Celebrating a decade of their iconic Ogden food drive, Young Mazda Ogden and the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation will host their annual Cast-A-Spell on Hunger event on Jan. 31 at 11 a.m.
“Cast-A-Spell stands as one of our dealership’s favorite traditions,” said Ryan Albert, general manager at Young Mazda Ogden. “It’s always a privilege to see families and individuals across our great community come together to help those in need. We’re grateful for the partners who make this event possible, as well as the opportunity we have to host an initiative like this.”
Setting up wizardry-themed games and activities across their showroom, the dealership and nonprofit will work to gather monetary and non-perishable food donations for the Ogden School Foundation, Weber School Foundation and Catholic Community Services. Local organizations, including the Children’s Treehouse Museum, will join the festivities as well to lend support.
Those attending are encouraged to dress up, bring a contribution and turn in a coloring page — actions that will enter them into a drawing for a Nintendo Switch. Once in the facility, they’ll enjoy access to face painters, balloon artists, storytellers, magicians, spell book making stations, games and refreshments, as well as wizard-like props to take photos with.
“Cast-A-Spell on Hunger tends to be our first event of the year, and it sets the tone for our other events and fundraisers to follow,” said Kellee Belnap, director of the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation. “As a foundation we strive to make opportunities to give back as exciting and fulfilling as possible, and we love how well this event does that.”
A business within the Young Automotive Group, Young Mazda engages annually in both the Cast-A-Spell on Hunger event as well as the Ogden Teacher of the Year giveaway — where they provide an exceptional educator with an all-expenses paid, one-year lease on a new vehicle. Each of these initiatives involve Young Caring for Our Young, which was founded as a philanthropic nonprofit by the Young Automotive Group’s partner owner Spencer Young Sr. and his wife Sherry in 2007.
“Part of what makes working at the Young Automotive Group fulfilling is these opportunities to make an impact,” said Albert. “We’re a company who understands that our success would not be possible without the contributions made by our incredible communities. Ogden’s been a fantastic home for our business, and we strive to be a beacon for its residents.”
