Investing in Communities:
TL-MODA’s Commitment Through Endowments

At the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TL-MODA), our commitment to community goes beyond immediate support—we believe in building a foundation for lasting change. Through endowments established by TL-MODA and its members, we’re able to make a long-term impact on education, community development, and support programs that empower individuals to achieve their full potential.

What Are TL-MODA’s Endowments?

Endowments are funds set aside to provide sustainable financial support to initiatives that align with TL-MODA’s mission. Through strategic investments, these endowments generate resources that enable TL-MODA to support critical community programs year after year. From scholarship funds to community outreach, our endowments ensure that we can continuously contribute to the growth, education, and empowerment of those who need it most.

A Lasting Legacy of Empowerment

TL-MODA’s endowment programs reflect our dedication to creating a sustainable future for minority communities. By establishing funds that continue to grow and provide resources over time, we’re able to amplify our impact and uphold our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each endowment we create, and each dollar we invest, contributes to a legacy of empowerment that will benefit generations to come.

Looking Forward

As TL-MODA grows, so does our vision for expanding these endowment programs. We’re committed to exploring new opportunities to support education, community empowerment, and long-term growth. Whether you’re a current TL-MODA member or considering joining our association, know that your support contributes to these impactful programs that drive real, lasting change.

Inspiring Young Engineers: TL-MODA’s Mini Makers Program

At the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TL-MODA), we believe in planting the seeds for a brighter future, starting with our youth. That’s why we created Mini Makers, an interactive program designed to introduce kids to the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through fun, hands-on activities. The program is hosted at TL-MODA member dealerships and delivered in continued partnership with a trusted community organization, creating meaningful experiences that engage and inspire the next generation of innovators.

What is the Mini Makers Program?

Mini Makers is all about sparking creativity and curiosity. Through guided activities, kids between the ages of 8-12 get to explore the basics of vehicle mechanics, learning how parts come together to make a car function. Under the supervision of culturally diverse Toyota engineers, participants build and assemble their own model vehicles, giving them a hands-on understanding of engineering concepts.

This program isn’t just about building cars—it’s about building confidence, problem-solving skills, and a love for innovation. Kids walk away with a sense of accomplishment, newfound knowledge, and a lot of excitement about the possibilities in the world of engineering.

Why Mini Makers Matters

At TL-MODA, we’re committed to not only representing minority-owned Toyota and Lexus dealerships but also investing in the communities they serve. By bringing STEM education to kids in our communities, we’re empowering the next generation with the tools they need to succeed. We hope that some of these young Mini Makers will go on to pursue careers in engineering, technology, and beyond.

Looking Forward

The Mini Makers program is just one way TL-MODA is making a difference. As we continue to grow, we’re excited to expand this program to even more dealerships and impact even more lives. Stay tuned to see if Mini Makers is coming to a dealership near you—and be a part of shaping the engineers and innovators of tomorrow.

For more information on our Mini Makers program or to learn how to host a Mini-Makers workshop at your dealership, reach out to us at www.TL-MODA.org/contact.

Shaping Future Innovators:
TL-MODA’s Teen Innovation Summit

At the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TL-MODA), we believe in investing in the future by empowering young minds today. That’s why we’re thrilled to host the Teen Innovation Summit, an annual event designed to inspire, educate, and connect high school students with leaders in technology, business, and innovation. Through this summit, TL-MODA aims to provide students with the tools, insights, and mentorship they need to become the innovators of tomorrow.

What is the Teen Innovation Summit?

The Teen Innovation Summit is an interactive event that brings together high school students from across the country for a day of learning and discovery. Tailored for teens interested in technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, and creative problem-solving, the summit offers a unique opportunity to dive into hands-on workshops, listen to motivational speakers, and connect with professionals who have turned their passions into impactful careers.

Through sessions on topics like digital innovation, sustainable practices, and design thinking, students gain exposure to ideas that challenge them to think differently and explore new possibilities. The summit also includes panel discussions with industry experts and innovators, giving teens an inside look at what it takes to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving world.

A Platform for Growth and Networking

One of the most valuable aspects of the Teen Innovation Summit is the chance for students to build connections. Throughout the event, students can network with like-minded peers, experienced mentors, and TL-MODA members who are passionate about guiding the next generation. These relationships often continue beyond the summit, providing students with ongoing support as they pursue their educational and career goals.

