Kindness Project
Kindness Project
The #KindnessProject was developed by the Williams family and it's purpose is simply to give back to the communities that have been so very good to our company and our employees over the past twenty five years.
As a team, Beechmont Ford Inc comes up with new and exciting ideas to make someone's day. Sometimes the gesture is large and sometimes it's small but if it makes an impact on a person's day, we chalk it up as a win! Below you will see a few of the "missions" that we have caught on camera. We hope it brings some joy to your day!
Mark Williams Auto Group Brings the Treats and the Trunks!
At the Mark Williams Automotive Group, community isn’t just part of what we do it’s who we are. Across all our dealerships, from Mt. Orab to Beechmont, our mission has always been to serve not just our customers, but the communities that support us every day.
This fall, we had the privilege of bringing that mission to life through our annual Trunk or Treat events family-friendly celebrations filled with creativity, laughter, and the true spirit of togetherness.
Each dealership committed to collecting at least 400 pounds of non-perishable food for a local pantry. Our team chose to support IPM Food Pantry, a remarkable organization that has served families in need for over 60 years. Founded by four local churches, IPM continues to be a vital resource for our neighbors.
What started as a simple way to provide families with a safe and fun place to celebrate Halloween has grown into one of our most meaningful traditions. Thanks to the incredible support of local businesses, first responders, and nonprofit partners, this year’s events became an unforgettable showcase of partnership, purpose, and community pride.
A Celebration of Partnership and Purpose
Great things happen when great people come together and that’s exactly what made this year’s Trunk or Treats so special.
From decorated trunks and spooky setups to sweet treats and smiling faces, our dealership lots transformed into festive Halloween wonderlands. But beyond the costumes and candy, these events were about something bigger: collaboration. Together with our local partners, we worked toward a shared goal creating memories and strengthening the bonds that unite our towns.
Honoring Our Local Heroes
At Mt. Orab, we were honored to be joined by the Mt. Orab Fire Department and the Mt. Orab Police Department. These dedicated first responders go above and beyond to keep our community safe year-round and having them take part in Trunk or Treat made the evening even more special.
Over at Beechmont, our gratitude extends to the Union Township Fire Department, who also joined in the festivities. Families loved meeting these real-life heroes, exploring fire trucks, and learning about their essential work. Their involvement was a powerful reminder of what it means to serve with courage, commitment, and heart.
Agriculture Meets Community: Ag-Pro of Georgetown
Our friends at Ag-Pro of Georgetown brought some serious horsepower to the Mt. Orab celebration, showcasing their signature John Deere equipment. Kids couldn’t get enough of the tractors, and parents enjoyed connecting with one of the region’s leading agricultural partners.
Ag-Pro’s involvement was a perfect example of community values in action hardworking, neighborly, and proud of their Ohio roots.
A Touch of Movie Magic: The Cincinnati Ghostbusters
Who ya gonna call? The Cincinnati Ghostbusters joined both our Mt. Orab and Beechmont events, bringing movie magic to life! Their detailed costumes, iconic Ecto-1 vehicle, and infectious energy delighted guests of all ages.
More than just entertainment, their participation reminded us that joy and laughter are powerful ways to bring people together and they do it all for a good cause, supporting local charities and events year-round.
Spooky Fun: The Haunted Trailer
No Halloween celebration would be complete without a few thrills! The Haunted Trailer, organized by our friend Charlie and his team, was a crowd favorite at Mt. Orab. Families lined up for a mix of laughs and light scares, proving that a little spooky fun can go a long way toward building community spirit.
Supporting Local Causes: Animal Shelters That Make a Difference
We were proud to host both the Brown County Animal Shelter at Mt. Orab and the Clermont County Animal Shelter at Beechmont.
Each organization shared their mission to help local pets find loving homes and provided families with opportunities to learn about adoption and volunteering. Seeing guests connected with these wonderful causes reminds us how powerful compassion can be, especially when it comes to our four-legged friends.
A Taste of Fall: Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck & Kona Ice
From Mt. Orab to Beechmont, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck kept everyone warm and happy with their handcrafted espresso, lattes, and seasonal favorites. Their presence added a cozy, hometown touch that perfectly fit the fall spirit.
At Beechmont, the team from Kona Ice brought cool treats and colorful fun to the mix a sweet reminder that every season is better with a little flavor and a lot of smiles.
Community Favorites: Raising Cane’s, Quality Comfort, and More
We also want to extend a huge thank-you to Raising Cane’s and Quality Comfort & Home Services for being part of the Beechmont event. Their generosity and enthusiasm helped make the night even more memorable.
Their commitment to giving back reflects the same values we hold dear serving people with care, quality, and pride.
Empowering Every Individual: EmPath for Autism
Both events were made even more meaningful with the participation of EmPath for Autism, an organization that supports individuals with autism and their families. Their presence raised awareness and shared important resources with our guests.
We’re proud to stand beside EmPath in promoting inclusion, understanding, and empowerment throughout our communities.
