Graue recognized as "Best Friend of Parks"

[September 23, 2015]  LINCOLN - On Thursday morning, Jacki Pavlik, Fitness Director at the Lincoln Park District, and Park District board member Jayne Weaver paid a surprise visit to Chris Graue of Graue Chevrolet. Their purpose was to notify Graue that he and his dealership had been awarded the Best Friend of Parks - Small Business Award.

Graue, and Graue Inc. were nominated by the Lincoln Park District for the award, and were chosen from a large number of entries.

Part of the nomination process included the submission of two essays, a long version and a shorter one. The essays were put together under the direction of the Park District by Pavlik.

On Thursday Graue was given a copy of one essay, in which it is noted that he and his family are very supportive of the Park District. They are active members who use the workout programs on a regular basis. Graue also provides the towel service for the Park District. In addition, he encourages his staff to be involved in the Park District and has often assisted them with their membership and their personal training sessions at the LPD.

Pavlik and Weaver commented that Graue and his dealership were huge assets to the Park District, and they are thankful for all that Graue does to promote and help the district.

The Graue Family along with their dealership in Lincoln has done a great deal for various factions of the community. They are huge supporters of the activities at Lincoln Community High School. So much that this weekend, Graue Chevrolet employees will be involved in not one, but two fundraisers for booster clubs at the high school.

On Friday night, Graue will be at the Railers Football game with a fundraiser to support the Football Boosters.

On Saturday, there will be a test drive fundraiser at the dealership with proceeds going to the LCHS Choir, as well as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Thursday Graue said that for each test drive taken on Saturday $25 will be given to the booster club, and $10 will be given to the JDRF. He said that there would be a ceiling on the donation. The boosters will receive up to $2,000, and the JDRF will receive up to $1,000.

The fundraiser is being done solely by the Graue dealership with no corporate sponsorship from General Motors.

Graue is also one of the founding members of the Up in Smoke Barbecue Competition and has worked continually to promote and improve that annual event in downtown Lincoln.

There are numerous other programs that the Graue Dealership and the Graue family support including youth programs and community programs that work to help others.

On Thursday, Graue said he was very surprised and honored to have been recognized by the Friends of Parks and the Lincoln Park District. Graue was presented with a large bag of goodies from Abe's Carmelcorn Shop to share with his staff. A trophy commemorating the award will be presented at a later date.

[Nila Smith]