity. Founded with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected, Save Underdogs ensures that these animals receive the medical care, love, and support they need to thrive. The organization operates with the help of dedicated volunteers and foster families, creating a network of compassionate individuals committed to giving every dog a second chance at a happy and loving life. The donation from Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach will directly support Save Underdogs' mission by funding veterinary care, food, shelter, and other essential needs for the dogs in their care. This contribution will enable the organization to continue its life-saving work and expand its reach to help even more dogs in need. The event underscored the commitment of both Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach and Subaru of America to supporting local communities and charitable causes. Through initiatives like the Share the Love Event, they continue to demonstrate their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
For Earth Day, my dealership family and I rallied together for our usual clean-up routine, but this time it felt extra special. As we combed through the area surrounding our workplace, we couldn't help but notice the trash scattered by the wind. Receipts, lotto tickets, and plastic bags littered the ground, so we made sure to gather them up and toss them in the right places – recycling bins and trash cans. Even our serene pond was clogged with debris, so we rolled up our sleeves and did the necessary to clear it out. Taking pride in where we work isn't just about the building itself; it's about our whole community. Subaru FWB is MORE than a dealership- we ARE the community!
On April 20, 2024, the team at Subaru Fort Walton Beach embraced the spirit of Earth Day by joining the Intercoastal beach cleanup along Florida's Emerald Coast. Rising with the sun, our dedicated team of volunteers gathered at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island (1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL) to make a difference in our community. Armed with gloves and buckets, our sales team enthusiastically tackled the task of clearing pounds and pounds of trash left behind by beachgoers. This event wasn't just about cleaning up; it was about fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and promoting sustainability. Participants enjoyed friendly clean-up contests with fun prizes sponsored by Subaru Fort Walton Beach. Volunteers from businesses, government agencies, communities, and families came together to make a positive impact on our environment. While online registration was available, it was not mandatory. The Earth Day Cleanup provided an excellent opportunity to preserve our beaches, support local wildlife, and address marine debris. Last year, during Earth Day 2023, volunteers collected 3,000 cigarette butts during the cleanup, highlighting the importance of our efforts. Together, we're committed to creating a cleaner, safer home for future generations. Thank you to everyone who participated in this impactful event, demonstrating Subaru's Love Promise to care for our planet and communities.
Subaru Fort Walton Beach’s participation in our local Meals on Wheels of Okaloosa program is very near and dear to our hearts. Our chapter of Meals on Wheels was founded in 1971 and is run by Elder Services of Okaloosa County. For over 50 years they have been providing nutritious meals to the elderly, handicapped or recuperating members of our community who are unable to cook for themselves. We have been told by the participants on our route that they are also very delicious. Meals on Wheels not only provides meals, it provides some participants with much needed social interactions. Every week we visit, throw balls with their dogs, give nuts to very tame outside squirrels and even take out the trash. It is a rewarding experience. Often people are waiting at their doors for some good conversation and a good meal. It is very heartwarming. We have been participating in our local Meals on Wheels program for 4 years and will continue far into the future.
