The 2024 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award

The 2024 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award

We are honored to be nationally recognized by Subaru of America, Inc. for our dedication to our customers, our community, and the Subaru Love Promise.

The 2024 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award recognizes elite Subaru retailers 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 of Utica, 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.

In a perfect world, hunger would be history and hope would be commonplace. We believe a perfect world is possible.

Subaru and our retailers are committed to protecting and preserving the Earth, not just by our words, but also by our actions.

Subaru believes we all should have a chance to lead a healthy life.

It's our goal to make the pursuit of knowledge available to as many minds as possible.

Subaru believes all pets deserve a loving home.

Subaru and its retailers believe in giving back to our communities.

The 2024 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award
The Subaru Love Promise
Did Subaru of Utica go above and beyond, provide exceptional service, or support causes that are important to you? We'd love to hear about it.
Love Promise Poster
Did Subaru of Utica go above and beyond, provide exceptional service, or support causes that are important to you? We'd love to hear about it.

Love Promise Stories from Subaru of Utica

Subaru and Subaru of Utica 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.

Rome Skateboard Park Support - Jake D.

In April of 2023, Stone Mercurio, a young man from Rome, NY lost his battle with mental health. Stone was a Freshman at Clarkson University, and graduate of Rome Free Academy. He was a son and brother to three of the most loving people; his father Christian, his mother Andrea, and sister Carmella. In his short time, Stone touched so many people in the Rome community. When he passed away, his family decided to do something courageous. They began raising funds for a skateboard park so that kids in Rome and across the Mohawk Valley had a place for themselves. A place where they can go, make music, be artistic, and make memories together. To date, the SFM (Stone Francis Mercurio) Skatepark Project has raised nearly $1million in public and private funds. We would like to thank Subaru of Utica for supporting our efforts. In March of 2024, Subaru supported an event at Woods Valley with a donation of a skateboard. We were able to auction off the price with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the SFM Skatepark Project.

SFM Skatepark Project

Central New York Children's Dyslexia Center - Marianne J.

Thank you, Subaru of Utica for your generous donation to the Central New York Children's Dyslexia Center. The mission of the Children's Dyslexia Center is to help children with dyslexia, or the profile of dyslexia learn to read and reach their full potential. The program is nationally recognized for its efforts to help children and their families overcome the painful obstacle of dyslexia, providing services to families at no charge from early elementary to high school. The Center also provides training for those interested in becoming a certified tutor. Individuals seeking to become a tutor must hold a bachelor's degree. Established in 2004 the Central New York Children's Dyslexia Center has provided tutoring for over 200 children and certified over 90 tutors. In the photo is Bailee Haddad, Jeffrey Hocking and Chris Cardello from Subaru of Utica presenting a check to Marianne Jones, Director of Central New York Children's Dyslexia Center. The other photo shows our Tree of Knowledge donors.

Central New York Children's Dyslexia Center

Coat Donation for The Center - Elise I.

Thank you so much for organizing an event with The Center on January 24th 2024! At that time, our clothing closet had serviced over 70 individuals (adults and children). As of now, (February 20th 2024) we have serviced 170 individuals in need of clothing. Your donation will continue to help to provide warmth and help welcome newly arrived families. Thank you for all you do!

The Center

Thank to Subaru of Utica - Emilia B.

Thank you, Subaru of Utica for your donation to Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Our mission is to ensure that no child sleeps on the floor in our community and your donation will go towards building materials. For children, we believe that having a warm, comfortable bed is a basic necessity. To date, Utica’s Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s chapter has built, assembled and delivered over 1,431 beds in just two years. And we will not stop until all children have a warm bed to sleep in. In the photos we have Chris Cardello from Subaru of Utica presenting a check to Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s (SHP) Utica chapter president, Bill Gagnon and Emilia Borelli, SHP volunteer.  The other photos show a community build where volunteers are preparing beds for future delivers.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

New Home for Mobley - David F.

Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society recently held an Adoptathon at Subaru of Utica, this past October 21, 2023. The event was a huge success with 3 of our animals being adopted that day and over fifty adoptions for the month because of the Subaru promo! We are so grateful that this event impacted our adoptions in such a powerful way, One the best heartwarming story is of our dog Mobley a senior dog that had lived in the shelter for over a year and was given a new home with a loving elderly couple, it was a perfect match, and the couple was so happy to be Mobley’s new owners. Thank you, Subaru, for promoting pet adoptions in October! Our Shelter benefited greatly because of your program. Sincerely The staff, the board and the volunteers of Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society

Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society

Subaru Loves Pets at Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society - Tori R.