Community Support from Sam’s Club
A big thank-you goes out to Sam’s Club for their generous support. From candy donations to event supplies, Sam’s Club helped ensure our Trunk or Treats ran smoothly and successfully at both locations.
Their partnership shows how much stronger we are when businesses come together to lift the communities they serve.
A Night to Remember
As the lights twinkled across both lots and laughter filled the air, our Trunk or Treat celebrations became something more than events, they became moments of connection, kindness, and community pride.
Seeing families smile, kids show off their costumes, and local partners come together reminded us why we love what we do. At the Mark Williams Auto Group, we’re not just in the car business, we’re in the business of community.
To everyone who participated, partnered, or simply stopped by to celebrate thank you. Your energy and support made these events unforgettable. We can’t wait to see you again next year as we continue driving community forward one trunk, one treat, and one smile at a time.
Read MoreKindness in Action: Mark Williams Auto Group Volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House
At the Mark Williams Auto Group, kindness isn’t just part of our culture, it’s our driving force. Through our ongoing Kindness Project, our dealerships dedicate time and effort to uplifting the communities we serve. This initiative empowers our team members to go beyond their daily work and make a real impact through service and compassion.
Recently, team members including Jeff Fithen, Ken Haynes, Josh Williams, Charlie Watson, David Godbey, and Bob Galvin joined together to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Cincinnati. They spent the day preparing and serving meals for 171 families staying at the House. After the meal, they cleaned and reset the kitchen and dining areas, ensuring a welcoming space for other families to enjoy.
The Mission Behind the Kindness Project
The Kindness Project connects our organization to the heart of what matters most people. While our dealerships are known for helping customers find the perfect vehicle, we also recognize the importance of contributing to the wellbeing of our neighborhoods. Over time, we’ve participated in school drives, charity fundraisers, and food collections, all designed to support local families and causes that make a difference.
Supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Ronald McDonald House provides comfort and care to families whose children are undergoing treatment at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. With meals, lodging, and a compassionate community, the House helps ease families’ burdens during some of their hardest days. Every volunteer effort contributes to creating moments of comfort and connection for parents and children alike.
Continuing Our Commitment
Our experience at the Ronald McDonald House was both humbling and inspiring. It reminded us that simple gestures, a meal, a smile, and a few hours of service can make a lasting impact. The Kindness Project will continue to expand throughout the year, with new opportunities to give back across all Mark Williams Auto Group dealerships.
Kindness is what fuels us, and we’re proud to keep that spirit alive wherever we go.
Read MoreDriving Change: Beechmont Ford Joins the World’s Largest Dealership Food Drive
In September, Beechmont Ford was proud to participate in the world’s largest dealership-led food drive as part of Ford’s Global Care Month Month. We joined forces with the help of thousands of Ford dealerships worldwide, all working together toward one powerful mission, to help fight hunger in our communities.
We invite you to be part of something bigger than all of us. Let’s drive hunger out of our community, one can at a time.
Each dealership committed to collecting at least 400 pounds of non-perishable food for a local pantry. Our team chose to support IPM Food Pantry, a remarkable organization that has served families in need for over 60 years. Founded by four local churches, IPM continues to be a vital resource for our neighbors.
At Beechmont Ford, our goal is simple: fill every Ford we can with hope, support, and essential items. Whether you drop off a single can or a whole bag of groceries, every donation helps feed families right at home.
Together, across our locations, we’re “filling our Ford” with non-perishable items to support families in need in our own communities. Every donation matters from one can to a packed truck, and we’re honored to help drive positive change.
Read MoreHosting Sensory Toy Drive for ABC Pediatric Therapy | Beechmont Ford
Sensory Toy Drive – As a dealer group, we partnered with ABC Pediatrics to host a Sensory Toy Drive, delivering essential sensory toys to underserved children with autism across our community. These toys provide comfort, stimulation, and joy to kids who need them most, and we're proud to support families in creating more inclusive, enriching environments.
Our Kindness Project originally launched in 2018 has allowed us to spread kindness in countless ways. We partnered with
the EmPath for Autism Foundation and ABC Pediatric Therapy for a meaningful cause: a Sensory Toy Drive. Our
goal was simple—to collect sensory toys for children who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Sensory toys are designed to stimulate a child’s senses of sight, sound, and touch, providing valuable therapeutic benefits. These toys
play an essential role in supporting the sensory systems of children with Autism, helping them improve focus, calmness, and communication. Our partnership with EmPath for Autism Foundation has been incredibly special. EmPath, a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization, was created to support children and families affected by Autism. We’re also excited to sponsor their annual fundraiser, Circus
Bizircus Lunar, which took place on September 21st in Covington, KY. The proceeds from this event benefitted the Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital—an incredible cause that we’re
honored to support.
ABC Pediatric Therapy, a fantastic therapy center located in Cincinnati’s Western Hills, was instrumental in ensuring that the sensory toys we collected made it to the children who needed them most. ABC offers a range of pediatric therapies
in a child-friendly setting, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Their dedication to creating the best life for all children aligns perfectly with our mission of supporting families and improving quality of life.
