Curry's Auto puts the "public" in public service

Feb. 27, 2012

Curry's Auto Service has been selected as a finalist for the Washington, D.C., Area Jefferson Awards for Public Service. The nine-store dealership is based in Gainesville, Va.

Co-founders Matt and Judy Curry have donated their time and money, totaling more than $300,000, to 57 national and regional charitable groups, churches, parent-teacher associations and youth athletic clubs since they started their company in 1997.

In 2006, Matt took a two-year leave of absence from his day-to-day business as CEO to raise $209,000, with which he launched Dulles South Youth Sports (DSYS). More than 1,600 area children and teens participate in the DSYS leagues. The Currys, who continue to advise the organization, started a scholarship and field fund in the hope that DYSY will have its own private playing field some day.

Matt also serves on the board of directors of Final Salute, an organization that provides housing for female veterans. Other charities the Currys support include:

* Joe Gibbs' Youth for Tomorrow, which provides education, counseling and residential homes to help disadvantaged youth become responsible members of society;

* Food for Others, which provides free food to unemployed and low-income families;

* the TigerLily Foundation, which provides breast cancer support, education and advocacy; and

* the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.

The Jefferson Awards are part of a national nonprofit program, formed 39 years ago to create a "Nobel Prize for public service" and recognizing companies that build community service into their corporate culture. The local awards are sponsored by the "Washington Business Journal," which is featuring local nominees monthly and will submit its 2011 finalist for the national awards gala in June.

Curry's Auto Service was named "2010 Top Shop" by "Motor Age" magazine. In June 2010, Curry's was chosen by the readers of "Northern Virginia" magazine as "Best Auto Repair Shop" in Northern Virginia.

For more information on Curry's Auto Service, click here.