The 2025 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award
We are honored to be nationally recognized by Subaru of America, Inc. for our dedication to our customers, our community, and the Subaru Love Promise.
The 2025 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award recognizes elite Subaru retailer who provide an exceptional customer experience at every interaction with Subaru. These retailers have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting passions and causes in their local communities in important areas such as environment, community, health, education, and pets.
Here at Subaru, we love our community as much as we love our vehicles and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of all of our customers and neighbors.
What is the Subaru Love Promise?
The Subaru Love Promise® is our vision to show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru. Subaru and our retailers believe every day gives us an opportunity to positively impact the world around us – by how we support each other, our customers, and our community. Together, we are committed to making the world a better place. \n\n The Love Promise is what makes Subaru More Than a Car Company® and a Subaru retailer More Than a Car Dealer®. It sets a standard that we are committed to living every day. \n\n What is the Subaru Love Promise Community Commitment? \n\n At Subaru, we believe in being a positive force in our community, not just with donations, but with actions that set an example for others to follow. We aim to make the world a better place through several key initiatives that help support and protect people, pets, and our planet:
How is Darrell Waltrip Subaru dedicated locally to the Love Promise?
Our Love Promise can be seen in various partnerships with local charities and non-profits. We're grateful for the opportunity, not only to be a part of our community, but to serve it as well.
Williamson Co. Animal Shelter, Nashville Humane Association, Happy Tales Humane Society
Harpeth River Watershed, Williamson County Parks and Re
Williamson Co. Schools, High Hopes Inclusive Pre-Schoo, College Grove Recreation, Franklin Lions Club
Fisher House, Habitat for Humanity, Franklin Tomorrow, Challenged Athletes Foundation, VSA Tennessee
Vanderbilt LifeFlight, St. Jude Children's Hospitals, Mercy Health Services, Foundation Fighting Blindness, Williamson Medical Center
Love Promise Stories from Darrell Waltrip Subaru
Subaru and Darrell Waltrip Subaru believe in making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. We uphold that belief through our Love Promise Community Commitment. Every month, we select inspiring stories from customers and partners from around our area who strive to support our collective commitment and feature them here
Saving Lives to help End Breast Cancer with Susan G. Komen 3Day and Darrell Waltrip Subaru -Kerrie K - Kerrie K
Thank you again Darrell Waltrip Subaru for your continued support and financial donation to Susan G. Komen 3Day. (The3day.org) It means a lot to me that you've contribute to help make sure no one has to face breast cancer alone and that advances in research and technology can continue in our communities. Together, we have shown breast cancer patients there is a community of supporters standing by their side. Thank you again for your incredible generosity! Ya 'rock! Kerrie Kardatzke Susan G. Komen 3Day walker and Proud Owner 2022 Wilderness Outback!
Kibble and Kindness - Charlotte B
Sometimes, love looks like a promise kept — not just to people, but to the animals who depend on us. At Darrell Waltrip Automotive, we believe in giving back to the community that drives us, and this month, that promise took the form of dog food, supplies, and heartfelt compassion. When we learned that the Dickson County Humane Society was down to just one bag of dog food, we knew we had to act. No dog should go to sleep hungry — not when there’s a community like ours that cares. We rallied together, packed up donations of food and essential supplies, and made the trip to ensure those dogs — each one waiting for a forever home — had full bowls and a little extra love. But we didn’t do it alone. To bring more people into the mission, we hosted a community raffle, with the grand prize being one of our premium oil change packages. The outpouring of support was humbling. Neighbors, friends, and families showed up — not just to enter the raffle, but to make a difference. One moment that truly touched our hearts came from Sara Wolfe, our raffle winner. She shared, “I even donated on my best friend's birthday who had passed away. She was a huge animal lover, so it was like she did it with me.” That’s the kind of love that goes beyond words — a promise that lives on, one that gives back in the most beautiful way. These dogs can’t say thank you — but their wagging tails and bright eyes said it all. And we can’t thank you, our community, enough for stepping up. At Darrell Waltrip Automotive, this is more than a donation. It’s a promise — to keep showing up, to keep giving back, and to keep spreading love wherever we can. Because sometimes, all it takes is a bag of food and a big heart to change a life — or a whole shelter.
