Rallying for Farmington Hills

At 9 a.m. on Friday, 14 Mercedes-Benz vehicles drove out of the parking lot of the Mercedes-Benz Financial Services building in Farmington Hills. 

They weren't bound for a promotional event or a dealership; the people inside were on a mission to help the community.

This was the second annual Mercedes-Benz Financial Services road rally. Sixty employees were divided into teams of four from all levels of the company and from different departments. Each team was given a box of supplies and a packet with instructions and tasks to complete.

"One of our core values is social responsibility," company spokesperson Jennifer Korman said. "It's engrained in our culture here, so not only is this fun for employees, it's part of our three-part approach of giving back to the community, team building, and pride in our product."

To complete the rally and gain points, each team visited three non-profit organizations in Farmington Hills in random order. 

At (CLC) on Tuck Road, rally participants worked in the heat trimming bushes, weeding the lawn and flower beds, and cleaning the parking lot.

"We're a non-profit and we can't afford to have a gardener. The kind of work they did today helps us reduce costs," said Ron Weber, Development and Marketing Manager for CLC, which provides residential care to adults with developmental disabilities. 

Mercedes Benz Financial Services employees also stopped at the . Team members built desks and chairs for the community gathering space on Grand River Ave.

was the rally's third stop. Mercedes-Benz Financial Services employees unloaded paintbrushes and disposable cameras, which were donated by the company. Rachel Timlin with the city's explained to each group how the art supplies would be used.

"Your generous donation of art supplies will be used for art camps here in Farmington Hills that start on Monday," said Timlin. "The kids will learn about different art disciplines during week-long day camps."

Cultural Arts Supervisor Nancy Coumoundouros gave tours of the Public Art Exhibition thoughout City Hall.

"I've never seen such an impressive city hall," Juergen Rochert, Vice President of Daimler Truck Financial, said. "The conservation aspects and the green technology is incredibly forward-thinking."

At each stop on the rally, team members received a signature to verify their participation in the activity. The rally was not judged on time, but on points given for completing tasks and answering a questionnaire about Mercedes-Benz products and company history. Winning teams received prizes.

Robert Frangie has worked at Mercedes-Benz Finanacial Services for 12 years.

"If you live or work in the community, you've got to give back to it," Frangie said. "With today's economy, that's more important than ever."

In its continuing effort to enrich the Farmington Hills community, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services also sponsors the "Stars in the Park" summer concert series at on Thursday evenings, and all employees are given one day off each year to volunteer for a cause of their choice. 

"They're a hard-working group," said Weber. "I had to practically chase some of them away because they didn't want to stop working.  It's just a God-send to have them."

To volunteer at CLC or make a donation, visit clchomes.org.