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To benefit Utica & Rome Elementary Schools The Steet Ponte Auto Group is proud to announce the return of our 8th Annual Coats for Kids Coat Drive! As the colder months approach, we are once again collecting NEW winter outerwear in any children’s size to help keep local kids warm this winter. We invite our community to join us in this mission by donating coats, snow pants, boots, hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves. Donations can be dropped off at Steet Ponte VW located at 5046 Commercial Drive in Yorkville —just look for the specially designated vehicle or drop-off area in our showrooms. How We’re Giving Back This year, each of our stores is partnering with schools in their community to directly support local families in need: Steet Toyota of Johnstown – donating to Mayfield and Gloversville Elementary Schools Steet Ponte Chevy (Herkimer) – donating to Herkimer, CVA, and Frankfort Elementary Schools Yorkville stores (United Auto Sales of Utica, Steet Ponte VW, Steet Ponte Ford Lincoln, Steet Ponte Mazda, Steet Toyota of Yorkville, and Steet Ponte Nissan) – donating to Utica and Rome City Schools How You Can Help If you’d like to participate, simply bring a donation of new children’s winter outerwear to any of our dealerships. Whether it’s a warm coat, sturdy boots, or cozy mittens, every item will help make a difference for a child in our community. Together, with your help, we can ensure that kids across the Mohawk Valley and Fulton County stay warm, safe, and ready to learn this winter.

At Steet Ponte VW, giving back to our community is at the heart of what we do. This August, our dealerships came together for our 2nd Annual Backpack & School Supplies Drive —and we’re thrilled to share the impact it made! With generous donations collected across all eight of our dealerships, we were able to purchase and deliver over 500 backpacks, each filled with essential school supplies, to local elementary students. Our goal was simple: to help students in need start the school year strong and on the right foot—and thanks to our team and community, we did just that. One Friday, a dedicated group of our employees rolled up their sleeves and spent the day packing the backpacks with everything a student might need: Notebooks Folders Pencils Crayons A ruler Glue sticks Erasers Highlighters A pencil pouch Each dealership then proudly donated the backpacks to local schools in their community: Steet Toyota of Johnstown: 130 backpacks to Johnstown and Gloversville Elementary Schools Steet Ponte Chevy (Herkimer): 124 backpacks to Herkimer, CVA, and Frankfort Elementary Schools United Auto Sales, Steet Ponte VW, Steet Ponte Ford Lincoln, Steet Ponte Mazda, Steet Toyota of Yorkville, and Steet Ponte Nissan: 250 backpacks to the Utica City School District We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for everyone who contributed to make this initiative possible. Education is one of the most powerful tools for a brighter future, and we’re honored to support local students as they head back into the classroom this school year. Here’s to another successful drive—and to continuing our tradition of giving back to the communities we serve!

Steet Ponte Volkswagen was delighted to sponsor the inaugural Mesta Fiesta, a joyful community event presented by El Zorro Radio Latino, the Mohawk Valley Latino Association, and the Utica Zoo. Hosted amidst the playful atmosphere of the Utica Zoo’s Dinosaur Discovery exhibit, Mesta Fiesta celebrated Latino heritage with food, music, and family fun galore. What Happened at Mesta Fiesta Attendees enjoyed a packed lineup of activities including: Mariachi band “Los Trios Caveles”, whose music filled the air with lively melodies. Tacos Don Fernando, serving up delicious local favorites from their food truck. A children’s parade, where dressed-up kids marched along and received free future zoo tickets—bringing smiles all around. Full access to the Utica Zoo, including ambassador animal presentations and the exciting Dino Discovery with more than a dozen interactive animatronic dinosaurs sprinkled throughout the zoo grounds. Utica Zoo Oneida County Tourism El Zorro Radio Latino’s owner, Mindy Barstein, shared her passion for unity, noting: “One of our missions … is to bring ‘Unity to the Community,’ and this continues to bring different cultures together.” Data USA El Zorro Radio Meanwhile, Utica Zoo Director Andria Heath emphasized the zoo’s role as a welcoming, inclusive destination for families across the Mohawk Valley. Data USA A Spotlight on El Zorro Radio Latino El Zorro Radio Latino is the only full-format Latino radio station serving Central New York, broadcasting on 98.3 FM, 103.3 FM, 1420 AM, and 1450 AM. El Zorro Radio Wikipedia The station plays a vital role in amplifying Latino culture and connecting communities across the Utica–Rome area. TuneIn El Zorro Radio The Latino Community—A Vital Part of Utica As of recent data, around 14–14.6% of Utica’s residents identify as Hispanic or Latino—a significant presence enriching the community. Data USA Neilsberg Latino communities have long been part of the region’s fabric, contributing to its vibrant cultural and social landscape. Utica University The Utica Zoo & Dino Discovery—Family and Fun Combined The Dino Discovery exhibit, running through mid-October, brings over a dozen lifelike animatronic dinosaurs to the zoo—complete with movement, sound, and even water-spray effects. Utica Zoo Oneida County Tourism It’s the perfect backdrop for a family-friendly festival celebrating culture, community, and curiosity. Why We’re Proud to Be a Sponsor At Steet Ponte VW, we believe in supporting events that enrich our community—especially those that honor diversity, creativity, and togetherness. Mesta Fiesta embodied all of that and more. From the mariachi beats to the dinosaur roars, the event brought families and cultures together in joy and celebration. We were honored to be part of it and look forward to seeing this festival grow in years to come.

