The Friends of Renton Schools foundation received $42,523 from Walker’s Renton Subaru’s “Share the Love” event to use for Renton students.

During Subaru of America’s national campaign, hundreds of customers, in Renton, donated $250 for every new Subaru that was purchased or leased between November and January. The Friends of Renton Schools foundation will use the funds to continue funding programs that benefit students in the Renton School District, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs, after school and summer robotics programs, music programs and student musical instrument repair programs.

“Walker’s Renton Subaru prides itself in our connection to the community,” said Dale Walker, owner of Walker’s Renton Subaru. “Being able to give to the Friends of Renton Schools foundation through the ‘Share the Love’ event to continue to improve our schools is just one simple way we prove that commitment.”

This is the second year Subaru has allowed local dealerships to add a local charity to the annual giving campaign. According to Subaru, the donation was the largest of its kind in the region that includes dealerships from Seattle to Alaska.

“Dale Walker’s entire team is incredible,” said Pam Teal, chair of Friends of Renton Schools. “They worked so hard during the ‘Share the Love’ event to ensure customers knew that their donation would go directly to classrooms and help to sustain the wonderful programs being offered at every school in the Renton School District.”

Customers at Walker’s Renton Subaru were able to choose to donate to Friends of Renton Schools foundation or five national charities: ASPCA, Make-A-Wish, Meals On Wheels Association of America, National Park Foundation and Teach for America. Over the past five years, Subaru has donated a total of $25 million through the annual “Share the Love” event, a press release stated.