Susan Lacher, Director of Koeppel Auto Group and longtime supporter of the Cristian Rivera Foundation (CRF), will receive the prestigious 2024 Vision of Hope Award, honoring her remarkable dedication to philanthropy. Lacher’s unwavering commitment to the community shines through in her various charitable efforts, not just with CRF but also through her initiatives with Koeppel Kares, the charitable arm of Koeppel Auto Group.
The Meaning Behind the Vision of Hope Award
When asked about receiving the Vision of Hope Award, Lacher humbly reflected on her long-standing relationship with CRF. “We’ve supported John [Gungie Rivera] for a long time. We just always loved John’s passion and drive for what he does. It’s just so amazing; his endless energy that he devotes to this.”
For Lacher, her philanthropy is rooted in a simple philosophy: “Just do good for the next person.” She values the importance of small, meaningful acts of kindness. “Everyone talks about religion and politics… and they’ve become overwhelming topics. I’ve always just said, do the next right thing and be good to people.” She also emphasizes being good to the extent that you can because not everyone can pass on millions of dollars, but that doesn’t matter as long as you can pass on what you can.
Koeppel Kares: A Heartfelt Initiative
Lacher is deeply involved in Koeppel Kares, a charitable program created by Koeppel Auto Group to foster a culture of giving among employees, customers, and the wider community. The initiative is founded on the belief that giving back not only supports those in need but also inspires gratitude among the givers themselves. “I always tell my nieces, nephews, and grandkids, when they have money, spend some, save some, and give some away,” Lacher shared. Susan reflected that instilling this idea of giving back within the organization elevates her people to feel good about the organization that they work for.
Lacher is passionate about connecting with the community. The idea of giving back is spread throughout Koeppel’s monthly newsletter and continuously working with organizations close to her heart. Under Lacher’s guidance, Koeppel Kares supports various causes. One of their significant contributions is to QSAC (Quality Services for the Autism Community), which provides vital resources and job opportunities for individuals with autism. “We give them a car every year, and they raffle it off and keep the proceeds. We even employ some of their people,” Lacher explained. “One employee has been with us for three years now. It’s all about getting them that light to the next step in life.”
Embracing Education: Helping Children’s Futures
One of Lacher’s proudest philanthropic efforts is the partnership between Koeppel Kares and Kids Rise, an initiative focused on helping children save for their education. Koeppel Kares donates $20 for every car sold to start or contribute to a 529 account for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, providing them with a financial head start for their education. “When we visited a local school, we found out that 52 families lived in homeless shelters, right in our backyard.” “It was eye-opening and heart-wrenching. It makes you want to do more.”
Her passion for education is clear. “My goal is to see kids really educated today. We need that backbone of education,” she emphasized. Lacher is a firm believer in the power of learning and has made it her mission to support initiatives that make education more accessible.
A Heart for Children and Families
Through all her work, children remain at the center of Lacher’s philanthropic efforts. “I guess I always lean towards children because they’re innocent, and they need hope and help,” she said. From Toys for Tots to local church programs like Saint Mary’s, she is involved in numerous initiatives aimed at helping children and families in need.
Lacher’s involvement with CRF is deeply personal. She fondly recalled meeting Jesselyn Silva, a young boxer and D.I.P.G. angel who sadly passed away in August of this year. “I think about her all the time,” Lacher said. “She had such a beautiful spirit and was so passionate about what she did. It’s a tragedy that she was taken in this way. Meeting her and seeing her fight was truly humbling.”
Susan has been tremendously moved by the efforts of CRF and is passionate about continuing her unwavering support. She shared how she greatly admires the transparency of charities like CRF. “You see the results of what they do,” she noted.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Koeppel Kares
As Lacher continues her philanthropic journey, she remains dedicated to expanding Koeppel Kares. She’s working closely with manufacturers and partners to secure more consistent, large-scale support for organizations like CRF. She is passionate about fostering this growth and aims to inspire other companies to follow Koeppel Auto Group’s lead. “I’d love to see more companies donate in the way we do.”
Additionally, she is committed to expanding support for Kids Rise. She believes even the smallest actions, such as rounding up the change from a bill, can make a big difference. Lacher also emphasizes the importance of employee involvement in charitable efforts, saying, “I continually work to get our employees to be more involved in these efforts. I’d love to see more companies and individuals step up.”
A Legacy of Compassion
Lacher’s legacy is one of empathy, generosity, and action. Her approach to giving is simple but powerful: “I always tell people, once you start giving, you start to be grateful for what you have and wherever you are in your journey.” It’s this philosophy that drives her work with Koeppel Kares and CRF, inspiring those around her to do the same.
As she receives the Vision of Hope Award, Susan’s story serves as a testament to the profound impact one person can have on a community. She embodies the values of compassion, resilience, and hope—qualities that make her truly deserving of this honor.