Contributing to mental health awareness efforts, the Young Automotive Group’s Audi Layton location held their second annual Hope Squad support event on April 13.
Working with the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation, Audi Layton hosted the event at their facility on North Main Street. The dealership brought in photo booths, miniature golf games, cornhole boards and face painters for the occasion. Organizations such as Hope 4 Utah, Live On Utah and Encircle also set up booths at the event, where they discussed mental health resources and practices with event attendees.
“Last year we had such a great turnout to the event,” Russ Cooper, an area director at the Young Automotive Group said. “It was awesome to see how many families came and received resources of hope. We are thrilled to do it again and reach even more students and families in our community.”
Other festivities included coloring contests and prize giveaways, which gave participants an opportunity to win awards such as a Nintendo Switch or a Stacyc e-bike. Layton city’s fire and police departments came in support of the event as well.
“We just really appreciate Audi Layton,” Nicole Wardell, Layton High School english teacher and Hope Squad co-advisor said. “We’ve loved the partnership that we’ve had with them for the past two years. It means a lot to us that there’s a group out here that’s willing to add to the work that we’re trying to do.”
The foundation, Audi Layton and Young Volkswagen will make a $4,000 contribution to the local Hope Squad chapters that attended the occasion.
Audi Layton began hosting the annual event in 2023. This year’s celebration falls on the Young Automotive Group’s 100th year of business. Founded by Jack Olsen in 1924, the company has expanded from one dealership in Morgan, Utah to an operation with over 30 franchises across Utah, Idaho and Montana.
The dealership joined the Young Automotive Group with Young Volkswagen and Young Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Layton in 2021. Dedicated to philanthropy, each of the company’s dealerships work with the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation to deliver on their commitment to community.
“Our team always looks forward to events with Audi Layton,” Tami Olsen, the executive director of the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation said. “Their team has a passion for bettering the community, and Layton’s citizens are great at showing their dedication to helping those in need.”