Bringing Warmth and Hope to Opportunity Place Subaru Fort Walton Beach recently demonstrated their commitment to community support by participating in the Subaru Loves to Help Event to benefit Opportunity Place, a local non-profit dedicated to ending homelessness for women and families in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. The team at Subaru Fort Walton Beach recognized the critical need for warm clothing during the cold winter months, especially for those experiencing homelessness. To address this need, they embarked on a mission with Operation Care to donate winter coats of all colors and sizes to Opportunity Place. In preparation for the event, the showroom at Subaru Fort Walton Beach buzzed with excitement as team members sorted through coats, envisioning the impact these donations would have on those in need. On the day of delivery, representatives from Subaru Fort Walton Beach arrived at Opportunity Place with boxes filled to the brim with coats. They were warmly greeted by Opportunity Place staff members who expressed their gratitude and shared their mission with the Subaru team, some of whom stayed to help distribute the coats to our community. The exchange of coats was more than just a donation—it was a heartfelt moment of connection and solidarity, affirming Subaru Fort Walton Beach's commitment to supporting the community's most vulnerable members. Each coat donated represented warmth, comfort, and hope for those experiencing homelessness. The event highlighted the Subaru Love Promise in action, demonstrating the dealership's dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Opportunity Place's comprehensive approach to ending homelessness resonated deeply with Subaru Fort Walton Beach's values. By providing safe housing, employment assistance, and case management, Opportunity Place is breaking the cycle of homelessness and fostering sustainable, thriving families. Subaru Fort Walton Beach extends their deepest gratitude to Opportunity Place and the families they serve. They are honored to be a part of Opportunity Place's mission to create brighter futures and end homelessness in the community. This Subaru Love Promise story exemplifies warmth, compassion, and resilience. Together, Subaru Fort Walton Beach and Opportunity Place are spreading hope and making a positive difference—one coat, one family, and one opportunity at a time. Subaru Fort Walton Beach remains committed to driving change and fostering a culture of caring and kindness. They invite others to join them on this journey, guided by their belief in the power of community and the Subaru Love Promise to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
At Subaru Fort Walton Beach, we believe in the power of giving back and making a positive impact in our local community. Our commitment to the Subaru Love Promise is more than just a mission; it's a heartfelt dedication to spreading warmth and compassion to those who need it most. On Monday, February 5, 2024, we had the privilege of participating in the Subaru Loves to Help Event by partnering with Children In Crisis, a vital non-profit organization serving children who have faced the hardships of abuse or neglect. The occasion was special as our team came together to support this important cause. Knowing the challenges faced by children who have been removed from their homes due to difficult circumstances, we recognized the need for warmth and comfort during the winter months. With this in mind, we embarked on a mission to collect and donate winter coats of all colors and sizes to Children In Crisis. Our showroom buzzed with excitement and purpose as we gathered boxes filled with cozy coats, each one representing a symbol of hope and care. The diversity of colors and sizes reflected our commitment to meeting the unique needs of every child in our community. As we loaded up our vehicles with these gifts, our hearts swelled with anticipation, knowing that each coat would soon find its way into the arms of a deserving child. Arriving at the doorstep of Children In Crisis, we were greeted with warm smiles and heartfelt gratitude. The team at Children In Crisis shared touching stories of resilience and hope, underscoring the importance of community support in creating brighter futures for these children. Together, we unloaded box after box of coats, knowing that our collective effort would provide much-needed warmth during the cold season. The impact of this initiative goes far beyond the material donation of coats. It represents the Subaru Love Promise in action—showing kindness, empathy, and a genuine desire to uplift those facing adversity. Through this event, we reinforced our belief that every child deserves to feel valued and cared for, regardless of their circumstances. As we reflect on this experience, we are reminded of the profound difference we can make when we come together as a community. Our Subaru Love Promise extends beyond the walls of our dealership; it extends to every individual we touch and every heart we warm. To Children In Crisis and all those who support their vital work, we express our deepest gratitude. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this meaningful journey and for inspiring us to continue spreading love and hope in our community. Together, we look forward to future opportunities to make a positive impact and to uphold the Subaru Love Promise—one coat, one heart, and one story at a time. Subaru Fort Walton Beach is committed to continuing our journey of compassion and service. Join us as we embrace the spirit of giving and create a brighter, warmer future for all. With each act of kindness, we reaffirm our belief in the power of love to transform lives. This is our Subaru Love Promise story—a story of warmth, generosity, and the boundless capacity of the human heart to make a difference. Together, let's continue to spread love and kindness wherever the road may lead.
