05/29/12 Culver’s Kiwanis Club gathered Thursday evening to honor an outstanding area business at Mystic Hills.
Kiwanian Dick Swennumson introduced members of the Oliver family of Plymouth’s Oliver Ford Lincoln-Mercury, recipients of special recognition by the Club, by noting the business “has helped our community for over seven decades.”
Describing the Olivers as “an extraordinary family,” Swennumson explained John Oliver I started the company in 1955.
“Their business model from day one has been helping and serving the community,” continued Swennumson. “They know the more prosperous the community, the more successful the business is.”
Swennumson said “Jack” (John III) Oliver has sponsored many Kiwanis events throughout the area.
“Every time we have asked the Olivers to step up and sponsor or support or help the children in our community, they have never failed us. We hear a lot about businesses that are vilified in the national press, but we recognize businesses that support the children in our community.”
John Oliver III thanked the Club, adding his family is “humbled and honored to accept this. I also want to give a shout out to my dad and late grandfather. Without them, the principles would not have been possible. My grandfather said, ‘At the end of the month, you pay your employees, you pay your bills, and if you have any money left, you support your community. They will support you in good and tough times. It’s your honor and goal to fulfill that destiny.'”
Swennumson noted Oliver Ford has provided vehicles for this year’s community-wide Kiwanis raffle, whose winner may choose from the vehicles displayed around the community, another Oliver vehicle, or $35,000 cash.
It was also noted the club’s annual Peanut Day will take place June 23, bass fishing tournament June 16, golf tournament July 14 at Mystic Hills, and that the club will participate as volunteers in support of the Lake Max Triathlon August 11 (the club will be one of the local beneficiaries of the event, said coordinator for the club John Bartlett).
Provided by Jeff Kenney of the Culver Citizen
