MESA, AZ — March 12, 2026 — Sun Auto Tire & Service today announced the launch of Drive With Purpose, a community impact initiative that enables teammates and guests to participate in meaningful community partnership through every service visit. The program was built from Sun Auto’s independent shop roots and is focused on local action with national support.
“Drive With Purpose is a platform in which we can support our local communities every day,” said Tony Puckett, Sun Auto Tire & Service CEO. “It connects the automotive service work that we are doing in our stores to the opportunity to serve others in need within our local markets and gives our teams and guests a great way to support these amazing charitable organizations. Every mile truly matters, and this is how we bring that to life.”
Built Around Three Primary Focus Areas
Drive With Purpose is organized around three focus areas that reflect how Sun Auto serves the communities where its stores operate:
Community Drivers support local events, food banks, and grassroots efforts that strengthen the neighborhoods Sun Auto serves, while creating new ways for routine maintenance to contribute to fundraising efforts.
Veteran Causes focus on supporting our nation’s veterans and first responders through trusted nonprofit partners, with programs that promote mobility, independence, and pathways to meaningful careers beyond service.
Educational Development invests in technical education and workforce training, helping create new pathways for future technicians and strengthening the long-term health of the automotive industry.
Continued Investment in Our Communities
This program is not an entirely new development for Sun Auto; last year, the company invested over $70,000 toward charitable giving and has already donated $30,000 in Q1 of this year. Sun Auto is focusing enhanced support to organizations focused on veterans, workforce development, and community partnership.
In January, over 700 teammates attended the DRIVE 2026 Leadership Workshop in Arizona. Regional teams from across the Sun Auto Network competed for donations toward charities in their local communities with check presentations in February.
This includes:
$10,000 to America’s VetDogs, providing service dogs that restore mobility and independence for veterans and first responders, with a check presentation in Lincoln, NE.
“Connecting Sun Auto’s daily work to community impact helps provide service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities, changing lives by increasing independence, confidence, and mobility. America’s VetDogs is proud to partner in an effort where every mile matters,” said John Miller, America’s VetDogs President & CEO.
$7,500 to Susan G. Komen, supporting breast cancer research, patient care, and advocacy, with a presentation in Mobile, AL. In addition to supporting their Nashville, TN Band as One concert with Trisha Yearwood and friends.
“We are incredibly grateful for Sun Auto Network’s partnership and commitment to Susan G. Komen’s mission,” said April Douglas, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen for Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. “Every dollar from this continued collaboration directly fuels lifesaving research, supports patients navigating treatment, and advances advocacy efforts to ensure access to care in the Southeast.”
$5,000 to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting veterans, first responders, and their families through housing stability and long-term support programs, with a presentation in Paducah, KY.
“Tunnel to Towers is so grateful for Sun Auto Tire & Service’s continued dedication to America’s military and first responder families. In this 25th anniversary year of 9/11, this donation will help us ensure that America Never Forgets our nation’s greatest heroes,” said Tunnel to Towers Chairman & CEO Frank Siller.
$3,750 in TechForce Foundation, helping build the next generation of technicians through scholarships, training, and career development initiatives, with a presentation in Queen Creek, AZ.
“At TechForce Foundation, we believe strong communities are built by strong career pathways. Sun Auto’s support through Drive With Purpose helps open doors for students pursuing technical education and careers in the automotive industry. We’re grateful for their partnership and their commitment to building the next generation of skilled professionals,” said George Giltner, Vice President of Development.
$3,750 to No Kid Hungry, providing meals and hunger relief through local food banks and community partnerships, with a presentation in Sachse, TX.
“Today, nearly 14 million children in America live in families struggling with hunger. We can end child hunger in America. That’s the goal—and the promise—of the No Kid Hungry campaign. Together, we work to ensure that every kid gets three meals a day, 365 days a year. We are very grateful for Sun Auto’s generous donation because it is contributions like this that bring us closer to this goal,” said Susan Karlen, Associate Director of Partnership Development.
About Sun Auto Tire & Service and the Sun Auto Network
Sun Auto Tire & Service owns and operates more than 550 tire and service centers across the United States. Together, these company-owned locations form the Sun Auto Network — delivering a consistent guest experience built on a Driver Commitment to Clarity, Confidence and Customer Care.
As one of the nation’s largest independent tire and automotive service providers, Sun Auto invests in the technology, training and resources that power each store’s success. Whether it’s routine maintenance or major repairs, Sun Auto helps drivers stay confident behind the wheel — while supporting the communities they call home.
Drive Confidently. Learn more at sun.auto/network.
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