The team at Subaru of Utica welcomed our staff and animals from Anita's with open arms for an adoption event at their dealership. We were able to bring several of our dogs and kittens to a designated space inside of Subaru of Utica that was decked out in all Subaru Loves Pets gear. We were able to complete a couple of adoptions on site, and received plenty of interest for some future adoptions after the event. They graciously donated $100 for the first 31 adoptions in October. The $3,100 will be put towards veterinary care. Every animals that comes through our doors will need vet care and this generous donation will help us provide proper care for many. We would like to think Chris Cardello and his team for helping further the work we do at our Humane Society to save, help, and care for stray, lost and unwanted animals. Our main goal is to facilitate animals getting adopted and settled into their forever homes, but we also have a strong mission to help every animal we can, be a fountain of information for our community and to show all animals what being loved really means. Thank you to Subaru of Utica for supporting our cause and being a positive fixture in our community!

Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society

Utica Jr Comets - Tim S.

The 2011 Utica Jr. Comets hockey team is made up of 16 local student athletes from Central New York. They compete in the highly competitive Tier 1 Hockey Federation league which comprises teams from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Along with league play, the Jr. Comets travel to several tournaments throughout the season competing against the top youth hockey teams in the country. Many fundraisers are held to raise money to offset rising tournament costs, which this year included a golf tournament and a Thanksgiving basket raffle. The generous donation from Subaru of Utica is allowing the Utica Comets to play in the ultra- competitive CCM Invitational in mid-February to sharpen their skills before league playoffs commence. The 2011 Utica Jr Comets want to thank Subaru of Utica for helping us achieve our goal of bringing home a championship to the Mohawk Valley.

MVHS Cancer Center Patients - Receive the Warmth of Love - Debbie W.

Recently, Subaru of Utica donated blankets along with messages of hope to those patients fighting cancer at the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Cancer Center. “In 2022, our Outpatient Infusion Unit provided more than 13,500 treatments to members of our community,” said Cindy Christian, RN, BSN, executive director of the MVHS Cancer Center. “We are very thankful for this wonderful donation. The blankets are going to make such a difference for our patients.” Chris Cardello, sales manager at Subaru of Utica, was pleased to once again coordinate this effort locally. “I have been surrounded by cancer my whole life with a number of family members so when Subaru offered me an opportunity to get involved with the Subaru Loves to Care® program I saw it as a great way to give back,” Cardello said. “From past experiences, I know that patients receiving chemotherapy often fight the chills while receiving treatment. Subaru of Utica was grateful to be able to donate warm blankets to help provide an extra layer of comfort to patients at MVHS.” We at MVHS are grateful to Subaru of Utica and the Subaru Loves to Care program for bringing a little added comfort and warmth to our patients.

Mohawk Valley Health System

Subaru of Utica Bench Donation - Alex G.

Representatives from Subaru of Utica recently joined with New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo and City of Rome Mayor Jackie Izzo for a park bench donation at Veterans Park in Rome. The bench is made from 7,600 snack wrappers and is part of Subaru's commitment to recycling though Subaru Loves the Earth®. Joining the senator and mayor were Sales Manager Chris Cardello, Parts Manager Nicholas Rosato and Sales Specialist Brad Glerup. Frank Sanzone and Matt Andrews helped to install the bench.

Bench - Griffiss Business & Tech Park G.

Subaru of Utica donated a recycled bench to the New York State Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. located at the Griffiss International Sculpture Garden and Nature Trail. The bench is made up of recycled, reused, and repurposed snack wrappers. Mayor Jackie Izzo, Senator Joe Griffo, and Chris Cardello dedicated the bench. The bench is next to the "Alley Oop" sculpture and is a respite area for all visitors to the Park.

Griffiss Business & Tech Park

Supporting the Youth of our Community - Jeffrey D.

