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Providing a safe, positive and productive place for youth to go after school and during school breaks. An increasing number of children stay at home with no supervision. They are left to find their own recreation and companionship. The Boys and Girls club offers a safe, positive and productive place for children to go after school and during school breaks. The Boys and Girls Club empowers all young people to reach their full potential by instilling a sense of confidence and belonging. Staff and volunteers offer free tutoring and homework help and members participate in daily activities that focus on five core areas: Character & Leadership, Education & Career, Health & Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. Since the Eau Claire location opened its doors in 2004, the club has positively impacted the lives of more than 1,000 kids and has grown from 13 children per day to about 92. There are also locations in Chippewa Falls, Black River Falls and Menomonie. Community is so important to the club and without it, the Boys and Girls Club wouldn’t exist. If you’re interested in learning more, or if you would like to support the club by donating or volunteering visit their website to learn more and make a difference in a child’s life today.» Visit Boys and Girls Club Website

For every new or used vehicle sold from now until Christmas at Markquart Motors or Markquart Toyota we will donate $100 to local organizations. One of the organizations is the Feed My People Food Bank. They Rescue food before it is wasted and distribute it to people in our community who struggle to put food on the table. Every day people in the Chippewa Valley go hungry. Last year, more than 66,000 individuals relied on food received from programs supplied by Feed My People Food Bank. Feed My People bridges the gap between food manufacturers and hunger-relief organizations (food pantries, community meal sites & shelter). They are equipped with a large warehouse and 6 refrigerated trucks, which help them distribute food to more than 120 hunger-relief organizations. They also provide weekend kids meals to about 2,000 local students who may struggle with hunger when school meals are not available, and assist with Meals on Wheels, which distributes food boxes to individuals who are homebound. Feed My People is so successful due to the kindness of the surrounding communities. Local farmers, retailers and companies donate food and products every year, and individuals in the community help by donating their time and money. “Every $1 donated equals $10 worth of food,” according to Assistant Director Suzanne Becker. Many of the day-to-day operations are run by volunteers. If you are interested learning more about volunteering or donating please visit their website. >>Feed My People Food Bank Website

Markquart has been blessed by the support of a great community, and now we want to give back by helping organizations that serve those who need it most. From November 13th until Christmas, Markquart Motors and Markquart Toyota will be donating $100 for every new and used vehicle we sell. That money will go to support – The Boys and Girls Club – Feed My People Food Bank – Chippewa Valley Free Clinic (in Eau Claire) – Open Door Clinic (in Chippewa Falls) With your help we hope to raise over $50,000! >> Start Shopping

There is a reason why Jay has been a part of the Markquart Toyota team for 25 years. He’s friendly, personable and always willing to lend a helping hand. He also happens to be really good at selling cars, which doesn’t hurt either. This month, we give thanks to Jay as we celebrate his 25-year anniversary with Markquart Toyota. Before Jay made his way to Markquart Toyota, he was in the radio business for 18 years. During that time, he tried everything—from DJing to program directing. It wasn’t until 1989 that Jay changed directions and came to Markquart to sell cars. He took to it like a fish to water. Within 6 months of graduating from the Toyota training program, Jay had become the top-selling salesperson of the month. Jay has yet to slow down from when he started. In 1993 and 1994, Jay won 2nd-place nationally and 1st-place regionally, respectively, in the Product Knowledge National Walkaround Competition. And he probably would have gone on to win more if they hadn’t discontinued the competition in 1995. When asked what his favorite part of the job has been over the 25 years he’s spent at Markquart, Jay said that he enjoys meeting new people and helping them find the car that is right for them. “There are some regulars that I have known for decades,” he said. Jay also loves the fact that Toyota is constantly evolving and “there is always something new in product.” We appreciate everything you have done for Markquart Toyota over the years, Jay. You are a great asset to the team and we look forward to many more years with you.

If you’re looking for a way to spice up your daily commute, check out the 2015 Toyota Corolla LE. We have a variety of 2015 Corolla LE’s available at Markquart Toyota, located near Eau Claire, WI. For only $1000 TOTAL due at signing, you can lease the ’15 Corolla LE for only $199 a month for 36 months. This INCLUDES all taxes, license, title fees, and dealer fees. The 2015 Corolla LE is ready for any adventure and we have 10 of them to choose from. Its show-stopping design will have onlookers turning their heads as you drive by. LED headlights come standard and are paired with a sporty grille to give the Corolla an athletic look. From Super White and Slate Metallic to 4Evergreen Mica and Barcelona Red, we have an array of colors on our new car lot, just waiting to be driven. The interior of the 2015 Corolla LE is just as impressive with a fluid dashboard design, sportier driver’s seat and spacious cabin for all your passengers. The fun doesn’t end there, either. The Corolla LE comes standard with backup camera, steering wheel-mounted controls, and remote keyless entry and trunk release. We have an array of 2015 Toyota Corolla LE’s available to lease right now for only $199 a month for 36 months. Check out our great selection of 2015 Corollas online now or stop by Markquart Toyota to test drive one today and elevate your drive with a Corolla. *New 2015 Toyota Corolla LE Lease, for $199 per month for 36 months, $1000 due at signing on approved credit from Toyota Financial Services. 36 MONTH LEASE-FOR-12,000 MILES A YEAR. Security deposit waived on this lease offer. Includes taxes, license, title fees, and $162.50 dealer fee. Insurance is not included. Offer expires 11/03/2014. Stock #T5144.

