Community Involvement
Not only is Helms Auto Group doing great things in our community we have lots to celebrate in our dealership!
Jean-Paul Charvet (JP), Sales Manager at Helms Bros., graduated in April from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Academy, Class N453.
The Academy is a year-long program designed for managers from across the country, where they are taught by industry experts how to operate successful and profitable dealerships. JP graduated at the top of his class! We are incredibly proud of him and excited for him to share his knowledge and leadership with our team.
Congratulations, JP!
ST. MARY’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING 19TH ANNUAL BIG HEARTS WALK ON MAY 18TH
St. Mary’s honors two community leaders for their outstanding contributions; hundreds gather to support New York’s most critically ill and injured children.
BAYSIDE, NY – On Sunday, May 18th, Crocheron Park in Bayside was filled with hundreds of enthusiastic community members participating in the 19th Annual Big Hearts Walk, a charity walk-a-thon hosted by St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. The event raised over $165,000—marking a record-breaking year in support of St. Mary’s mission to care for New York’s most medically fragile children.
This year’s celebration recognized Kirstin Callahan Austin, Vice President of Helms Auto Group, and Claire Mahon, Lead Therapeutic Activities Assistant at St. Mary’s, for their remarkable commitment to the organization and its patients.
Kirstin Callahan Austin, a driving force in the Queens business community, has continued the philanthropic legacy of her family through leadership at Helms Auto Group. The group, including Helms Brothers Mercedes-Benz, Bayside Volkswagen, and Volvo Cars of Queens, has contributed more than $125,000 to St. Mary’s since 1990. Kirstin also serves on the Board of the Alley Pond Environmental Center and remains active in numerous community initiatives.
Claire Mahon began her career with St. Mary’s as a student intern in 2014 and has since become a cornerstone of the therapeutic recreation program. Her compassionate and creative approach has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and families throughout her decade of service.
“Kirstin and Claire embody the heart and spirit of the St. Mary’s community—Kirstin through her decades of unwavering philanthropic support, and Claire through her hands-on dedication to our patients,” said Dr. Edwin Simpser, President and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. “We are honored to celebrate their contributions as this year’s Big Hearts Walk honorees.”
The event featured a family-friendly walk followed by a vibrant carnival with games, raffles, face painting, music, arts and crafts, and a performance by the NYPD Band. Officer Jonathan Perez, who performed at the event, shared, “A lot of these kids are in tough spots—you know, music heals. If we can give them some joy, that’s what we’re here to do.”
Several families shared emotional stories of perseverance. Vanessa Del Rosario reflected on her daughter Lana’s incredible journey at St. Mary’s: “When she was first admitted, she was completely ventilator dependent. She is now completely weaned off the vents, making amazing progress in all her therapies. We have found a family here within the St. Mary’s family.”
The walk also served as a heartfelt tribute to children who have passed. One mother honored her son Lukas, who passed away in March 2024 at age 2: “We’re very grateful for all of our friends and family that continue to come down and support us and our warrior Lukas. This day is so special for so many people. We will continue to be here and support St. Mary’s.”
Since its founding, the Big Hearts Walk has raised nearly $400,000 for specialized therapies, long-term care, and early education for children with complex medical needs. St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children remains one of the only organizations in the country solely focused on providing intensive rehabilitation and long-term care for children with special healthcare needs.
To donate or learn more, visit stmaryskids.org/walk2025
Alley Pond Environmental Center Honors VP of Helms Group
The Helms Group is proud to celebrate the recognition of Kirstin Callahan Austin, Vice President of Helms Auto Group, as an honoree at the Alley Pond Environmental Center’s (APEC) Green Gala. This prestigious honor highlights Kirstin’s dedication to environmental education and community enrichment — values that are at the heart of our organization.
The Green Gala also marked the unveiling of APEC’s new LEED-certified community resource and education center. Elected officials, community leaders, environmental advocates, educators, and supporters gathered to celebrate this milestone achievement.
During the event, APEC expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Bros. Inc. and other generous donors whose contributions made the launch of the new facility possible.
We extend our sincere congratulations to the Alley Pond Environmental Center on the opening of this remarkable new building. We are honored to support initiatives that foster environmental stewardship, education, and a stronger community for future generations. Read More Here
APEC’s 2023 Green Gala Proudly Sponsored by Helms Group
The Helms Group proudly sponsored the Alley Pond Environmental Center’s 2023 Green Gala. Alley Pond is a nonprofit organization in Queens dedicated to educating the community on environmental issues and preserving natural spaces in the New York metropolitan area. With the completion of its new facility on the horizon, the center celebrated its progress and supporters at the annual Green Gala on April 26th, 2023, at Terrace on the Park. As a sponsor, the Helms Group proudly contributed to the success of this event and gladly continues to support the center’s continued efforts to provide environmental education to over 72,000 individuals each year.
Helms Auto Group proudly Supports Bayside Little League.
Helms Bros. Mercedes-Benz is proud to join the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in collecting toys for children in need. If you wish to help make the holidays a little brighter for New York families this Christmas season, you may drop off a new, unwrapped toy at our showroom or service facility now through December 17th. We at Helms Bros. Mercedes-Benz thank you so much for your support in helping the children of our community!
Drop Off Locations:
Showroom: 208-24 Northern Blvd, Bayside, NY
Service Center: 171-10 Station Road, Flushing, NY
For the past 4 years, the Helms Group has participated in the NY Cares Coat Drive.
Home of the free because of the brave. Show your support.
EARN YOUR BOOTS
Join the Johnny Mac family by committing to support our Johnny Mac scholars at $20 each month, year after year. That volunteer force needs to know we have their backs. It’s the least we can do.
Since 2014, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund has awarded $7.5 million in scholarships to veterans and military family members, especially children of the fallen or disabled. There are now nearly 1000 Johnny Mac Scholars attending schools all over the country.
Helms Bros. Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month
We all know someone whose life has been impacted by breast cancer, whether a survivor or the friend or loved one of someone who is. Here at Helms Bros., we strongly support those affected by this disease, and we urge everyone – men and women alike – to get screened. Doctors and scientists don’t know all the causes of breast cancer; therefore, early detection remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. With about 1.38 million new cases and 458,000 deaths from breast cancer each year (IARC Globocan, 2008), we encourage you to honor those at every step of the breast cancer journey and donate to charities like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, many of which provide mammograms for those in need, educate the community, and give hope to those who need it most.