The Rome Baseball Association, Inc. (DeLutis Field Complex) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The 2023 season will mark our 26th year serving the youth of Rome, Oneida County, throughout NYS and beyond. The RBAI operates a four-field baseball complex that is located at the Northern entrance to the Griffiss Business & Technology Park. The RBAI mission is to improve the quality-of-life assets for the youth and citizens of Rome and its surrounding communities by operating and maintaining a quality baseball facility while providing inexpensive and fun family entertainment for the entire community. Our complex comprises four fields within a 21-acre complex. We normally host approximately (225) games annually over the course of the spring and summer from a variety of youth and adult league teams including local Little League teams, high schools, legion and collegiate level teams utilize our facility. Over the years we have gained a reputation for providing one of the best non-professional baseball facilities in the state. Our approach is to ensure that the facility is well maintained and continues to expand the youth and citizens it serves while being fiscally responsible and maintaining its stature as a quality baseball complex. We are very grateful to Mr. Chris Cardello and Subaru of Utica for allowing us to be part of the Subaru Share the Love® Event and also to all those who donated to our non-profit. The $7200 that was raised through this event will go a long way in helping us to continue to maintain our facility and serve the youth of our community. It will be used for facility upgrades and repairs in addition to equipment maintenance and purchase. This will in turn go to making for a better experience for all those who utilize our facility. Thank you to Subaru of Utica and all those who donated! RBAI Board of Directors

Rome Baseball Association Inc.

Warm Feet, Warm Hearts - Shelly C.

Last week members of Subaru of Utica donated hundreds of pairs of socks to The Center to be distributed to newly arriving refugees. Hundreds of refugees come through The Center every year, seeking a new life, and most come with little more than what they can carry. Utica is renowned as a place of welcome with a generous community and Members of Subaru in Utica is emblematic of that generosity. Thank you for making a new start warmer in every way.

Subaru shows some love to The Humane Society of Rome - Sara T.

Carbone Subaru graciously sponsored an adoption event at their dealership. We took numerous cats and dogs with us and had four wonderful adoptions. Subaru donated $3,048 dollars to our cause. This money went directly to our spay/neuter expenses which can cost over $52,000 annually. Through our work at The Humane Society of Rome we take in stray, lost and unwanted animals and adopt them into forever homes. By doing so we keep them off of the streets and prevent unwanted litters. We educate school children about the importance of proper medical care for the animals and how important it is to have all companion animals spayed and neutered. We provide visits to local nursing homes for Pet Therapy. Chris Cardello and his team at Carbone Subaru are a compassionate group of people to work with who support many great causes. Thank you Subaru for supporting the causes that touch each of our lives!

The Humane Society of Rome

Thank You Subaru For helping our kids - angel w.

The Waterville Firemen's Field was in need of a huge face lift. Our kids were playing on fields that were not safe for our players. I talked to friends and family asking for donations to help us out. I got connected with Rich Morawski, and Chris Cardello from Carbone Subaru and they were eager to help. I showed them pictures of our field and explained that we are looking to get the gravel out of the field and install baseball dirt so our kids can slide without getting hurt every time. I thought they would donate a little to help towards the cost, but they offered to pay for the dirt, trucking, and install. I was shocked and could not wait to tell my players and coaches. I couldn't thank them enough. Now we have a field that is safe and something to maintain and be proud of.

PEDAL FOR AUTISM - Anne A.

Anne Marie and Mike Ambross and Chris Cardello of Carbone Subaru Of Utica rode one again in this years Pedal For Autism, together we raised $53,000. There were 45 riders that rode 10-20 miles. The money is much needed and going to be used to support children growth in the community and development

Carbone Subaru Of Utica

Subaru donates to MLK! - Jennie S.

Chris Cadello and team at Carbone Subaru of Utica visited our school last week. They brought with them school supplies, fun "pop-its" and butterfly kits. They also brought a giant bus with heartfelt messages from staff for our students. Mr. Cardello didn't stop there though, he generously donated $3000 worth of gifts cards to our teachers and classrooms for supplies! Thank you for your extreme generosity. The MLK family appreciates it! King Kids... DREAM BIG!

MLK Elementary School

Amazing Summer Camp Experience! - Julie S.

Every child should experience summer camp! Through The Kelberman Center Kamp Connections inclusive summer camp program, The Kelberman Center and Subaru of Utica are making this experience possible for children of all abilities. Nayale was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two and a half. Fortunately, her family found services at The Kelberman Center. Nayale began in the Promise Preschool at 3-years-old and continued participating in Kelberman Center swim lessons, bowling, art programs and respite at home care. Last summer Nayale and other children like her, were able to be a part of the Kelberman Center’s Kamp Connections thanks to the generous support from Subaru of Utica. Nayale enjoyed an unforgettable summer participating in activities such as swimming, zip lining, archery and rock climbing and looks forward to being a part of camp this year. According to her mom, “As a mother of a child with autism, I am so grateful to The Kelberman Center and Subaru of Utica. I was able to watch Nayale enjoy an amazing summer camp experience!”

Turkeys for Veterans - Thomas A.