There’s nothing quite like a summer evening at the New Hartford Farmer’s Market — and this year, the Steet Ponte Auto Group is proud to be the official Entertainment Sponsor! Each week, we’ve loved being part of this vibrant community event, where families, friends, and neighbors gather for great food, live music, and local fun. From toe-tapping tunes and talented local bands to the smell of fresh produce and sizzling food truck fare, it’s been a highlight of our summer. We’re especially proud to support the live music entertainment each week, helping to create a fun and relaxing atmosphere for all ages. With fresh-squeezed lemonade, amazing local vendors, and the ever-popular Kid’s Tent offering new activities each week, the Farmer’s Market is truly a can’t-miss experience for the whole family. The season wraps up on Tuesday, August 27th, and we hope you’ll join us for the final few weeks! Whether you’re stopping by for fresh corn, a sweet treat, or just to enjoy the music, we’re so grateful to help make this event special for our community. Thank you to everyone who’s come out to support local — we’ll see you at the Market! 🌽🍋🎶

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news — Steet Ponte Auto Group has been voted 1st Place for Best New Car Dealership in the 2025 Utica Observer-Dispatch Community Choice Awards! But that’s not all — one of our very own, a Sales & Leasing Consultant from Steet Ponte Chevy in Herkimer, took home 1st Place for Best Salesperson! This annual contest is a true reflection of community support, and we’re honored to have placed 1st and 2nd in various categories for the past 10 years. Your votes mean the world to us, and we can’t thank you enough for continuing to recognize our team and the work we do. At Steet Ponte Auto Group, we believe that buying a vehicle should be simple, straightforward, and stress-free. Whether you're shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle, scheduling a service appointment, or just stopping in with questions — our priority has always been exceptional customer service and treating every visitor like family. This award is a testament to the dedication of our entire team across all of our locations and the incredible customers who make it all possible. From all of us at Steet Ponte Auto Group — THANK YOU for your continued support, for voting for us, and for being part of our story year after year. We couldn’t do it without you! Here’s to another year of serving the Mohawk Valley with pride! 🚗🏆

The Steet Ponte VW team was all smiles during our recent trip to Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge for the Steet Ponte Auto Group annual picnic. As always, the event included full-day tickets for employees and their immediate families, complete with lunch and refreshments. From the wild water slides to the relaxing pools, everyone found their perfect way to enjoy the day. It’s these kinds of traditions — going strong for more than 25 years — that make being a part of Steet Ponte so special. Nothing brings people together like a day of fun in the sun!

