A Century of Smiles
At Sames Auto Group, we are committed to making a difference in our communities through impactful programs and initiatives that truly matter. Whether it’s supporting education by providing scholarships and resources to schools or giving back through charitable events like food drives and fundraisers, Sames is dedicated to driving positive change. We believe in building stronger, more connected communities by investing in the people and causes that inspire us all, and we’re proud to play an active role in creating a brighter future.
The Drive Sames 4 Education program started more than a decade ago in Laredo, Texas. It is designed to encourage perfect attendance among high school students across several school districts. Currently, the program is being executed in Laredo, Bastrop, Corpus Christi and Mcallen, and has delivered 28 vehicles since its inception.
Here's how it works:
- Perfect Attendance Reward
High school students in grades 9-12 who maintain perfect attendance are eligible to win a brand-new vehicle donated by Sames Auto Group. .
- Participating School Districts
This initiative includes Laredo, Bastrop, McAllen, Corpus Christi, and London ISDs.
- The Process
Students earn up to five entry vouchers for the year, based on their attendance, to increase their chances of winning.
Vouchers are submitted at participating Sames dealerships in their respective cities.
- Grand Finale
At the finale event, finalists will participate in a drawing where one lucky student will receive the message, "YOU ARE THE WINNER OF A NEW SAMES VEHICLE!"
By supporting this program, Sames Auto Group aims to motivate students, improve attendance, and strengthen ties to local communities.
Sames Auto Group proudly supports the yearly Test Drive for Smiles campaign to benefit Driscoll Children's Hospital. For every test drive taken during the campaign, Sames donates $10 to the hospital, working towards a minimum goal of $20,000. We are aiming to deliver $100,000 by 2028!
How to Participate:
- Choose Your Dealership
Select a participating Sames Auto Group location near you.
- Schedule Your Test Drive
Pick your car and click "Drive Change, Schedule Test Drive."
- Take the Test Drive
Enjoy your test drive and feel great knowing you’re contributing to a worthy cause.
Participating Dealerships
- Sames Ford (Laredo and Corpus Christi)
- Sames Harlingen Ford
- Sames Honda
- Sames Kia
- Sames Laredo Chevrolet and Nissan
- Sames Mazda
- Sames McAllen Ford and Lincoln
Together, we take steps to support children's healthcare and bring smiles to the community.
Sames Scholars Program at TAMIU
Founded in 2002 by Hank and Elizabeth Sames, the Sames Scholars Program at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) helps first-generation and high-risk students from Laredo pursue a college degree. The program provides a four-year scholarship to TAMIU, covering tuition and academic expenses, and pairs each student with a faculty mentor for ongoing guidance from high school through college.
Who Qualifies:
Students must be first-generation college-bound, meet economic need criteria, maintain a 90+ GPA, and have 95% high school attendance.
Program Highlights:
- Mentorship: Monthly meetings with TAMIU faculty mentors.
- Scholarship: Four-year full academic scholarship to TAMIU.
- Goal: To guide students toward academic success through support and mentorship.
Impact:
Since 2002, the program has celebrated 95 college graduates and invested over $2 million in scholarships. In 2023, it marked 21 years of changing lives through education.