In our last blog, we told you about one of the acts of kindness the Mercedes-Benz company was bestowing upon others in honor of its 125^th year, and now the company is at it again. Mercedes-Benz recently selected five charitable organizations across the country as "Community Stars." That's right, rather than honor the company's many successes, Mercedes-Benz decided to give to local, grass-root community groups. These organizations, dedicated to such pursuits as education, the arts, the environment, and human service, were awarded $25,000 each by the Tri-Pointed Star-a grand total of $125,000. The competition was stiff; more than 180 applications were received on behalf of organizations through the Mercedes-Benz Facebook page.

The 2011 Community Stars:

-  The Children's Museum of Richmond (Richmond, Va.) - To invest in their "Waterplay" exhibit, a new addition to their existing displays that influence children's emotional, physical, and psychological development.
-  Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind (Talladega, Ala.) - To continue to provide education and rehabilitation for blind, deaf, and multi-disabled children and adults.
-  Camp Okizu (Novato, Calif.) - To continue offering overnight camping programs for families affected by childhood cancer.
-  Sleepyhead Beds (Kansas City, Mo.) - To continue to donate used/like-new mattresses to children who would otherwise sleep in vehicles, on floors, on sofas, etc.
-  V.A.C.C. Camp (Miami, Fla.) - To host a free week-long overnight camp for children in partnership with Miami Children's Hospital who require tracheostomy ventilators, C-PAPs, BiPAPs, or oxygen to support breathing and their families.

The "Community Stars" initiative is just one of the 125 charitable acts committed by the Mercedes-Benz company this year on behalf of their 125^th birthday celebration.  To find out more about how the Tri-Pointed Star gives back to the community, or for more information on new Mercedes-Benz vehicles, stay tuned with Mercedes -Benz of Hoffman Estates. You can also visit us at 1000 West Golf Road Hoffman Estates, IL 60169. We look forward to seeing you soon!