Looking Ahead

The Teen Innovation Summit is just one way TL-MODA is working to make a difference in the lives of young people. As we continue to expand this program, we’re excited to bring this experience to more communities, reaching a broader audience of future changemakers and problem solvers.

Whether you’re a current TL-MODA member or simply interested in supporting youth innovation, we invite you to learn more about this incredible event and explore opportunities to get involved. Together, we can help shape a brighter, more inclusive future.

Empowering Future Leaders:
The Ed Fitzpatrick Scholarship and Assistance Program

At the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TL-MODA), we are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the automotive industry. A cornerstone of this commitment is the Ed Fitzpatrick Scholarship and Assistance Program, established to honor the legacy of Ed Fitzpatrick, a visionary leader and founding president of TL-MODA.

About Ed Fitzpatrick

Ed Fitzpatrick’s distinguished career in the automotive industry was marked by his unwavering dedication to supporting minority dealers and promoting diversity. He served as Chairman of the National Association of Minority Auto Dealers and was the founding president of TL-MODA. His leadership and advocacy have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring initiatives that continue to support minority representation and success.

Impact and Community Engagement

Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship program reflects TLMODA’s broader mission to empower communities and foster the next generation of leaders. By supporting the educational goals of employees at member dealerships, we promote upward mobility for individuals and their families, strengthening the communities they live and work in. This initiative also honors the legacy of Ed Fitzpatrick, whose dedication to diversity, education, and excellence continues to inspire our work.

Looking Ahead

TL-MODA remains committed to expanding the reach and impact of the Ed Fitzpatrick Scholarship and Assistance Program. We encourage eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to further their education and career aspirations. By supporting the educational endeavors of minority students, we strive to build a more inclusive and dynamic automotive industry for the future.

For more information about the scholarship program and application details, please reach out to us at
www.TL-MODA.org/contact.

At the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TL-MODA), giving back to our communities is more than just a mission—it’s a commitment to uplift, support, and create lasting change for families in need. Partnering with The Salvation Army since 2020, TL-MODA has proudly contributed over $2,000,000 toward programs that directly impact students and families, helping them overcome financial challenges that often stand in the way of educational success.

Through our partnership with The Salvation Army, TL-MODA organizes back-to-school drives that make a real difference in the lives of thousands of students across the country. Every summer, leading up to the school year, TL-MODA collaborates with The Salvation Army and Walmart to distribute backpacks filled with essential school supplies at 70 Toyota and Lexus dealerships nationwide. Carefully curated by Walmart to fit grade-specific needs, each backpack comes with a $10 Walmart gift card, ensuring that students have the resources they need for a successful start.

This initiative is one of the many ways TL-MODA lives out its commitment to community empowerment and educational support. For families facing financial hardship, purchasing school supplies can feel overwhelming, and TL-MODA’s efforts help alleviate this burden, allowing families to prioritize other essentials, such as food and rent. As Major Ricky Perez from The Salvation Army’s Greater Hickory Command shares, “Together, we are ensuring that students have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.”

Beyond back-to-school efforts, TL-MODA and The Salvation Army join forces for holiday drives, including Thanksgiving meal distributions. Through these events, TL-MODA’s member dealerships step up to ensure that families in need can enjoy warm meals and holiday gatherings without worry. By working hand-in-hand with The Salvation Army’s extensive network of nearly 7,000 centers across the U.S., TL-MODA amplifies its impact, providing both immediate relief and long-term support to vulnerable communities.

In 2023 alone, The Salvation Army assisted nearly 24 million people with essential services such as food, shelter, disaster relief, and youth programs. At TL-MODA, we’re honored to contribute to this mission, knowing that our combined efforts are changing lives. We believe in the power of partnerships, and with The Salvation Army by our side, we’re not just supporting communities—we’re inspiring hope, fostering resilience, and paving the way for brighter futures.

Whether you’re a current TL-MODA member or considering joining our network, know that membership means being part of something impactful. Together, we’re more than dealerships; we’re a force for good in the communities we serve.

To learn more about our community engagement and partnership opportunities, visit www.TL-MODA.org/contact.