Ed Stowe, newly retired from IBM in 1991, was approached by Hal Colston, friend and idea person behind Good News Garage (GNG). GNG repairs donated cars and provides them to low-income families throughout Vermont. Colston wondered if Stowe would answer the GNG phones and follow up on “tons of messages” about cars waiting to be donated. Stowe signed on and also agreed to arrange the transportation of cars to the GNG facility.
Carmen George, GNG Marketing and Development Manager, shared that “Ed Stowe of Essex has been a cherished volunteer with Good News Garage in Burlington since 1996, when he started serving on the program committee which oversaw the development of this newly created Lutheran Social Services car donation program.”
Today Stowe carries out three main functions for GNG. He serves on the program committee, participating in the monthly meetings, picks up cars to bring to the garage and represents GNG at various functions, spreading the word about GNG’s good work and soliciting support. Stowe has a wealth of stories about donated vehicles. A woman in Maryland drove her Volvo station wagon to Burlington, asking only for a ride to the airport. He also fondly recalled the several times that his wife has accompanied him as he picks up vehicles, one as far away as Connecticut.
With enthusiasm, he shared about GNG founder Colston appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show to be recognized for his establishment of social programs that help break the cycle of poverty. Colston was unaware that Rick Hendrick, owner of several NASCAR race teams, was in the audience waiting to donate ten, 2009 Chevy Impalas, with low mileage. Stowe later served on the selection committee to determine the two Burlington-area families, out of 100 applicants, who would receive their almost new Impalas.
Stowe is proud of the fact that GNG has been replicated in other locations such as Manchester, NH, and in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He explained there is “real need” for private transportation in Vermont, a state with limited public transportation. He is amazed by the hard working GNG staff and their dedication to their mission, led by Michael Muzzy, director. Stowe has worked closely with Carmen George for several years and noted that she is “one of the sharpest marketing people I’ve ever known,” and that her wide range of contacts has allowed her to spread the word about GNG.
Stowe, 74 and a golf enthusiast, makes his home in Essex with his wife Gail. Their daughter teaches and resides in San Antonio, Texas. Married 52 years, the Stowes spend time with their son and his family who live in Fairfax. They enjoy playing with their grandchildren one day a week, working on LEGO creations or playing backgammon. Stowe also serves on the board of directors for NeighborKeepers, an organization that provides allies who support families, from simply sharing coffee and conversation or assisting them with applying for social security benefits. He has been an ally for a family of four over the past three years as well. “It satisfies a need of my own of helping people that are a little less fortunate than I am.”
~ Kathy Folley, United Way of Chittenden County Volunteer Center, Volunteer Columnist
Posted on this site with permission from The United Way of Chittenden County.
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