Through a local event and a matching donation from Pecheles Automotive and Toyota, $80,000 was raised to benefit local Boys and Girls clubs.

Pecheles Automotive and Toyota recently pledged to match donors’ gifts, up to $30,000, at the annual Ultimate Pregame Party presented by Yadkin Bank. The event was held as a fundraiser benefitting local Boys and Girls clubs, according to a Pecheles press release. A record-breaking attendance of 740 people was one of two highlights of the night — the other, a hefty donation from Pecheles Automotive and Toyota. This generated over $40,000 in addition to the matching gift, making the event the highest-raising live appeal for the local Boys and Girls clubs, the release said.

According to Beth Nosay, marketing specialist and customer relations manager, Pecheles Toyota also nominated the area Boys and Girls clubs to receive an additional matching grant from the Toyota Dealer Match Program, which involves Pecheles donating $100 per car they sell, Nosay said.

For the second year in a row, Toyota has given a $10,000 grant to local Boys and Girls clubs, matching a portion of donations made by Pecheles Toyota, she said.

According to the release, Pecheles Automotive has been a long-time benefactor of the local Boys and Girls clubs.

“Investing in our children is one of the best choices we can make,” said Brian Pecheles, owner and president of Pecheles Automotive. “The work of the Boys and Girls clubs brings vitality and hope to our communities. We are pleased that our contribution could encourage others to support that effort.”

Misty Marston, president and CEO of Boys and Girls clubs serving Pitt, Lenoir, Beaufort and Greene counties, spoke about the donation, as well as Pecheles’ philanthropic endeavors in the community.

“Pecheles Automotive is truly driving great futures,” Marston said. “I think this matching gift was another example of Pecheles Automotive leading the way in philanthropy in our region. By motivating others to give, the Pecheles gift was also multiplied.”

According to the release, Pecheles Toyota is part of the Pecheles Automotive group of dealerships. Pecheles Automotive is made up of three dealerships, representing eight brands — Joe Pecheles Volkswagen-Audi-Hyundai-Mitsubishi in Greenville, Pecheles Ford-Toyota-Scion in Washington, and Pecheles Honda in New Bern. It has been family-owned and operated since 1965 and has 200 automotive professionals, the release said.

Pecheles Toyota is located at 4020 Highway 264 West in Washington. Visit Pecheles online at www.pechelescars.com.