The 2015 Toyota Camry has finally made its way to Markquart Toyot in Eau Claire, WI! The 2015 Toyota Camry is all-new inside and out. New exterior panels (except for the roof) make up the bold and striking body of the Camry. A sport mesh front grille and LED headlights, both available on select trims, give this Camry its aggressive look. The interior has been rejuvenated as well, with high-quality materials at every angle, a redesigned center stack and front sport seating. The Camry also comes with available dual-zone climate control and power tilt/slide moonroof to make every ride an invigorating one. The Toyota Camry has been the best-selling car in America for the last decade for a reason. The 2015 Camry will confidently carry the tradition. Check out our selection of 2015 Camry’s for sale in Eau Claire on our website or stop by Markquart Toyota to speak with one of our product specialist about this stylish yet dependable car.

If you’ve been debating on getting new tires for your Toyota or Scion vehicle, you should check out the Toyota Tire Savings Event. Going on October 1st through the 31st at Markquart Toyota near Eau Claire, WI, when you buy three tires, you get the fourth one for only $1! This offer is not valid with any other offer including Markquart Rewards, and the tires must be installed at Markquart Toyota. Take advantage of Toyota’s great tire sale during the month of October. We offer a variety of tire brands, from Bridgestone and Goodyear to Continental and Yokohama, and everything in between. Save money when you buy new tires from Markquart Toyota during Toyota’s Tire Savings Event in October. Schedule a service appointment online or call Markquart Toyota today to speak with one of our friendly Service Advisors about what tires work best for your Toyota.

Our customers spoke and we listened! The Markquart Toyota Children's playroom has been refreshed. Including the addition of hip new toys, fresh coloring books, children's books, and a variety of Matchbox cars. At Markquart we aim to make every experience an enjoyable one even for the little ones. So on your next auto repair visit make sure to stop by and check it out!

If you’re looking for a vehicle that can keep up with your adventurous lifestyle, take a look at the 2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited, available now at Markquart Toyota, located in Hallie, between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. This small crossover, equipped with 4WD, is up for the challenge and can be leased now for only $399 a month. The 2104 Toyota RAV4 Limited is packed to the max with great features: voice-activated navigation to guide you to your destination, 4WD to help get you there, and heated seats with memory to make the ride that much more comfortable. Add to that Toyota’s Entune Audio System with Bluetooth capabilities, a power sunroof, a power rear liftgate and an automatic transmission with manual mode, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate ride. This great deal on the 2014 RAV4 Limited is, well, limited, so check out the RAV4 online now or stop by Markquart Toyota today to speak with one of our product specialists about leasing the 2014 RAV4 Limited. *New 2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited Lease, for $399 per month for 36 months, $500 due at signing on approved credit from Toyota Financial Services. 36 MONTH LEASE-FOR-12,000 MILES A YEAR. Security deposit waived on this lease offer. Does not include taxes, license, title fees, insurance, and $162.50 dealer fee. Offer expires 9/30/2014. Stock #TY4183.

If you thought the Toyota Prius couldn't get any cooler, think again. The hip and trendy 2015 Prius Persona Series Special Edition is making its way to Markquart Toyota near Eau Claire, WI, this fall. The Persona Series brings an edge to the 2015 Prius with 17-inch alloy wheels, a metallic exterior finish, heated power mirrors, and chrome shift knob rings and door grips. The interior is adorned with special badging and black SofTex fabric stitched with grey, giving it a sophisticated look. The Persona Series Prius comes in the striking Absolutely Red or the classy Blizzard Pearl to match your personality. As the world’s best-selling car, the Prius is in a class all of its own. With Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, a versatile interior, and the ability to get up to 51 mpg, you can’t go wrong, no matter what kind of Prius you choose. Give us a call at 715-834-4440 to learn how you can get your hands on this special edition Prius! Call us to learn more 715-834-4440