On October 14th, Subaru Fort Walton Beach hosted a remarkable event that stirred hearts and celebrated the profound bond between pets and their human companions. The day kicked off with a heart-melting commercial screening, showcasing pets and their bags of tricks. As the day unfolded, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy at the Pie Eating Contest. Fur babies of all shapes and sizes wagged their tails while delighting in the tasty treats, as proud owners cheered them on. The highlight of the event was the costume contest, where pets strutted their stuff in charming outfits, dazzling the crowd with their undeniable cuteness. From superheroes to princesses, every furry friend sparkled in their unique attire, spreading smiles all around. Amidst the festivities, in the vendor area. Wooftography captures candid moments of furry companions, freezing memories in time. Kruegers Kreations displayed handcrafted treasures, while 3 Dogs and a Chick charmed attendees with their array of pet goodies. From the lively contests to the dedicated vendors, each element of the event echoed Subaru’s dedication to supporting pets in need of loving homes. As attendees mingled, shared stories, and opened their hearts to the cause, the Subaru Love Promise echoed through the event, reaching out to every soul present. With wagging tails, playful barks, and heartfelt connections, Subaru Fort Walton Beaches’ 2023 Subaru Loves Pets Adoption Event became a beautiful tapestry woven with love, promising brighter tomorrows for countless furry friends waiting for their forever homes.
Subaru Fort Walton Beach played host to a “HerScan” Event, Breast Cancer Ultrasound Screening, on July 11, 2023 & October 25, 2023, aiming to empower women through preventative healthcare measures. Woman from our community arrived at the dealership, not just to explore the latest Subaru models, but to prioritize their health. The events, organized by Subaru Fort Walton Beach, offered a unique opportunity for women to take control of their well-being through scheduled ultrasound screenings aimed at preventing and detecting breast cancer. Attendees were greeted with a warm welcome as they made their way to the specially designated screening area. Dedicated medical professionals equipped with state-of-the-art ultrasound technology were on hand to conduct the screenings. It’s not just about selling cars; it's about making a positive impact in our community. Partnering with HerScan for Breast Cancer Ultrasound Screening aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting the well-being of our customers and community members. The success of these HerScan events go beyond the numbers of ultrasounds conducted; it resonates in the stories shared, the friendships formed, and the collective commitment to women's health. As the events ended, they marked a step forward in the journey towards proactive health and well-being. This is why Subaru is “more than a car dealership”.
E. Anders Kolb of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society presented Subaru Fort Walton Beach with a lovely piece of artwork thanking us for our support and donation to their Patient Aid Program. We are thrilled to have this painting showing the leukemia ribbon at our dealership for all to see. It was created by Austin, a 10-year-old ALL survivor from Fall River, Wisconsin. We are so happy that our donation along with ones from other Subaru retailers provides financial aid to blood cancer patients. These donations help offset non-medical costs such as transportation, food, housing and utilities. It is a great feeling for all the employees in this dealership to work for a company that is so focused on giving back to their community and making the world a better place.
Dear Subaru, My name is Brooke Barron and I am the Principal of Pryor Middle School in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Pryor Middle School is a Title 1 school with approximately 700 students, and approximately 75% of them are living in poverty. About four years ago, a friend introduced me to someone at Subaru-Fort Walton Beach and after sitting down and meeting several people at the dealership, I was told that Subaru would be adopting my school! Since that moment, Pryor Middle School has benefitted time and time again from the generosity of Subaru, and we could not be more grateful. Each year, we have been given $10,000 to help our students and staff. The first time we received this donation, we used it to purchase three interpretation systems (each system has one microphone and 25 translation headsets) to assist our students who do not speak English and their parents. Approximately 40% of our population is Hispanic and those students are just beginning to learn English. Most of them do not have parents at home who speak English. These systems have allowed our English Language Learners (ELLs) to understand the instruction the teacher is giving in the classroom, without disrupting the students in the room who speak English; it also allows the parents of ELL students to understand what we are saying when we have Open Houses and Family Nights at our school. As a result, the parents have become more involved in their children’s education and the learning gains for our ELL students are the highest in our school district! For the last couple of years, we have chosen to divide the donation between 20 teachers, giving them $500 to spend in their classrooms. The majority of our teachers are young and don’t make a lot of money each month; however, each year they spend hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets purchasing items for their classrooms, including rewards, snacks for hungry children and supplies. Now, these teachers are able to use the money donated from Subaru to purchase these items! It was so satisfying to see the excitement on their faces when Subaru came to our school during Open House (called Meet, Greet and Eat) to present the money to the lucky teachers who had their names drawn. Each day, as the items they ordered arrive at the school, the teachers rush up to the office, looking like kids on Christmas morning! Over the last three years, Subaru has donated $30,000 to our classrooms at Pryor Middle School. This money has positively impacted the learning environment of over 2,000 children! Without a doubt, I believe that we would not have the learning gains that we do at our school if it were not for the help of Subaru-Fort Walton Beach! We LOVE Subaru!
