Burns Motors and Clark Auto Group Join Forces for Childhood Cancer Cause
In a heartening display of community spirit, two leading automotive dealerships in McAllen, Texas—Burns Motors and Clark Auto Group—have teamed up for a campaign to support families affected by childhood cancer. Through their joint initiative, “Miracle Mile 83,” both dealerships are committing to donate $83 for every vehicle sold between September 15 and October 15, 2025. These funds will directly benefit Friends for Hope, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic.
A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative
“Miracle Mile 83” marks the inaugural collaboration between Burns Motors and Clark Auto Group for this noble cause. Despite having individually supported similar initiatives in the past, this joint endeavor underscores their combined commitment to enhancing local impact and raising awareness during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Xavier Contreras, Director of Operations at Burns Motors, shared his thoughts, stating, “Our dealerships are uniting for one cause. Raising awareness and necessary funding for childhood cancer is something both dealerships are passionate about. We know how vital it is to have a resource like the Vannie E. Cook Clinic close to home.”
Echoing Contreras’s sentiment, Daniel Clark, Partner and Marketing Director for Clark Auto Group, expressed his enthusiasm, “Clark Auto Group is proud to be part of this year’s Miracle Mile 83 fundraiser. There is a deep history between Clark and Burns, and we are honored to continue that legacy by joining together for such an important cause. Giving back to the community has always been at the heart of what we do.”
Significance for the Rio Grande Valley
For residents of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), this campaign offers more than financial aid—it represents hope, unity, and the power of community interest in tackling critical issues. With a focus on the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Clinic, the first comprehensive pediatric cancer treatment facility in South Texas, the campaign underscores the importance of localized support. Since its inception in 2001, the clinic has served over 12,500 children, ensuring they receive necessary care without being turned away due to financial constraints.
Local advocacy groups appreciate this effort. René Alcalá, President of Friends for Hope, emphasized the broader impact, “We are deeply honored to have Burns Motors and Clark Auto Group, two iconic Valley businesses, stand with Friends for Hope in this fight. For our kids and families walking through the toughest battles of their lives, knowing the community is rallying behind them makes all the difference.”
Aligning with Past Community Efforts
The RGV community’s advocacy for pediatric health services has been long-standing. With increasing awareness around childhood ailments and the demand for accessible medical care, initiatives like “Miracle Mile 83” are critical to sustaining momentum. It follows a history of community-driven events focused on rallying support for similar causes.
Maria Rodriguez, a community member from Hidalgo County, reflected on the importance of these initiatives, “Our community has always believed in standing by our children. Events like these go beyond raising funds; they are about fostering a culture of care and concern for the next generation.”
Future Implications
The implications of successful campaigns like this are multifaceted. Besides immediate financial impact, they set a precedent for collaboration among businesses to address social and health challenges in the RGV. Moreover, they have the potential to inspire similar initiatives, thereby fostering a robust framework for continuous support to local nonprofits and healthcare facilities.
That said, sustained efforts and conscious strategies must be infused into future campaigns to ensure a balance between fundraising and community expectations. Experts in nonprofit management emphasize tracking and reporting transparency as key factors in maintaining public trust and engagement.
How to Get Involved
Valley residents eager to participate can contribute by purchasing vehicles from these dealerships during the campaign period or by directly supporting Friends for Hope. As part of its outreach, the initiative is being promoted across social media and local television, encouraging wider community participation.
For more information on how to support or get involved with Friends for Hope or the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Clinic, interested parties can visit their website or contact the local offices directly. As this uplifting campaign progresses, it reinforces the message that united action can drive change and make a lasting difference in the lives of many.
In closing, “Miracle Mile 83” is more than a fundraising campaign; it reflects the essence of community unity in the Rio Grande Valley, demonstrating that when businesses and citizens come together, they create tangible impacts that resonate beyond the immediate cause.
