SEPTEMBER CONCERT & EVENT GUIDE

For most people in the tri-state area, the name Larry Bennett is synonymous with Audubon Chrysler, a dealership known for reliable vehicles, fair deals, and a friendly atmosphere, “Where the Viper sits high in the sky!” But for many local nonprofits, Larry’s name means something else entirely: it represents consistent, practical support that helps keep important community programs running. Over the years, his contributions have helped organizations serving both people and animals extend their reach, improve their facilities, and better fulfill their missions.

His impact isn’t limited to nonprofits. Larry has a long history of stepping up for local law enforcement as well. Former Evansville Police Chief Billy Bolin recalls first seeing Larry’s generosity in the 1990s when the Henderson Police Department received several donated vehicles from him, including a Dodge Stealth for their DARE program. Years later, as Evansville’s Chief of Police, Bolin approached Larry about providing vehicles for school resource officers. Within months, those officers were driving Jeeps customized to match their schools, later upgraded to trucks. Larry also donated vehicles for undercover detectives and continued similar support in Henderson. “There are few people who have done as much for local law enforcement as Larry Bennett,” Bolin says.

BUILDING ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY: HOPE DOT COM CORP

Another organization benefiting from his generosity is Hope Dot Com Corp, a nonprofit dedicated to serving unhoused men, women, and children. Their programs address immediate needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, while also connecting individuals to resources that can help them move toward stability.

Transportation is one of the biggest challenges for the people they serve. Without reliable access to vehicles, getting to a job interview, medical appointment, or even a community event can be a major hurdle. That’s where Larry’s support has made a real difference.

Through the donation of vehicles, Hope Dot Com has been able to:

• Transport children to Camp for Champs, a summer program focused on building confidence and skills.

• Deliver vital resources—like clothing, hygiene kits, and food—to those in need.

• Collect donations from community partners and distribute them to clients.

• Ensure adult clients can access events, workshops, and essential services.

“Larry’s support extends beyond logistics,” says Founder and CEO Cathy Myers. “It’s helped us connect more deeply with the community we serve and reach people who might otherwise go without help. The vehicles he’s provided have allowed us to remove a barrier that can make all the difference in someone’s life.”

A LIFELINE FOR LOCAL ANIMALS: NEW HOPE ANIMAL RESCUE

Larry’s commitment to helping the community extends to its four-legged residents as well. New Hope Animal Rescue is a local shelter dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and finding homes for dogs and cats. Like many animal rescues, they operate on tight budgets and rely heavily on community support to meet their daily needs.

One of the shelter’s most pressing needs has always been transportation. Whether it’s getting a sick kitten to the vet, picking up dogs from another shelter, or attending adoption events, reliable vehicles are essential. Larry stepped in by donating two vans to New Hope, giving them the ability to move animals quickly and safely.

“These vans have been game-changers for us,” the shelter says. “We can now reach more potential adopters at community events, and we’re able to get animals the medical care they need without delays.”

His support didn’t stop there. Understanding that the shelter’s physical space impacts the comfort and well-being of the animals, Larry also funded:

• A new heating and air conditioning unit to maintain a safe, comfortable environment year-round.

• A new roof to protect the building from weather damage.

• LED lighting throughout the facility, reducing energy costs while making the space brighter and more inviting for both animals and visitors.

Perhaps most significantly, Larry paid off the remaining mortgage on the shelter’s building. This step reduced the shelter’s monthly expenses and freed up resources for veterinary care, food, and enrichment for the animals.

“That took a huge financial burden off our shoulders,” the New Hope team explains. “It allowed us to focus on what matters most— caring for and saving animals. Without that kind of help, it would be much harder to keep going.”

Those who know Larry describe him as someone who looks for ways to help quietly, without fanfare. If he sees a need and knows he can meet it, he does. That same philosophy extends to his business practices at Audubon Chrysler, where he emphasizes fairness, trust, and building long-term relationships with customers.

This practical mindset means that when Larry gives, it’s not just a gesture, it’s something that solves a problem.

Whether it’s donating a van, covering a critical repair, or funding a facility upgrade, his contributions are designed to have lasting impact.

The Ripple Effect

While Larry may not seek recognition, his involvement has a ripple effect. When other business owners and community members see tangible results from local partnerships, they’re more likely to step in and support as well.

Cathy Myers has seen this firsthand. “Partnerships like these show people that they can make a difference, whether they’re donating funds, offering a service, or simply volunteering their time. It’s a reminder that there are many ways to get involved.”

For animal lovers, that might mean fostering a pet until it finds a permanent home. For others, it could be helping transport animals to appointments or donating food and supplies.

How The Community Can Help

The work of nonprofits like Hope Dot Com and New Hope relies on many hands and many hearts. While large contributions like Larry’s make a big impact, smaller acts of generosity add up, too.

• Volunteer: Both organizations rely on volunteers to keep programs running.

• Donate: Monetary contributions, supplies, and equipment are always welcome.

• Adopt or Foster: Giving a pet a home— whether temporary or permanent—frees up space and resources for others in need.

• Spread the Word: Sharing adoption events, fundraisers, and success stories helps reach more people.

A Community Effort

Larry Bennett may be known for selling cars, but for the people and pets served by Hope Dot Com and New Hope, he’s also a steady, reliable partner. His contributions are part of a larger picture, a community that steps up to help its own, in ways big and small. As Cathy Meyers describes him, “He is a difference maker,” and people like Larry remind us that change happens when individuals, businesses, and nonprofits work together toward a shared goal: making life better for those who need it most.