Subaru Loves to Care® blanket program was very special for me this year. We partnered with the local Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® and donated 80 wonderful blankets and messages of hope to the Emerald Coast Cancer Center. Being a Cancer survivor and a patient of Emerald Coast Cancer Center, it brought me tears of joy to be able to give back to the center and the patients that are currently getting treatment. The best part of it all was the reunion I had with the same office staff and nurses that I had back in 2007. We hugged and shared stories of life and surviving! I am so proud to be part of the Subaru Loves to Care® initiative and be able to give back to the cancer center that gave me my life back.
During the month of July Subaru Fort Walton Beach participated in Step One Automotive Groups Annual Stuff the Bus Event in collaboration with United Way of the Emerald Coast. Our employees filled and covered a spacious 2024 Subaru Outback with much needed school supplies for the Fort Walton Beach Florida public schools. Supplies ranged from notebooks and pencils to backpacks and art supplies to help the students start their school year with everything they need to thrive. "Community and giving back are at the core of Subaru Fort Walton Beach's values," said Marlene Reidl, general manager of Subaru Fort Walton Beach. " We are incredibly proud of all our employees who enthusiastically participated in this event." This event highlights the impact a local business can have on their community when they join together for a common cause.
September 29th, 2023 In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to forget about the less fortunate members of our community, especially those who don't have a place to call home. However, at Subaru Fort Walton Beach, we believe in the power of compassion and community engagement. That's why we recently joined hands with the United Way to assemble hygiene kits for the homeless in our area. Our dedicated sales team at Subaru Fort Walton Beach came together to assemble 100 hygiene kits. Each kit was carefully assembled with essential items that can make a significant difference in the lives of homeless individuals. These kits include items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizers, and more. At Subaru Fort Walton Beach, it’s not just about selling cars; we're about building a better community. Our collaboration with the United Way to assemble hygiene kits for the homeless is just one example of our commitment to creating a brighter future for everyone in our area. We hope that our efforts inspire others to join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate. Together, we can drive change and create a stronger, more compassionate community.
On September 16, 2023 volunteers from Subaru Fort Walton Beach participated in a fantastic event- The International Coastal Cleanup. It was an inspiring day where our team along with many others joined hands to make a positive impact on our environment. Through our teamwork and dedication to keeping our local beaches clean and empty of debris we not only helped our local environment but strengthened our bond with our teammates. We also filled in any big holes we found on the beach to help facilitate baby turtles making their way to the gulf after hatching during nesting season. This event exemplified Subaru's dedication to sustainability on every level. And gave us pride in our community and planet.
Subaru Ft. Walton Beach marked Earth Day with a remarkable celebration. In a symbolic gesture of their commitment to environmental sustainability, the dealership planted trees on its premises. Subaru Ft. Walton Beach has a rich history of environmental responsibility. As part of the Subaru family, the dealership embraces the guiding principle of the Subaru Loves the Earth® initiative. Their latest Earth Day event is just one example of their ongoing dedication to preserving and improving our environment. In a well-attended event, Subaru Ft. Walton Beach brought employees together as a team to plant several trees on their property. These newly planted trees not only enhance the dealership’s surroundings but also contribute to a cleaner environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and supporting local wildlife. Subaru Ft. Walton Beach’s Earth Day tree planting event was a resounding success, reflecting their unwavering dedication to a greener future. While this particular celebration has concluded, the dealership’s commitment to sustainability endures, and they invite you to join them in their ongoing efforts to make a positive impact on our planet.
On a Saturday morning, before business opened, a few of our Subaru team members got together to help the Okaloosa County Coastal Cleanup for their earth day cleanup. The Okaloosa Boardwalk and pier is one of the county's favorite tourist attractions, seeing thousands in foot traffic every week. As a group we filled our buckets and bags with all we could find. After two hours of cleaning and turning in our spoils, everyone met at the base of the boardwalk and took a group photo. Another successful mission to keep our community cleaner!