By John Markquart This past summer while the news outlets were busy covering the troubled children of Central America making the dangerous trek to America, a contingent of locals travelled to Honduras to experience NPH in Honduras, an orphanage that cares for nearly 400 kids. John, Terri, Charlee, Malia, Leah and Will Markquart were part of that group and were excited to see the amazing work of NPH on behalf of orphan and disadvantaged children of Honduras. NPH stands for Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos which is Spanish for Our Little Brothers and Sisters. NPH has nine facilities in Latin America including an orphanage located on a 2000 acre ranch in central Honduras. The organization was founded by Father Wasson in Mexico in the 1950's when he decided to take in an orphan boy caught stealing from the church's poor box. He soon had 8 more and NPH had its mission. The model for helping kids at NPH is remarkably different than most other orphanages and, in my experience, remarkably effective. NPH does not seek to place their children in families through adoption. Instead, they seek for the ranch and all the people there to become one very large family for each other. Their philosophy centers around the principles of love, security, sharing, work, responsibility and faith. We saw firsthand how the staff, volunteers and children join together and form a community that provides a genuine feeling of family for most everyone there! Our trip was organized by local surgeon Nino Parise and his wife Dana who have dedicated much of their lives to supporting and promoting the work of NPH in Honduras. Our group consisted of 25 people, primarily from the Eau Claire area, who hoped to leave their imprint on the people Honduras. Instead it was the people of Honduras who left their mark on us. From Edwin to Aldo and Carlos, to Marisol and Jessica, each of us came to know some amazing children. Each child has a story which would be painful to hear, yet so many of the children here have a genuine radiance about them which is absolutely miraculous given the hardship they have likely endured. Our group's morning at the ranch was spent helping with chores on the ranch like weeding the garden, collecting eggs from the chicken coop, preparing meals, or helping kids with their English. Afternoons were spent hanging out with the kids, relaxing, playing some soccer, and in a devotional led by the Dana and Nino. In the evening we split up and ate dinner in the children's homes which are called Hogar (pr. O Gar), which means dormitory in Spanish. Each Hogar was staffed by adults that supervised the kids that lived there. At the ranch the children went to school and learned how to work. It was new to us to see children at a young age learning the manual labor which is still a mainstay in the Honduran economy. Kids would wash their own clothes and dishes, and spend part of each day on chores like working the garden, cutting the grass with a machete, or moving material in a wheelbarrow. It seems like a lot of responsibility for such young children and yet it is necessary to prepare them for their lives ahead. As the children get older many are taught a trade like woodworking, welding, sewing, auto repair or making shoes. Whether kids will continue with upper education or go into the workforce, the goal at NPH is to help them prepare. There is far more to the lives of the kids than just school and chores. They love hanging with the other kids, playing soccer and having fun. Everywhere we looked kids were being kids, laughing, rough housing and running around. Many people in our group commented on how happy that most of the kids seemed to be at the ranch. There were many touching stories that we experienced at NPH. Dana and Nino told us about trying to explain to the children about their daughter who was adopted from an orphanage in Ethiopia. One of the kids asked "What's an orphanage?" Obviously an ironic question for a kid living at an orphanage. It struck me that perhaps NPH just doesn't feel like an orphanage to these kids. My wife Terri asked a 12 year old boy new to the ranch how he liked it. He said "He liked it. No one beats him here." Anyone care to guess who we will sponsor? As our TV screens are filled with images of desperate young people fleeing their troubled lives in Mexico and Central America it seems like there is nothing we can do living so far away in Wisconsin. Perhaps supporting organizations like NPH is something tangible that you can do to really make a difference in the lives of troubled kids. I was fortunate to experience their blessing first hand. If you are interested in learning more, or want to sponsor one of the kids at the ranch, go to www.nph-honduras.org for more information.

Markquart Toyota has a new auto finance manager and you might recognize him. His name is Aaron Berg and he has come to us from Markquart Motors, where he was a product specialist for 6 years. Aaron dove right into the automotive business once out of high school. He started off cleaning cars at a local dealership, and climbed the ranks over the years until he found his niche as a product specialist. In 2008, he made his way to Markquart Motors to work in new car sales, and every year since then Aaron has been awarded the GM Mark of Excellence. When a Automotive Finance position opened up at Markquart Toyota Aaron decided he wanting to try something new. Having been in car sales since 2000, Aaron said he’s always “been the guy that sold people their car,” and now, as a finance manager, he’s excited to start “learning what goes on behind the scenes.” He invites all his previous customers and future ones to stop in and say “hi” to him and “friend” him on Facebook! Congratulations to Aaron on his new position as finance manager and welcome to the Markquart Toyota team!