There is no group more charitable than motorcycle dealers… but you already knew that. From Little League and 4H to fundraisers for veterans, the local dealer is the soft touch at the center of its community in so many ways. Take for example Young Powersports XL Centerville, Utah, who joined with Young Caring for Our Young Foundation, to gather volunteers on Aug. 13 to create meal kits for students experiencing hunger.
Hosted at the Frontage Road dealership, assembly lines were created to put together pantry packs — which provide a child with enough snacks and simple-serve meals for two days. The list of volunteers included employees, community members and individuals from Young Caring for Our Young as well as players and coaches from Weber State University’s softball team. The event led to the assembly of 4,000 packs, which were donated to Davis School District and distributed to local schools.
“Our team is grateful to chip away at such a large problem in our community,” explains Nate Gailey, Young Powersports XL Centerville’s general manager. “We know that these types of events make a difference for those who may not have the ability to help themselves.”
“This is one of our foundation’s most impactful initiatives,” adds Tami Olsen, Young Caring for Our Young’s director. “We’re dedicated to ensuring that children thrive in school, and they can’t thrive if they are hungry. We appreciate our dealerships and America First Credit Union for working alongside us to make a difference. Efforts like this would not be possible without businesses like them.”
Costing an average of $5 to make, pantry packs are typically provided to students before weekends or holidays — when school breakfasts and lunches aren’t available. Young Caring for Our Young has assembled tens of thousands of pantry packs over the past several years. So far in 2024 alone, the nonprofit has donated 20,000 packs, and they have several more assembly events scheduled.
The event at the XL Centerville location was part of an effort to create 15,000 pantry packs in less than a week, which was also contributed to by America First, Young Subaru, Young Toyota and Young Honda. In addition to assembling pantry packs, Young Powersports XL Centerville will host Power Up Against Teen Homelessness. The initiative — which is supported by eight Young Powersports dealerships — will provide 400 teens experiencing homelessness with backpacks that are filled with living essentials.
“The XL Centerville team has been an incredible advocate for both our foundation and Davis County as a whole,” said Olsen. “They’re facility is filled with people dedicated to making an impact, and they take their commitment to the community seriously.”
In addition to hosting charitable events, the Young Automotive Group is currently celebrating their 100-year business anniversary. Founded by Seldon “Jack” Olsen in 1924, the company has over 30 automotive and powersports locations across Utah, Idaho and Montana. Young Powersports XL Centerville joined the Young Automotive Group last year. Housed in a 115,000 sq. ft. facility, the location is one of the largest powersports dealerships in the United States.
“This team and building are capable of extraordinary things,” concludes Gailey. “We know we have something here that can not only change the landscape of our area, but the powersports industry as a whole.”
