Giving back to your community…
For over 25 years, Mark’s Auto Repair of Dodgeville has been serving the Dodgeville community and surrounding area. Mark Van Epps, owner of Mark’s Auto Repair, has been a life long resident of Dodgeville. He has always had a strong belief in community, and has strived to find ways to give back to the community he has been a part of for over 60 years.
Some examples of Mark’s community involvement include:
- Supporter of Iowa County Youth Soccer (Soccer Ball donation program)
- Dodgeville Area Scholarship Foundation (DASFI) – Annual student scholarhip awarded
- Dodgeville High School
- Dodgeville Chamber of Commerce Member
- Supporter of the Iowa County Humane Society (bi-annual donations)
- Supporter of the Iowa County Food Pantry (annual donations)
- Dodgeville Youth Recreation Program (sponsorship of teams)
- Dodgeville Mustangs Youth Football – (coach/mentor)
These are just a few of the many examples of Mark’s committment to give back to his community.
December is always a special month, no matter who you are. The holidays are in full swing, and lots of good tiddings and cheer. That same spirit was evident at Mark’s Auto Repair in Dodgeville. In December, Mark did a oil change special in exchange for a toy (or donation of $15.00 towards the purchase of a toy). The response from Mark’s customers, current and new, was
amazing! Some brought toys, others gave monies to buy toys. A special thanks to some wonderful shopping by Danielle using monies people donated, to buy some wonderful gifts for the kids.
When it was all said and done, Mark and the wonderful staff at Mark’s Auto Repair donated over $1,000 in toys for kids during the holiday season. A job well done!!
It was a great November at Mark’s Auto Repair!! During the month of November, Mark ran an oil change special donating $5.00 from every oil change to the Iowa County Food Pantry. As a result of the fine people at Mark’s Auto Repair, they were able to present a check to the pantry for $575.00. Mark got a tour of the facility from Michelle Friedrich, SWCAP Special Services Coordinator, in addition to some information on how the operation works.
The Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program (SWCAP) is asking for your help in keeping area food pantries stocked. SWCAP is worried about shortages due to federal budget cuts.
From October, 2010, through June, 2011, SWCAP-supported food pantries and shelters provided 501,078 pounds of food to 12,594 families – consisting of 13,028 children and 20,542 adults.
In Iowa County alone, the Iowa County Food Pantry served 1,434 families 2,693 adults’ 1,587 children in 2010. We took in and distributed out 63,534 lbs of donated and purchased food.
As of June 2011, the Iowa County Food Pantry has served 799 families 1,421 adults 830 children and have taken in 28,265 lbs of donated and purchased food.
Families can come once every 30 days to receive a food basket. The baskets are made up of cereal, fruits, vegetables, rice, potatoes, soups, prepared meals a dessert, juice, dry milk or self milk, pastas, beef stew, spaghetti sauce, bread. 
Freezer foods include hamburger, chickens, pizzas, pork patties, hot dogs, and lunch meat and venison burger. We also try to implement toiletries when we have them available such as shampoo, bar soap, toilet paper, dish soap and Kleenexes and Laundry detergent. All this is based on what we have available to put in their baskets.
The food pantry relies on your donations of money and food to help those who are less fortunate. In addition, the facilities are staffed by volunteers. For more information, or to find out how you can volunteer your time, please contact:
Michelle Friedrich
TEFAP Coordinator
Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program
608-935-2326 ext 213
Email: m.friederich@swcap.org
During the month of October 2011, Mark Van Epps, of Mark’s Auto Repair in Dodgeville (located between Pizza Hut and A&W), offered an oil change special, and $5.00 from every oil change was donated to the Iowa County Humane Society. It was a great opportunity to help out our loyal companions, and your vehicle.
As a result of this promotion, Mark was able to present Cheri Phillmore, the Outreach Director at the Iowa County Humane Society, a check for $500 (in picture: Cheri Phillmore and Mark Van Epps).
In addition, Mark’s Auto Repair, recently repaired the Iowa County Humane Society van and graciously did not charge them for the repairs. In addition, Mark too is blessed to have a wonderful companion name Nirvana that was rescued from the Dane County Humane Society shelter. As a commitment to ICHS, and the wonderful companions they help, Mark also offered to run this same special in the Spring. Stay tuned to Mark’s website and Facebook page, and the ICHS website and Facebook page for more information.
Take a moment to become a FAN of Mark’s Auto Repair Facebook page as Mark will be offering other specials every month to his Facebook FANS. These are Facebook FAN specials only. In addition, check out his website for other specials. Mark will be donating $5.00 from every oil change to a different charity every month of the year. Thanks to Mark’s Auto Repair for their support of the Iowa County Humane Society.
In September 2011, Mark Van Epps, owner of Mark’s Auto Repair, provided soccer balls to the many young boys and girls that are involved with the Iowa County Youth Soccer Association. The soccer ball program was in conjunction with Uniroyal who has been donating in excess of a million soccer balls to over 3,000 youth programs over the last 12 years.