The 2025 Subaru Love Promise Community Commitment Award
We are honored to be nationally recognized by Subaru of America, Inc. for our dedication to our community, and the Subaru Love Promise.
The 2025 Subaru Love Promise Community Commitment Award recognizes elite Subaru retailer who provide an exceptional customer experience at every interaction with Subaru. These retailers have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting passions and causes in their local communities in important areas such as environment, community, health, education, and pets.
Here at Subaru, we love our community as much as we love our vehicles and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of all of our customers and neighbors.
What is the Subaru Love Promise?
Subaru and our retailers believe in making the world a better place and the Subaru Love Promise is our vision of respecting all people. This is our commitment to show love and respect to our customers and to work to make a positive impact in the world.
How is Capitol Subaru of Salem dedicated locally to the Love Promise?
At Capitol Subaru, our Love Promise to the Salem area can be in seen in various partnerships with local charities and nonprofits. We're grateful for the opportunity, not only to be a part of the Salem community, but to serve it as well.
Oregon Humane Society- Salem Campus
Eco-friendly technology, Straub Enviornmental Center
SMART, Salem-Keizer Education, Salem New Car Dealership Assoc, Soroptimists
United Way of Marion/Polk Co
American Heart Association, Marion/Polk Medical Society, Med Assist, Salem Health Organization, West Valley Hospital
Love Promise Stories from Capitol Subaru of Salem
Subaru and Capitol Subaru of Salem believe in making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. We uphold that belief through our Love Promise Community Commitment. Every month, we select inspiring stories from customers and partners from around our area who strive to support our collective commitment and feature them here
Yappy Yoga a Huge Success - Brian S
Since 2017, Capitol Subaru and Yoga + Beer have teamed up to create Yappy Yoga—a playful, heartfelt community event benefiting the Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus. What started in the service bay of the dealership has blossomed into a signature tradition in Capitol Subaru’s new community pavilion. Even after a pause during COVID, the event came back stronger, proving that great partnerships—and wagging tails—can’t be kept down for long. Each year, more than 50 people and 15+ dogs roll out their mats to practice together. The dogs are the stars of the show—often wandering, barking, and bringing laughter to the flow. For many, it’s their favorite yoga class of the year, not just because of the joy of practicing alongside four-legged companions, but because it gives back in a meaningful way. Together, we’ve raised more than $5,000 for the Oregon Humane Society, helping pets in need find loving homes. Capitol Subaru makes it more than a class. They treat every detail with care—providing food for participants, hiring local businesses for dog grooming, and gathering beer and prize donations to make the practice unforgettable. Their commitment shines through in every aspect of Yappy Yoga. It’s community spirit in action—Subaru at its very best—bringing people and pets together while strengthening the bonds that make Salem a community we are all proud to live, work, drive and thrive in. --
Showing HEART doesn't alway mean selling a car - Emily C
This isn’t my story, but it moved me just as much as Herb Hoffman's Shinning Star story did in 2023. I work at Capitol Subaru of Salem, and a few months ago, my coworker Alex Iker (Subaru Sales) went above and beyond for a family in need — and I have no doubt they’ll be back to work with him in the future. At Capitol Auto Group, we have a program called Elevating the Moment, where employees can be recognized auto group wide with our own Shining Star Award. Each of our dealerships has access to a company credit card with no spending limit. Every employee can use it at any time — not to "save" a deal, but to take a good customer experience and make it unforgettable. That brings me to Alex’s story. A young couple, long-time Capitol customers, came in to see Alex about upgrading their car. They were expecting a baby and were understandably concerned about the reliability of their current vehicle, it often left them stranded. Becoming first-time parents had shifted their priorities toward safety and peace of mind. Alex took the time to sit with them, hear their story and tried everything he could to help. Unfortunately, due to their financial situation, they weren’t able to purchase a new vehicle at this time. But Alex didn't just end the conversation there. He listened closely to their concerns, being a devoted father of two himself and knowing how much stress they were under, he decided to use our Elevate fund to purchase them a full year of AAA coverage. It wasn’t a sale, but it was a gesture of care, trust, and humanity. Alex turned what could have been a disappointing day into a moment of support and reassurance. The couple couldn't believe the act of kindness Alex showed to them that day. They may not have driven off in a new car, but they left with something just as valuable — peace of mind. And you can bet they’ll be back when the time is right. It's story's like this that make this job feel so rewarding, the money doesn't hold a candle to the warmth I felt hearing what Alex did. I got into the automotive industry four years ago because I wanted to change the stigma and fear that surrounds purchasing and maintaining a vehicle. Knowing I have co-workers that stand by me that share the same dreams of making the world a better place is one of the most meaningful things to me. Since I started working with him four years ago, Alex is, and always has been the epitome of a Subaru Shining Star.
