Gear Up & Give Back: How Herrin-Gear Turns Horsepower Into Hope

On September 13, the Jackson, MS campus transformed into a rolling museum and block party with purpose. More than 200 show cars filled the front lots, 175 officially registered, and the community rallied to raise $29,280 for Children’s of Mississippi. If you were anywhere near High Street, you heard it—the hum of engines, the laughter of families, and the unmistakable sound of a dealership loving its city well.

Shanehan Westphal and Shelly Hux didn’t just organize an event; they orchestrated a moment. The Mississippi National Guard presented the flag. A trio of World War II-era aircraft traced smoke across the sky in a tribute to veterans and active-duty service members. Local vendors committed a share of proceeds. Kids lined up for face paint, balloon “pets,” and the axe-throwing inflatable that somehow turned adults into kids again. And all the while, DJ Dave spun 78s—because a timeless cause deserves a timeless soundtrack.

This is year two. It was bigger than year one—and that’s by design. Herrin-Gear isn’t chasing one-off headlines; they’re building habits. Under the banner of HG Cares, the team has chosen a simple operating system: Shift Gears. Drive Change. Start with employees, invite customers, and open the doors wide to the community.

That shows up in the calendar, not just the copy:

• School supply drives with neighbors like We Will Go—because learning needs tools.

• Blood drives—because saving lives is a dealership-size team sport.

• Give a Kid a Bike—with techs assembling bikes and TV partners amplifying the mission.

• Ruck for Rugrats with 5th Squad—veterans marching toys to Children’s of Mississippi.

• A growing commitment to mental health & suicide prevention with AFSP Mississippi and the Out of the Darkness Walk.

• Platforms for local nonprofits like Little Light House, Shower Power, and more—because big crowds should become big megaphones.

There’s also a rootedness you can feel. Herrin-Gear’s four brands—BMW, Chevrolet, INFINITI, and Lexus—share one location in a corridor that’s seen better days. Plenty of people ask when they’ll move. The team’s answer is steady: we’re staying. The work isn’t just fundraising; it’s place-making—from picking up trash to organizing High Street partners so the whole stretch looks and feels like home.

If you’re counting outcomes, the financial impact is real. But listen to the stories and you’ll hear the deeper score: employees proud to wear the logo; customers who come for an oil change and leave as volunteers; nonprofits finding new supporters; a mayor shaking every hand in sight; car clubs—Mississippi Hot Rod Association, Mississippi Classic Cruisers, the Antique Car Club—showing up heavy and inviting friends.

That’s what happens when a dealership stops shouting “We sell cars!” and starts living “We love people.” The inventory still moves. But the movement—that’s what’s really accelerating.

Herrin-Gear, thanks for reminding the industry what a showroom can be: a town square, a starting line, and a launchpad for good. Same time next year? We’ll be there—ready to rev up and give back.