We love helping around our community here at Subaru FWB. We wanted to clean up the local road next to one of our town's outlet malls, The Mixon Plaza. This location has the only bowling center and Chik-Fil-A drive thru voted best in the nation as well as many other shops including our favorite Dream Coast Nutrition. While walking the road we collected seven bags full of glass bottles, cans, Styrofoam cups, and wrappers. With another step for a cleaner community and a better environment, Subaru FWB celebrates another successful clean-up with many more to follow.
Healing Paws for Warriors is a hometown charity of Subaru Ft Walton Beach. Our most recent collaboration is the support and naming of one of their new trainees. She was so excited to meet everyone before her training began. The name was chosen by poll on social media and Liberty was decided. Along with a donation to the organization, Libertys’ new name was announced live standing alongside her trainer MSgt Mike Arena retired USAF and Service Dog Ava.
To help around our community the team at Subaru FWB wanted to clean up our local nature trail, the Oak Tree Nature Preserve. The park is home to many community projects and events including haunted attractions, and even a few Eagle Scout projects. While trekking the trail we collected a total of 52 pounds of trash, there were many bottles, cans, wrappers and some Styrofoam. Our goal is to aim for cleaner parks and trails for our community, it’s a bonus that we work with a company that shares that same quality and love for the environment.
I didn't expect to feel so amazed to drive the Solterra. I have been driving cars for 35 years. But driving the Solterra is a truly new experience. I call the car affectionately 'The Spaceship.' I now look forward to driving while before I was rather reluctant because I didn't like that I was polluting the air when driving a fuel powered car. The car just looks great - inside and outside. A true eye-catcher on the road.
To Whom It May Concern, A huge thank you to Subaru, Fort Walton Beach, FL Service Department for maintaining our 2021 Outback Touring XT with almost 42,000 miles in 1.5 years. We are maintenance fanatics. We believe in taking care of our Outback so it will take care of us. One of the best situations is having such an extremely knowledgeable, professional and yet personable team in our favorite service department that we can trust. We have had fantastic experiences with our three service advisors: Jason Zabetakis, Paul Krueger and Melissa Reidl lead by very competent Service Manager Randy Brooks. Empowering your staff to do the next right thing is a standout benchmark of any business setting it apart from the competition which is why we highly recommend Subaru of FWB, FL for sales and service. We greatly appreciate our Service Advisors keeping us well informed when our Outback is in the shop for maintenance or repair. We also, want to recognize, who we like to consider our personal Senior Master Technician, Charlie Morse. Charlie physically turns the wrenches performing the hands on maintenance which keeps our Outback Touring XT running in tip top condition. We feel he is more than capable of diagnosing the most minute sounds and determining what is causing it and the proper repair. He is an extraordinary master mechanic who deserves his title. We personally request him to perform the work on our Subaru. This is our second Subaru. We put 99,300 miles in approximately 3.5 years on our 2017 Outback Limited when we traded up to our current Touring XT. Our family are Subaru owners. We all love our Subaru. A major part of owning a Subaru is the follow up customer service and Subaru of Fort Walton Beach, FL sets the standard for other dealerships to follow. The fine staff members mentioned in this letter deserve appropriate recognition for all they have done for us and other Subaru owners. Sincerely yours, David Shawn and Pam Goehringer 169 Marcia Drive, Mary Esther, FL 32569-2016; 850 217-4826 Cc: Sarah Cagle, GM, Subaru Fort Walton Beach, FL; 916 Beal Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547; 850-280-6200
Last July we partnered with United Way Emerald Coast and the “Stuff the Bus” back to School Supply Drive. Our team and customers participated in collecting school supplies all month long and filled up an Outback with everything on the list and then some. It was amazing to see Subaru employees and our customers come together to help fulfill the needs of our area students. We LOVE our students and our community.
On September 17th at 8:00 am Team Subaru Fort Walton Beach grabbed our buckets, our gloves and hit the beach on the Boardwalk of Okaloosa Island for the Annual International Coastal Cleanup. After a busy tourist season, there was much trash to be picked up. We filled our buckets and bags and had a blast doing it. We LOVE our beaches here in Okaloosa County and will always volunteer to help keep them clean.