Capitol Subaru of Salem - Tovi E
On June 25th, Capitol Subaru of Salem partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Salem Health Cancer Center through the Subaru Loves to Care initiative. This partnership involved delivering blankets, patient care kits, and messages of hope to cancer patients. This year, Capitol Subaru of Salem will also support the LLS Urgent Need Program, Pediatric, which will provide 5 pediatric blood cancer patient households with financial relief to help offset non-medical costs associated with treatment, such as transportation, food, housing, utilities, etc. It was an amazing delivery day filled with kindness and connection. Through Capitol Subaru of Salem participation in these programs, it shows they care. Capitol Subaru of Salem consistently shows up and shows out for their community, and that impact was felt on the delivery day. Salem Health Cancer Center was a joy to work with, and we were so happy they were the recipients of Capitol Subaru Salem donation this year. We are so grateful to work and live in a community that takes care of one another. Thank you, Capitol Subaru of Salem and thank you Salem Health Cancer Center for being firm in your mission to help others.
Capitol Subaru Loves to Care - Brian S
Capitol Subaru partnered with the Salem Health Cancer Center to deliver more than 80 blankets and 10 patient care kits as well as messages of hope from Capitol Subaru employees and customers in June. "We were so thrilled and appreciative of Capitol Subaru for choosing us to receive these items, and also so proud of Subaru of America for having this amazing program" said Zeth Lannigan from Salem Hospital. Capitol Subaru has partnered with the Salem Hospital for Loves to Care for the last 6 years. "The Salem Hospital is a great partner and they do such great work for our community" said Brian Schindler, Director of Business Development for Capitol Subaru.
Capitol Subaru of Salem Supports Family Building Blocks - Eli T
Imagine having to go without a coat, shoes, or even socks. For millions of children and adults experiencing homelessness and other urgent need situations across the country, even here in Salem, this can be a harsh reality. Helping others is the key to a strong community which is why Capitol Subaru of Salem believes in helping to support individuals and families in urgent need. This season, for our Subaru Loves to Help® initiative, we are partnering with Operation Warm®, a national nonprofit focused on connecting children with the resources they need to thrive. Through this partnership and other historical Subaru Loves to Help efforts, Subaru and retailers like us will have helped nearly 900,000 children and adults in urgent need so far. On 1/23/25, Capitol Subaru of Salem partnered with Family Building Blocks and donated 300 shoes/socks to children in urgent need. These essential items not only help keep children protected, warm, and dry, it can have a significant impact on a child’s mental and emotional well-being.
Wet-n-Wild Walk-n-Wag - Brian S
Capitol Subaru’s annual title sponsorship of the Walk-n-Wag has helped a small program make a huge difference for local pets and the hospice patients who cherish them. The dog walk is a fun way to garner community support for WVH’s nationally recognized Pet Peace of Mind® program. Rain or shine, we’ve gathered dog lovers at Minto Brown Island Park for 12 years! The local PPOM program has grown in volunteer involvement and in direct pet spending from $5,000 per year to $23,800 in 2024, helping 131 animals of 85 patients in that year alone. Capitol Subaru’s leadership in giving has allowed us to go beyond the basics to more expensive vet care like dental surgeries, lab tests, and spays/neuters when they are needed, as well as extended boarding when it takes a while for a pet to be adopted after their person has died. Capitol Subaru is a major donor for local flagship charities like the Oregon Humane Society and United Way. We are so grateful that they also value the specialized care that Willamette Vital Health provides to hospice patients and their pets when they need each other the most.