June 27th | Pine Hills Golf Club | Frankfort, NY The Steet Ponte Auto Group was proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the First Annual Putts for a Purpose Charity Golf Tournament, held on Friday, June 27th at Pine Hills Golf Club in Frankfort, NY. What began with a goal of raising $10,000 for local charities quickly turned into a huge community win— over $11,000 was raised during this incredible day on the course! Organized by Scott and Kelly Grates, hosts of the Love Living Local 315 podcast, the tournament was designed to spotlight and support the heart of our community— local charities and small businesses that often fly under the radar but make a major impact. Love Living Local 315 has become a must-listen for anyone who wants to discover hidden gems and meaningful stories across the Mohawk Valley. We were thrilled to not only sponsor this event but also to send a team of our own out to participate in the tournament. Representing the Steet Ponte Auto Group were: Dan DeLuke, Auto Group Social Media Content Creator & Coordinator Nate Smith, of Steet Ponte Nissan Jason Coleman & Dan Hermann of Steet Toyota of Yorkville The team brought the competitive spirit and camaraderie that make this community so special! As part of our sponsorship, we also offered a thrilling hole-in-one prize on Hole #14 —a 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible —which certainly turned heads throughout the day. One of the highlights of this tournament was that half of the funds raised—$5,500—will be donated to the MVHS Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network division, a cause very close to the Steet family’s heart. The Steet family has proudly supported the Children’s Miracle Network since 1989. This national nonprofit works to raise funds for local children's hospitals to help provide critical treatments, equipment, and services to children in need—ensuring that kids across the region have access to the best possible care, close to home. We extend our deepest thanks to Scott and Kelly Grates for organizing such a meaningful and well-executed event, and to everyone who came out to support the cause. We’re already looking forward to next year! And don’t forget to tune into Love Living Local 315 in July for a special podcast episode featuring Carly Steet Mathias and Joe Steet Jr., siblings and co-owners of the Steet Ponte Auto Group, as they talk about the importance of local giving, community involvement, and family business. #SteetPonteAutoGroup #PuttsForAPurpose #ChildrensMiracleNetwork #LoveLivingLocal315 #MVHSFoundation #GolfForACause #FrankfortNY #CommunityDriven #ShopLocalGiveLocal

Saturday, June 7th | Utica, NY The Steet Ponte Auto Group was proud to once again support one of our favorite community events— Wine in the Wilderness at the Utica Zoo! Held on a beautiful Saturday evening, June 7th, the event welcomed over 1,000 guests for a night of wine tasting, food, music, and wild animal encounters. As the official Designated Driver Sponsor, we were thrilled to help promote safe and responsible fun by handing out $15 Uber gift cards to the first 100 attendees who pledged to be a designated driver. Helping guests get home safely is a mission we take seriously, and we’re proud to continue making that possible through events like this. It was a perfect night at the Zoo—and the atmosphere was made even more exciting with the debut of their brand new dinosaur exhibit! The lifelike animatronic dinosaurs were a huge hit and are a must-see for kids and adults alike. If you haven’t checked it out yet, make sure to plan your visit before the exhibit wraps up in October. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by the Gibbons exhibit, proudly sponsored by the Steet Ponte Auto Group, as part of our ongoing partnership with the Utica Zoo. Supporting local attractions and safe community events is what we’re all about. Thank you to everyone who came out to Wine in the Wilderness, and to the Utica Zoo for continuing to host such an unforgettable event. We’ll see you again soon! #SteetPonteAutoGroup #WineInTheWilderness #UticaZoo #DriveSafe #CommunitySupport #DesignatedDriverSponsor #AnimatronicDinosaurs #GibbonsExhibit #UticaNY

Saturday, August 2nd | Stonebridge Golf Club, New Hartford, NY Steet Ponte Volkswagen is proud to support an incredible cause as a sponsor of the 2025 Leitz Trucking Charity Golf Tournament, benefiting Smile Train, a global nonprofit that provides life-changing cleft lip and palate surgeries for children in need. Held on Saturday, August 2nd at Stonebridge Golf Club in New Hartford, this fun-filled tournament is more than just a day on the green, it’s a day of community, compassion, and charity. And this year, we’re bringing something extra exciting to the course: 🎉 Take your shot at Hole #17 for a chance to win a 3-year lease on a brand-new Volkswagen from Steet Ponte VW! That’s right, sink a hole-in-one on #17, and you could drive away in style. Tournament Details: 🏌️‍♂️ 2- or 4-player teams, Best Ball format 💵 $400 per team 📅 Team registration due by July 25th 💼 Hole sponsorships available for $100 (due by June 1st) 🍽️ Buffet dinner and awards to follow play 🍻 Food, drinks, and plenty of prizes throughout the day! Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just out for some fun, this tournament is a great way to enjoy the summer while giving back. Steet Ponte VW is thrilled to be a part of it and we hope to see you there swinging for smiles! #SteetPonteVW #SmileTrainGolf #HoleInOne #GolfForACause #CleftLipAwareness #StonebridgeGolfClub #NewHartfordNY #CommunityDriven