What an incredible day we had today. Our team was given the opportunity to assist the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office with their Christmas Angel Tree. They had so many kids and families that needed help this year. Our team knocked it out of the park and supported 24 kids. I am so proud of my team. This was an emotional time for us, and we plan to do it again next year but even bigger! We have lots of love to share.
Team Subaru Fort Walton Beach had an amazing opportunity to partner with Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, one of our 2021 Subaru Share the Love Event organizations, who rehabilitated a Red Shouldered Hawk and invited us for the release back into its natural habitat. As we all gathered that September afternoon, we learned that this hawk experienced some head trauma after flying into a building. With the right treatment and medicine ECWR was able to nurse him back to a healthy life with no major injuries to worry about. That afternoon we drove into the forest and found the perfect location to finally set this beautiful hawk free to begin his fresh start back into the wild. Thank you ECWR for sharing with us this most beautiful moment that brought tears and joy into our hearts.
Oct 29, 2022 Just moved from Ocala to Panama City Beach and Ft Walton Subaru is our closest dealer. I called and the phone was answered quickly by Melissa. Very nice, made my appointment the day and time I requested. She was waiting on me as I walked in, such a great experience and a beautiful dealership too. I had a $10 off coupon they let me use. Oil change and tire rotation was done quickly and I received a call that my car was ready. I trade every three years and I'm sure this dealership will be where I purchase my new car.
Saving with Soul Pet Rescue recently found a big old pittie at a local shelter who grabbed our hearts right away. He had a huge head and ridiculous crossed eyes...but even more, he had an ugly lump on his flank that was almost certainly malignant. We posted him for foster and a wonderful family stepped right up. And in a way, that's the end of the story! They fell in love with him HARD and knew they could never let him go. Even though his future was (and still is) uncertain. We raised the money for his surgery to remove the tumor and are now waiting anxiously for the report to come back. Fingers, toes and tails crossed! The adoption was finalized at our Subaru Love Promise adoption event in April and the story was highlighted in the official event video. Thank you, Subaru, for always being there for our Underdogs!
My wife and I just moved to Destin, Florida and we are proud Subaru owners. Our 2017 Forester has been carefully maintained at our St. Louis, Missouri dealership and we wanted to make sure "Pearl" got the same attention to detail here in our new home. Enter Subaru of Fort Walton Beach! These guys are so incredibly professional, I was stunned! We had great service at our previous dealership, but this place is over the top in customer service. From the gorgeous waiting room with fresh fruit, snacks, and delicious coffee, to the extremely courteous technicians and office staff, Subaru Fort Walton Beach ROCKS! We were welcomed to the community with sincere smiles and warm handshakes, and we were told exactly what needed to be done to Pearl, without discussing anything "surprising" that needed repair/replacement. They changed the oil, topped off the fluids, put a new cabin air filter in (which we knew was pretty bad), and aired up the tires. 55 minutes from arrival, we were out the door! Six stars, if I could, to Subaru Fort Walton Beach!!
We Love our local Meals on Wheels chapter and Love to Help them. Our very own Okaloosa County Elder Services runs a Meals on Wheels program providing a hot meal five days a week. Subaru Fort Walton Beach delivers between 7 to 12 meals on their route every week. We have been participating in this program for over three years. It has been and continues to be a wonderful experience for our employees. All our new employees get a chance to experience the weekly route or volunteer if an emergency “fill-in” is needed. We value the relationships we build with our customers on our route. We take out their trash, play with their dogs and visit with them every week. It is a great feeling working for a company that is dedicated to giving back to the community.