Over the course of two weeks, we hosted collection points at our dealership locations, and thanks to the help of our team, customers, and supporters, we were able to gather a substantial number of sensory toys. At the end of the drive, the
Williams family personally delivered an entire SUV-load of toys to ABC Pediatric Therapy for distribution to local families in need.
At the Mark Williams Automotive Group, we’re proud to work alongside the EmPath for Autism Foundation and ABC Pediatric Therapy to bring awareness to the importance of sensory toys, therapy, and the potential role of cannabis in supporting
children with Autism. We are committed to making a positive impact on our community and are honored to be part of The Kindness Project. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this meaningful cause, and we look forward to continuing to
spread kindness together.
Toy Drive 2022 | Beechmont Ford
Toy Drive 2022: This holiday season, we teamed up with Toys for Tots to help bring smiles to children throughout our community. Thanks to the generosity of our customers and staff, we collected and donated hundreds of toys, making the holidays a little brighter for families in need. Toys for Tots is a charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve with the mission of collecting new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year and distributing them as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the communities where the campaigns are conducted. Founded in 1947 ...by Major Bill Hendrick’s, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in Los Angeles, California. The idea came about when Major Hendricks's wife, Diane, tried to donate a homemade doll to a charitable organization but couldn’t find one that distributed toys to children during the holidays. In response, Hendricks and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys that year, starting what would become a national movement.
Due to the overwhelming success, the U.S. Marine Corps adopted the program in 1948, expanding it nationwide.
#KindessProject2021: Donations for Flood Aid in Jackson, KY
Kindness Project 2021 - In this chapter, we sent Jeff Black to Jackson, KY in a Ford Transit Connect full of supplies to help those impacted by the recent floods in Jackson, KY. In March of 2021, Jackson Kentucky experienced significant flooding with water levels reaching heights not seen since 1984. Most common items that were requested were bleach, garbage bags and protective clothing. We were honored to help our community affected by the devastation.
#KindnessProject2020 I Beechmont Ford
Kindness Project 2020 - Spreading Kindness, One Cart at a Time! Leslie Williams recently took a trip to a local Kroger during the holidays and surprised a shopper by covering the cost of their groceries—just one small way we’re giving back and brightening someone’s day. It was a heartwarming reminder that even simple gestures can make a big impact!
The Giving Tree Located in Our Service Department!
The Giving Tree 2018 – At Mark Williams Automotive Group, we believe in the power of community and the joy of giving back. That’s why we’re proud to make seasons brighter with our giving tree—a simple, heartfelt way to make a meaningful difference during ...the holiday season.
When you stop by our Service Department, you’ll see our festive Giving Tree adorned with tags, each representing a gift wish from a local child or family in need. We invite you to pick a tag, purchase the listed item, and bring it back unwrapped. It’s a small gesture that brings a world of joy to someone who could use a little extra cheer this time of year.
Whether it's a toy, a warm coat, or a book, your donation helps make the holidays brighter for a neighbor in need. And while the gifts you give may seem small, their impact is huge—for both the recipient and the giver.
There’s truly no better feeling than spreading kindness, especially during the season of giving. Together, we can create moments of joy, hope, and connection—one gift at a time.
TRUNK OR TREAT 2018!
Trunk Or Treat 2018 - At Mark Williams Automotive Group, community involvement is at the heart of everything we do. This fall, we were proud to serve as a community sponsor for a local Trunk or Treat event—a fun, safe, and family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween while ...giving back to the neighborhoods we love.
From decorating car trunks to handing out candy and goodies, our team was thrilled to take part in the festivities and see so many smiling faces. But beyond the costumes and treats, events like these are about connection—bringing families together, supporting local organizations, and creating lasting memories for kids of all ages.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to support events that uplift our community and bring people closer together. Thank you to everyone who came out and made this Trunk or Treat a huge success. We can’t wait to see you again next year!
Because at Mark Williams Automotive Group, we don’t just sell vehicles—we invest in people
#KindnessProject2018
Kindness Project 2018 – In November 2018, Leslie Williams and Charlie Watson visited our local Kroger store with one simple mission: to find someone who could use a little extra support and give them a Thanksgiving they’d never forget. That day, we approached a random shopper and surprised them by paying for their entire cart full of groceries—no strings attached.
What made this moment so special wasn’t just the surprise—it was what the groceries represented. A full cart meant a full table. It meant a family could gather, share a warm meal, and enjoy the holiday without worrying about financial strain. In that moment, we weren’t just paying for food; we were helping provide comfort, dignity, and the joy that comes from simply being able to feed your family.
Today, we support the Clermont Animal Shelter!
Clermont Animal Care Humane Society 2018 – We partnered with the Clermont Animal Care Humane Society to raise $50,000 in 50 hours – The long-term goal is to reduce population on the streets so we can reduce the amount of animals euthanized each year. We also helped them acquire their 2018 Ford F-150 for their dog warden to help rescue animals off the street and to transport animals to from clinics for spay/neuter which ultimately helps with population control further reducing animals euthanized.