We are thrilled to announce Steet Ponte Auto Group's year-long sponsorship with the Utica Zoo, one of the most beloved attractions in the Utica, NY area for over 100 years! This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting local institutions that bring joy, education, and unforgettable experiences to Oneida County and beyond. The Utica Zoo is home to over 99 species of animals, making it a fun family-friendly destination. Whether you're admiring the majestic lions, playful red pandas, or the engaging gibbons (more on them later!), there’s always something exciting to see and learn. Exclusive Perks for Our Team As part of this collaboration, Steet Ponte Auto Group employees will enjoy special discounts at the zoo, just one of the many ways we’re bringing this partnership to life. It’s a great opportunity for our team members and their families to explore the wonders of nature close to home. Sponsoring Signature Zoo Events We’re also proud to sponsor some of the zoo’s most popular annual events: 🍷 Wine in the Wilderness:  We’re working on details to be the designated driver sponsor, ensuring everyone can enjoy the evening responsibly while sampling wines from across the region. 🎃 Halloween Spooktacular: This family-favorite event offers a fun and safe way for kids to celebrate Halloween with themed activities, costumes, and of course, plenty of adorable animal encounters. Proud Sponsors of the Gibbons Exhibit As part of our support, Steet Ponte Auto Group is also the proud sponsor of the Gibbons exhibit. These playful and energetic primates are a highlight of the zoo, captivating visitors with their acrobatics and endearing social behaviors. More Exciting Adventures Ahead We’re just getting started! Keep an eye out for more exciting collaborations and events throughout the year as we continue to support and celebrate our local zoo. Whether you're a regular visitor or planning your first trip, we encourage everyone to experience the magic of the Utica Zoo, it’s truly a local treasure. Stay tuned for more updates and we’ll see you at the zoo! 🐾

As the holiday season winds down and we welcome the new year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in and contributed to our holiday events and donation drives. Your generosity, spirit, and dedication to community made this season truly special. Reflecting on the Joy and Impact This past holiday season, we set out to make a meaningful difference in our community by organizing several events and drives. Thanks to your support, our efforts exceeded expectations. Here’s what we accomplished together: Donation Drives School Supplies Drive: With your help, we provided backpacks, notebooks, and essential tools to ensure that students in our community could start the new year ready to succeed. Your contributions put smiles on countless young faces for 19 different local elementary schools including the 10 elementary schools in the Utica City School District! Coat Drive: Winter can be harsh, but thanks to your kindness, many individuals and families now have warm coats to protect them against the cold. Every coat you donated was a gesture of care that truly mattered to students in Utica and Rome, NY Elementary Schools. Food Drive: During a time when no one should go hungry, your generosity provided meals for families in need. The outpouring of support filled not only pantries but also hearts for those who utilize the food pantry at the Thea Bowman House in Utica, NY. Holiday Gift Drive: From toys and books to clothing and gift cards, you helped ensure that children in our community experienced the magic of the holidays. Your donations transformed wishes into reality for families in the Adopt-a-Family program with ICAN! Holiday Events Lights Around the Park Light Show: Held at the Kirkland Town Park and hosted by the Clinton Fire Department. This drive through light show went around the entire park, with over 30 different light displays, and was held every weekend from 11/29-12/29. On Sundays, Santa and Mrs. Claus even greeted each car with candy canes for those driving through! Together, We Made a Difference Through your contributions and involvement, you didn’t just donate or attend an event—you became part of something bigger. You helped build a stronger, more connected, and compassionate community. The ripple effect of your kindness will be felt far beyond the holiday season. Each meal shared, coat donated, and moment of joy created reminded us all of the power of coming together. Looking Ahead As we move into the new year, we carry with us the warmth and generosity you shared this past season. We’re excited to continue working with such an incredible community and invite you to join us in future initiatives to make a difference. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Let’s keep the spirit of giving and togetherness alive all year long. Happy New Year! From all of us at Steet Ponte Volkswagen!

Put Steet Ponte Volkswagen on your holiday shopping list with our apparel and accessories inventory! We just got a TON of new VW gear to our Steet Ponte VW Parts & Accessories Department! Stop down and see what we have in our display cases. We have everything from VW winter hats, VW tote bags, VW stuffed animals and all new holiday themed VW shirts! We also have all kinds of VW car cleaning accessories for everyone on your gift list. We are open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Give us a call today or stop down in person to the Parts Department at Steet Ponte VW at 5046 Commercial Drive, Yorkville, NY 13495.