We just wanted to take a moment to send out a very special 'Thank You' to our extended family at Subaru Fort Walton Beach. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our local community. While many businesses love to host our events, which we greatly appreciate, the team at Subaru Fort Walton Beach simply goes above and beyond. Our recent event, Subaru Loves Pets MEGA Adoption Event, is a shining example of all the behind the scenes work that their team provides. Things such as moving a hundred or so news cars off the lot, coordinating all the vendors and food trucks, promoting the event through various media, rearranging their indoor works areas for the animals, directing parking, greeting visitors, providing catering for our volunteers, and cleaning up after us at the end of the day while simultaneously putting everything back in order. Amazingly, they manage to do all of this while still conducting their day-to-day business with all these added distractions and animal chaos! They never complain and welcome us with open arms each and every time... but we do bring a LOT of cute puppies and kittens, so that probably helps. Seriously though, they have become more than just our partners and friends… they’ve become a part of us. You see, many of them have adopted animals at these events and are now a part of our family. We routinely see one another where we get updates, trade stories and pictures, discuss our pets, and introduce them to our new animals looking for their fur’ever home. We had a great time and couldn’t think of a better relationship! So to everyone at Subaru Fort Walton Beach, we are proud to have you in our family! We simply can’t thank them enough for all the generosity, help, and kindness they give to not only our rescue, but to our surrounding community! The Step One Automotive Group simply goes above and beyond to help local charity groups in many ways and we’d encourage you to drop by any of their events and give them a 'Thank You' in person!
In October, Saving with Soul Pet Rescue held a very special adoption event at Subaru in Ft. Walton Beach, FL as a part of the annual Subaru Loves Pets initiative. The event was a roaring success with more than a dozen adoptions! But I want to share our favorite success story from the event - the adoption of a dog named Stinker. Stinker was thus named because he... um... smelled. Atrociously bad. We brought him into the rescue in the summer of 2021, not realizing the extent of his chronic smelliness (we just thought he needed a bath) - we discovered he had developed a chronic urinary tract infection that had become resistant to regular antibiotics. After six weeks of trying different combinations of medications we finally cleared up the infection and put him on lifelong cranberry pills. If that were the end of the story, it would be a good one but there's more! The reason for Stinker's history of UTI's is an old injury (likely being kicked or stepped on) that irreparably damaged his spinal cord, rendering him incontinent, and making him susceptible to infection. So, today he waddles when he walks and has to wear a diaper. AND... he has a grade 5 heart murmur (5 out of 6 = very bad) so surgery is out of the question for him. Three veterinarians recommended humane euthanasia for Stinker. But if you met him... you'd understand why we just couldn't. Stinker is one of the happiest, joyful, friendly dog you'll ever meet. He doesn't care that he stinks! He doesn't mind his ungainly waddle! He just wants to love on his humans (any humans will do). So, to wrap up this story, Stinker was ADOPTED at our Subaru Underdog event! His family understands what they are getting into and is happy to do so. Is this a wonderful happy ending for an Underdog or what???
Thank You Subaru for Helping Save Companion Animals in Okaloosa County! The Okaloosa Animal Protection League (APL) is an all-volunteer nonprofit who has served our community since 1981. We believe sterilization is the key to reducing the number of unwanted pets. Volunteers partner with participating clinics to offer a Spay & Neuter program available to anyone in our area regardless of income. APL volunteers were truly overjoyed and honored to have been selected as the Subaru 2019 Share the Love hometown charity. We're also very grateful to everyone who chose our group. Sterilization funding is the hardest to raise yet it is exactly those dollars that will reduce the companion animal overpopulation. This lifesaving partnership with Subaru awarded in May 2020 could not have come at a better time as many people needed help due to COVID-19. We were able to offer additional financial spay/neuter assistance to pet owners who could not otherwise afford the already reduced rate. This generous award also allowed us to partner with veterinary clinics in June and July 2020 for dedicated feline spay/neuter events. Those events resulted in 43 cats and kittens sterilized in just two days! Subaru's generous gift will have a significant and positive impact in our area for years to come. Every cat, kitten, dog and puppy sterilized thanks to this funding will not contribute to the companion overpopulation in our area. On behalf of all the APL volunteers and our community, thank you again to Subaru for helping save companion animals in Okaloosa County!
