Bob Bridge, 60, has been in the automobile industry 40 years. He has owned Bob Bridge Toyota Scion since 1981. He bought the company after the beginning of a series of Boeing employment cuts.

“That’s the only time a poor boy without a lot of money can buy an automobile agency — when no one else wants it,” Bridge says.

Taking that risk worked out for the former “poor boy.” Bridge now has the money to help others.

He started a math-tutoring program for 23 students at Lindbergh High School last year. He and Renton School District have expanded that program this year to serve 100 students at all of the district’s high schools. Last year’s tutoring program used University of Washington students as tutors. This year’s program is online, at www.rentontutor.com

Bridge also hopes to contribute to a teacher-appreciation program this year. Last year he gave a check for $500 to $1,000 to all district schools. He wanted teachers and school staff to use the money for something fun. Also last year, Bridge gave all Kent School District teachers — all 1,800 of them, he says — a thank-you note and $5 Starbucks gift card.

Bridge of Bellevue also supports organizations outside Renton School District. He sponsors Renton River Days and supports Vision House, Communities in Schools of Renton and Swedish Hospital. He has been president of Western Washington Toyota Dealers Ad Group and Puget sound GMC Truck Dealers Ad Group, and is a board member of Washington State Auto Dealers Association. He recently received Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.’s President’s Award for outstanding sales and service – for the sixth time.

Despite his charitable contributions, Bridge calls himself “a green pea” in Renton’s philanthropy patch.

“There are people in this town who have been contributing their time and money for years and years and years,” he says. “These people are truly an inspiration to me. So I’m just kind of getting started, and hopefully will have a positive impact for years to come.”