Thank you again this year to Carbone Subaru and Chris Cardello for your generosity and thoughtfulness for the donation of turkeys to local veterans. As the Commandant of the Department of New York Marine Corps League on behalf of the Marines, Thank You! Semper Fidelis Thomas Arcuri

Edward L. Smith Detachment Marine Corps League

Humane Society of Rome - 90 adoptions in October - Sara T.

The Humane Society of Rome is a 501c3. We take in abandoned, neglected, abused, and stray animals from our surrounding communities. We provide them with a safe and warm place to rest their paws until they are able to find their forever homes. We provide each animal with food and water, vaccinations, flea treatments, de-worming, microchipping, testing for diseases and altering prior to placing them in new home. While here at the shelter all of our animals are treated by the staff as if they were their own. We show them love and kindness that they may not have experienced previously. Our cats are out running in play groups during the days and the dogs get to spend time out in the yards as well. While other shelters struggled with staying open during COVID we simply changed to scheduling appointments. We were able to continue to adopt out animals and take them in. We had a record breaking year in 2020 thanks to all of our adopters and were able to place over 1,000 animals in new homes. We took the stance that sharing love with a cat or a dog during our country's most trying times would be beneficial to both the animals and our community. And it really paid off. Due to increase in costs for medical care and expenses overall we like many other shelters have had to reach further. Although in 2020 we were not able to have our major fundraisers we worked tirelessly to promote ourselves on Facebook and social media. We send out quarterly pleas to the community for donations and were pleased by the response we received. We rely on our community and our fellow businesses for financial support and have been blessed by all. While participating with Carbone Subaru of Utica this year we again have made our goal and then some. So far October has been a very successful month for us and we have adopted out close to 90 animals with a week still left. Carbone has been gracious enough to have us to their dealership this past weekend. We brought a total of 12 animals and 7 of them have received adoption applications! We had a great time and all of the animals really enjoyed being out and about. They all put their best paws forward. And Carbone Subaru of Utica granted us with $3,200. Those funds will be used to provide medical care and all the extra's these animals need. Carbone Subaru of Utica thank you so much for your support and know that you have made a difference.

The Humane Society of Rome NY

The Utica Zoo thankful for Bright Nights support - Kari P.

The Utica Zoo creates unique experiences and promotes public appreciation of wildlife through education, conservation, and recreation. It is also one of the region's premier tourist destinations. We are proud to deliver engaging and fun programming and events, including Bright Nights at the Utica Zoo, which launched in the Winter of 2020. The Greater Mohawk Valley is typically home to a robust season of winter celebrations, and Bright Nights was the opportunity for our neighbors across the entire region to be joyous while adhering to COVID safety measures. However, after only one weekend of family fun, the Zoo had made the difficult decision to cancel Bright Nights due to the pandemic. This year, the Zoo is ready to once again bring light and wonder to the festive season with the return of Bright Nights, thanks in part to the generosity of Carbone Subaru of Utica. Not only will this be a wonderful way for families to enjoy the magic and wonder of the holiday season through a variety of light and decor displays, Santa Claus, carolers, and much more, but will also be a celebration of our communities’ diverse holiday traditions. Thank you to Carbone Subaru for your support of the Utica Zoo and for your commitment to our community at large!

Utica Zoo

The Kelberman Center Thanks Carbone Subaru - Julie S.