Hope Takes Flight - Charlotte B
In September, we were deeply honored to support Hickman County Sober Fest — not only by hosting a vendor booth, but by taking part in something truly unforgettable: a butterfly release that turned the sky into a symbol of healing, hope, and new beginnings. As part of the festival’s ceremony, dozens of delicate butterflies were released into the air — each one a moving tribute to the journey of recovery. Their fragile wings carried a powerful message: that change is possible, that healing is real, and that every person deserves the chance to begin again. One of the most emotional moments of the day came as we watched those butterflies take flight — hesitantly at first, just like so many of us who’ve faced life’s hardest battles. But with just a little encouragement, they soared. And with them, so did our spirits. Sober Fest is more than an event. It’s a celebration of resilience. A safe space where the courage of those walking the road to recovery is honored. With live music, inspirational speakers, and a community united in support, it’s become a powerful force for healing in Hickman County — a reminder that no one walks this path alone. At Darrell Waltrip Subaru, we were proud to stand beside this incredible community. Guided by the Subaru Love Promise — our pledge to support causes that truly matter — we saw the butterfly release as more than symbolic. It was soul-stirring. A reflection of the emotional and spiritual transformation that recovery makes possible. Recovery is a journey of bravery, sometimes, transformation begins with a single act of faith. Releasing those butterflies was our way of honoring that courage while reminding everyone there that every day offers a new chance to spread your wings. Darrell Waltrip Subaru remains committed to uplifting our neighbors through events that matter. We were humbled to be part of a day that touched so many hearts. Because sometimes, it’s the smallest wings that carry the biggest dreams.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Blanket Drop Off - Ryan F
For the past couple of years, the Williamson Medical Center has partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Darrell Waltrip through the Subaru Loves to Care initiative. The partnership has involved delivering blankets, patient care kits, and messages of hope to cancer patients for a number of years. On July 7th, Darrell Waltrip personally delivered these items to patients in treatment.
Darrell Waltrip Subaru Teams Up to Support Local Community - Nate R
Imagine going without a coat, shoes, or even socks. For millions of children and adults experiencing homelessness and other urgent need situations across the country, even here in Franklin, this is a harsh reality. Helping others strengthens communities, which is why Darrell Waltrip Subaru is partnering with Operation Warm®, a national nonprofit focused on connecting children with the resources they need to thrive. Through this partnership and other Subaru Loves to Help® efforts, Subaru and retailers like Darrell Waltrip Subaru have helped nearly 900,000 children and adults in urgent need. On 01/14/2025, Darrell Waltrip Subaru donated 204 shoes/socks to GraceWorks. These essential items not only help keep children protected, warm, and dry, it can have a significant impact on a child's mental and emotional well-being.
One Butterfly At A Time - Charlotte B
At Darrell Waltrip Subaru, we believe that love means doing right by the Earth and all its living creatures, no matter the size. That’s why, in the spirit of the Subaru Love Promise and our Love the Earth initiative, our team embarked on a unique journey: raising and releasing over 100 butterflies into our local ecosystem (with more to come). This idea took flight as we learned more about the alarming decline of pollinators worldwide. Butterflies, along with bees and other pollinators, play a vital role in the ecosystem by helping plants grow, bloom, and produce food. Yet due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, their populations have been steadily decreasing; a quiet crisis with serious consequences. Our butterfly journey began in March during Subaru Loves the Earth. We ordered tiny, wriggling caterpillars full of potential. For weeks, our employees and customers alike watched these delicate creatures, watching in awe as they grew and grew until they spun chrysalises. Our waiting room has transformed into a mini sanctuary, sparking conversations with curious customers and inspiring young visitors to learn about pollinators and the role they play in a healthy planet. By late May,we had raised over one hundred of these butterflies and released them into the wild. We have committed to raising butterflies through the summer and early fall in order to do our part in making the world a better place. Not only do we raise butterflies, but we have added a small butterfly garden to our campus to allow butterflies in our area to flourish in an area where pavement is rapidly taking over. But this is more than a beautiful event; it is a living promise. A promise to our community that we care about the future of our planet. A promise to create spaces where life can flourish. And a promise to keep spreading love in every way we can, one butterfly at a time. This is our Subaru Love Promise. And this is how we Love the Earth.
A Little Life With Big Wings - Charlotte B
At our dealership, we believe that love means being there for all creatures large and small. That’s why, when our team discovered a Robin fledgling in the middle of our busy service drive, we didn’t hesitate to step in and help. Knowing this baby bird most likely fell from a customers vehicle during check in, we knew it would not know where it was or where to go. The tiny bird looked lost and vulnerable amidst the afternoon bustle of customer vehicles and service activity. A few of our employees carefully checked to ensure it wasn’t injured. Thankfully, it was healthy, just frightened and a little too close to danger for our liking. With compassion and teamwork, our staff gently relocated the young robin to the back of our property, where it's peaceful and green. There, the little bird had the space and safety it needed to explore, grow stronger, and eventually take flight, free from the hazards of the parking lot. This small act of care is a reflection of what the Subaru Love Promise is all about: showing kindness, respect, and love for all life, whether it has four wheels or two wings. We’re proud to be part of a brand that encourages us to protect not just people, but the planet and its wildlife too.