Thank You Subaru for Helping Save Companion Animals in Okaloosa County! The Okaloosa Animal Protection League (APL) is an all-volunteer nonprofit who has served our community since 1981. We believe sterilization is the key to reducing the number of unwanted pets. Volunteers partner with participating clinics to offer a Spay & Neuter program available to anyone in our area regardless of income. APL volunteers were truly overjoyed and honored to have been selected as the Subaru 2019 Share the Love hometown charity. We're also very grateful to everyone who chose our group. Sterilization funding is the hardest to raise yet it is exactly those dollars that will reduce the companion animal overpopulation. This lifesaving partnership with Subaru awarded in May 2020 could not have come at a better time as many people needed help due to COVID-19. We were able to offer additional financial spay/neuter assistance to pet owners who could not otherwise afford the already reduced rate. This generous award also allowed us to partner with veterinary clinics in June and July 2020 for dedicated feline spay/neuter events. Those events resulted in 43 cats and kittens sterilized in just two days! Subaru's generous gift will have a significant and positive impact in our area for years to come. Every cat, kitten, dog and puppy sterilized thanks to this funding will not contribute to the companion overpopulation in our area. On behalf of all the APL volunteers and our community, thank you again to Subaru for helping save companion animals in Okaloosa County!
Saving with Soul Pet Rescue is based in the NW Florida Panhandle where we dedicate our hearts (and SOULS) to saving unwanted shelter dogs and cats. And Subaru has been a HUGE part of that! How so, you ask? Oh, so many ways... First, we do adoption events at the local Subaru dealership in Ft. Walton Beach, FL once a month and they are always (and I mean always) a roaring success. Subaru throws out the welcome mat for us and our potential adopters (they even serve us lunch!) and we almost always walk away with at least 15 adoptions. Second, Subaru has generously awarded us multiple grants to help us with our "SOUL-Saving" - to the tune of more than $20,000 in 2020 alone. WOW! What a difference that made to our ability to take in special needs pets, which is our passion. Third, Subaru was an enthusiastic Platinum level sponsor for our very first "Mega-Event" where we hosted multiple rescues and vendors and raised lots more money for all of us to continue our life-saving work. We also use the local Subaru dealership's parking lot for our biweekly spay/neuter transports, which meet at 3:45am... so the well-lit lot is a perfect location. All in all... we have had a wonderful relationship with Subaru, both corporate and local, and we know if we need something to save a life or two or 100, we can ask for help and they will do what they can. THANK YOU Subaru for being... simply wonderful!
When we got the call to be part of our local Share the Love event, we were overwhelmed with joy. When we met the staff, it was even better. They were enthusiastic about our mission to help Veterans and Children in need of a trained Service Dog. I was able to tell them our story, I will share a little on this post, as well. We fully train bred-for-purpose dogs to become Service Dogs. We take what we consider the finest pups and start training them as early as 6-weeks to assist Veterans with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Mobility Impairment, and Sexual Trauma; as well as, Children with Epilepsy and Autism. We provide these dogs at absolutely no cost to the recipient. We also provide all of the equipment needed and a lifetime of support. We are passionate about what we do. We believe we do it better than most. We are committed to our community that is largely comprised of military families. A lot of people don't realize that 22 Veterans will lose hope and end their own life every single day. In a community with such a great population of Veterans, it affects us. When the Subaru team heard this, they became passionate. When the event was finished and the numbers were in, we were presented with a check for nearly $15,000. We were absolutely blown away. After talking with the team once again, and taking a few pictures, everyone was fired up about how to continue to assist. We will be acquiring a new puppy in a few short weeks. We were asked if the funds could go to a specific pup, that Subaru FWB could follow from puppy to person. What a fantastic idea. The numbers work almost perfectly to cover the cost of purchase of a very special puppy for our program, a Giant Schnauzer. In a month or so, we will bring the pup by to meet the team that made him possible. We will train this pup for about 18-months before placing it with a new handler. I look forward to them naming this amazing puppy, and following its life of training and pairing up with someone to help them. Subaru of FWB is truly the epitome of what a community partner looks like. We are excited to have this opportunity to work alongside them. We are grateful to them for supporting our mission to STOP 22. If you are reading this and would like to join our team, or if you need assistance with a Service Dog, please reach out to us via the web at PLFservicedogs.com Steve Kotowske Executive Director
Did Step One Subaru Fort Walton Beach go above and beyond, provide exceptional service, or support causes that are important to you? We'd love to hear about it.
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