The Kelberman Center is the leading provider of autism services for children, adults and families in the Mohawk Valley and Central New York. We provide comprehensive programming and services for people throughout all phases of life, from early childhood through adulthood, including: Home and Community Based, Educational, Clinical, Residential and Recreation and Camp. Our goal is to meet people and families where they are in life and to support them every step of the way on their journeys navigating autism. The expert staff at The Kelberman Center empower the people we support with specialized, one-of-a-kind programs, resources, support and wrap-around services, creating a fulling, life-enriching experience for people and families. ​In 1997, The Promise Preschool ​opened its doors for our youngest learners with autism. The program's life-changing curriculum helps students to develop functional skills to be successful in school and beyond. ​Recognizing the need to serve families with autism beyond preschool, The Kelberman Center was officially incorporated as its own 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2005 ​in Utica, New York. Today, the Center has locations in Utica and Syracuse as well as seven community residences. In 2021, The Kelberman Center opened the LINK apartments in Utica, the first-ever of its kind in New York State inclusive living community for people of all abilities. With 400 full and part time staff, who facilitate multiple programs and provide services to 1,000 children and adults annually, we are proud to serve throughout Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Lewis, Cayuga and Onondaga Counties. Thanks to the tremendous support of Carbone Subaru, the programs at The Kelberman Center will continue to thrive. Parents will be able to access the needed services for their children without having to worry about being able to pay for them. Tara Costello, Kelberman Center Executive Director, stated, “This significant gift to the Kelberman Center is testament to how committed Carbone Subaru is to our community and to ensuring that children and adults with autism spectrum disorder receive opportunities for success throughout their lives.” Cole's family is an example of the impact that this donation has and will continue to have on local families: “Cole’s infancy was ‘normal’ - the first 6 months were a breeze of sorts. Around 11 months, we started noticing slight differences in him, he wasn’t making as much eye contact, he wasn’t babbling as much as his siblings. At 18 months, we had him evaluated for Early Intervention. At 24 months I knew he was autistic and just couldn’t say it out loud. Physically he met all his milestones, but emotionally and verbally... it just wasn’t happening. Plus, he was having behavioral issues. We had him evaluated at 2.5-years-old and our suspicion was correct. He was diagnosed with moderate functioning autism. To say that we were devastated is an understatement. We cried. We were angry. We were in disbelief. But the next day, we regrouped as a family and started focusing on how to help him! That’s how we found The Kelberman Center. The teachers, the staff, the administrators, the support are all second to NONE. Our son now attends the Promise Preschool Program and the therapies and support he receives couldn’t be matched. They treat my son like their own. They push him. They keep him focused. They have single-handedly helped us with our goal of mainstreaming our child... and this fall it’s happening! I can’t even put into words the love and gratitude we have for The Kelberman Center being with us every step of the way.”

The Kelberman Center

Subaru Loves to Help Shelter Blankets - Lisa P.

On behalf of the Rome Rescue Mission we would like to thank Carbone Subaru of Utica for their generous donation of 80 wool blankets. A special thanks to Chris Cardello and Don Rinaldi for taking the time out of their day to come to the mission. The blankets you provide, will give the people we serve warmth and comfort during this holiday season. God Bless and Merry Christmas. Sincerely, Rome Rescue Mission

Share the Love - Thanksgiving Turkeys - Kaity E.

As a Subaru Ambassador, I like to get involved within the community, especially with Subaru sponsored events. On 11/21/2020, I was invited to join Chris Cardello and his team to hand out 250 turkeys to the Marines in this area. We ended up inviting all current and previous military members, first responders, and essential workers to come in and take a free turkey or two as a thank you for all their hard work and service throughout the years. This year has been difficult, and being able to help others, even just by giving them a turkey, is very rewarding. I had a great time meeting and helping the crew, and it was an honor to be at this event! I can't wait to be able to help out at future events and to continue to Share the Love at Carbone Subaru of Utica!

31 Pet Adoptions in October - Chelsea W.

Carbone Subaru of Utica generously chose us to participate in the "Make A Dogs Day" adoption fee sponsorship event this year where they covered the cost of the first 31 pet adoptions in October! Because of this program, we were able to find 31 dogs/cats their forever homes in a record breaking 10 days! The $3,100 in sponsored adoption fees helped us cover the costs of getting those animals ready for adoption. Each pet upon coming to SSHS to find their forever home is seen by a veterinarian and treated for any aliments in addition to receiving vaccinations, deworming, flea/tick treatment, microchip, spay/neutering and blood testing. As an organization that runs on donations and the support of our community, fundraisers and events like this one, help us to continue our mission. With the current COVID-19 environment that we are all experiencing, our ability to fundraise has been significantly hindered. We have had to cancel the majority of our annual fundraisers leaving us with a gap in our budget to cover operating expenses. We cannot thank Carbone Subaru enough for choosing to help out our animals here at SSHS and not only supporting, but contributing to our mission. We are so very grateful for you and your staff!! Thanks Carbone Subaru of Utica!!!!

Recreation Programs at the Kelberman Center - Julie S.

Over the past years, The Kelberman Center has been able to expand our recreation programs for children with autism who often are not able to participate in certain activities. We have also been able to grow our summer camp programs, which are very important for continuation of social skill building and which offer structured programming in a fun setting. We are extremely grateful for the partnership we have with Subaru and the Carbone family. Support from our community is vital to the Kelberman Center's mission and ultimately for the families that come to us for programs and services. We would not be able to do all that we do for children and adults with autism and their families without their generosity, and have been able to expand our services because of the ongoing commitment they share with us to provide for families living with autism in Central New York.

The Keberman Center