Our Tails are Wagging with Gratitude - Sherri P
On a perfect Saturday in June, over 400 people, in addition to many, many dogs, showed up for pets in need by participating in the Oregon Humane Society, Salem Campus Doggie Dash. This walk/run raised critical funds to help our shelter team provide the necessary medical care, love and time to shelter animals. Animals like Hank. Hank the dog had a rough start in life before coming to OHS Salem. He had a broken leg, lacerations and trauma. With support from our donors and dedicated corporate partners like Capitol Subaru, Hank received the life-changing surgery and medical attention he needed, all at the Salem Campus, and is now recovering in a loving foster home. When he's ready, he'll be back at the shelter until a new family chooses him. We can't thank Capitol Subaru enough for always going the extra mile to help pets and people in our community.
Samantha's wish to become a Park Ranger! - Fletcher J
Capitol Subaru has long been a champion of the community and Make-A-Wish Oregon has been a big part of their community giving for over 6 years! This year, Capitol is helping to make Samantha's wish to become a Park Ranger come true and hosted the 8-year-old and her extended family for a huge celebration at their retail location earlier this week. Sammy, as she is affectionately known, will be heading to Grand Teton National Park later this summer to have her wish come true and this kiddo, who is dealing with a heart condition could not be more excited! Capitol Subaru's efforts have granted wishes for numerous children in the Salem area, affecting the lives of those kids, their families, and everyone in their circle. Over $110,000 has changed the course of numerous lives and brought happiness and light in the midst of unimaginable circumstances. Thank you to Alex, Carrie, Brian, and the entire Capitol Subaru of Salem team for yet again, making magic come to life with Sammy's party!
Sharing the Love - Sherri P
Because of support from generous partners like Capitol Subaru, Oregon Humane Society, Salem Campus, is able to help dogs and cats in need. For the 11th year in a row, Capitol Subaru has selected Oregon Humane Society, Salem Campus, as their hometown charity of choice for the Share the Love Program. The incredibly impactful gift of $60,000 has helped us provide medical care, shelter and food for over 3,000 animals in 2024. Animals like Growler, just one of dozens of large dogs (running free on a property), who needed someone to be their a voice -- and give them a second a chance. OHS Salem was able to assist the dozens of dogs by providing spay and neuter services, administering medical assistance, and giving these dogs a new beginning at the shelter. Our life-saving work for pets and people in need in our local community is only possible through the generosity of partners like Capitol Subaru and Subaru of America. Our hearts are filled with gratitude to Capitol Subaru for always Sharing the Love. And a big round of a-paws, woofs and purrrrs from all the furry friends you support.
Capitol Subaru – a Dedicated Paw-tner! - Vincent P
Capitol Subaru has been a dedicated partner and supporter of the Oregon Humane Society’s Salem Campus for over a decade, making a profound difference in the lives of our shelter animals. Recently, their generous donation of $60,000 furthered our mission to create a more humane society. Thanks to their support, we found homes for 3,250 animals through our Salem campus, a vital resource to the Mid-Valley community. While finding homes for so many of our furry friends is impressive, it’s also important to remember that every animal has a unique journey. Moose, for example, came to Oregon Humane Society's Salem Campus as an active Labrador in need of an adopter who could give him plenty of exercise. In no time, staff and volunteers learned that he was very social, and belly rubs were the key to his heart. When Moose’s energy was at an all-time high, he struggled with puppy habits like mouthing and jumping up. Over time, staff and volunteers learned what he needed, and he began to settle. Thanks to the support of Capitol Subaru, animals like Moose can stay at OHS as long as it takes for them to find their home. Moose eventually became a star at OHS’ Summer Camp, and he showed off his good boy skills by staying calm around high-energy kids –which can be challenging for a friendly and active dog. Moose's perfect match came along after a few months, and now he spends his days going on adventures and getting as many belly rubs as he wants. Thank you to Capitol Subaru for making stories like this one possible!