Do It Scared: A Wilderness Journey to Confidence and Connection - Charlotte B
I never understood how people came together due to the type of car they owned. Honestly it seemed silly to me, I mean it's just a car..until...I became one of those people. You see I bought Maverick (my brand new 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness) in January of this year from Darrell Waltrip Subaru and was told that there would be an event in March for people who owned Wilderness editions. I agreed to going because I wanted to learn of Mavericks off road capabilities, nothing more and nothing less. So, I showed up to the event without knowing a soul, getting lost on the way there and not knowing what to expect. What transpired, after that is a day that I will never forget. I still talk about it and show people pictures. I got to meet amazing people from all over TN, GA, Alabama. In sharing about our cars, we got to share about who we are and the lives we live. So much laughter, identification and understanding was shared before and after the trails. For me the life changing moments happened on the trails themselves. I have never been off road driving before and here I was in my car, just me and Maverick. Do you know what I learned? Don't wait for the fear to leave, do it scared. The way I trusted Maverick to guide me up and down some terrifying hills, the way I listened to every direction given by the amazing team that hosted us and the way I finished those trails with a new confidence in myself was literally life changing. Everyone involved was absolutely phenomenal. From the swag, to the welcome gathering, to the lunch, to the pictures, to bringing people together and everything in between❤️ I will never forget the event, the people and the lessons I learned up there. I can't wait for the next event. I never understood how people came together because of their cars, now I don't understand how people don't. The Wilderness edition is family for life ❤️ With love iuvina Basile
A Love Promise on Four Tiny Wings - Charlotte B
This Earth Day brought us more than just a reminder to care for the planet—it brought us a love story. As our staff walked through the bottom lot of our dealership, a few sharp-eyed members of our team noticed something unusual: a small, perfectly woven robin’s nest tucked into the wheel well of one of our newly arrived vehicles. Nestled safely inside were four soft, sky-blue eggs—each one a quiet symbol of new beginnings. At first, our sales staff was worried this was a customer’s sold car that had arrived, meaning it would have to be moved sooner rather than later. Luckily, this car was designated for our service loaner program. Members of our management team gathered together collectively to make sure we could keep this car stationary until the eggs hatch and the fledglings are able to fly from the nest. So we made a promise. In a true Subaru fashion—and under the banner of our “Subaru Loves the Earth” commitment—we vowed to protect the nest and its tiny passengers. A sign now rests on the dash of the Crosstrek, gently informing others that this vehicle is temporarily out of commission for the most important journey of all: the journey of life. American Robins typically lay three to five eggs in a clutch, and both parents take turns feeding their young once hatched. The eggs take about twelve to fourteen days to incubate, and after hatching, the fledglings will remain in the nest for about two weeks before they’re strong enough to fly. Until that moment comes, we will keep watch, honoring the space they've chosen and the trust they've unknowingly placed in us. It’s a reminder that even in a world of engines and asphalt, nature finds its way—and when it does, it's up to us to listen, slow down, and protect it. We’re not just selling cars—we’re part of something bigger. And this spring, that “something” came with feathers and a whole lot of heart.
Darrell Waltrip Subaru Experience: Empowering Owners Through Off-road Education - TALOR J
The Subaru Wilderness Experience is a quarterly event designed to give Subaru Wilderness owners an in-depth, hands-on opportunity to learn the full capabilities of their vehicles. This unique program, offered free of charge to all Subaru Wilderness owners, provides attendees with the chance to experience their vehicles in real-world off-road conditions under the guidance of certified off-road experts. The event begins the evening before the off-road adventure, where some participants gather for a night of camping. This allows them to connect with fellow Subaru owners, share stories of their adventures, and prepare for the next day's activities. The camaraderie built around the campfire fosters a sense of community among like-minded individuals who share a passion for outdoor exploration. The following morning, the group embarks on a guided off-road experience led by experienced and certified off-road guides. These experts provide in-depth instruction on how to effectively navigate various terrains, including rocky paths, steep inclines, creek beds, and forest trails. Drivers learn about their vehicle’s advanced features, such as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, X-Mode, and high ground clearance, which are specifically designed for rugged off-road conditions. There are on-site product specialists as well for any technology questions. Throughout the journey, participants are taught how to maximize their vehicle’s potential, with expert tips on handling challenging terrain and maintaining control in different driving scenarios. This hands-on experience instills confidence in drivers, allowing them to fully understand their vehicle’s capabilities and how it can handle even the most demanding off-road conditions. In addition to improving their off-road driving skills, attendees have the opportunity to ask questions, receive personalized guidance, and gain a deeper understanding of Subaru's commitment to performance, safety, and reliability. Whether navigating rocky hills or crossing muddy streams, the Subaru Wilderness models consistently demonstrate their ability to provide a smooth, controlled ride in tough conditions, ensuring drivers feel secure and in control every step of the way. The Subaru Wilderness Experience also serves as an ideal opportunity for Subaru owners to form lasting connections with other adventurers. With participants ranging from seasoned off-road enthusiasts to first-time adventurers, the event fosters a community where individuals can share knowledge, swap stories, and forge new friendships—all while gaining invaluable off-roading skills. By the end of the event, attendees not only walk away with a greater understanding of their Subaru Wilderness vehicle but also the confidence to tackle any adventure, whether it’s a weekend camping trip or a cross-country road trip. The Subaru Wilderness Experience isn’t just about driving; it’s about empowering owners to explore the outdoors with the confidence that their vehicle can handle any challenge. Held once every quarter, the Subaru Wilderness Experience is open to all Subaru Wilderness owners, not just new customers, ensuring that anyone with a passion for adventure can participate. This ongoing program reflects Subaru’s dedication to building a strong community of Wilderness owners, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to make the most of their Subaru Wilderness vehicles—on or off the road.
