Martin Automotive Group celebrates 40 years with $200K scholarship donation and gala
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Martin Group celebrated four decades of business with a benefit gala, raising $200,000 for the Western Kentucky University scholarship endowment established in 2000 by Cornelius and Gail Martin.
According to a release Monday, the endowment supports current and future WKU students.
Cornelius A. Martin, founder of the Martin Group, served WKU’s Board of Regents from 1994 to 2006 and as chair of the board twice, the release states.
Chad Martin, CEO and president of Martin Group, said, “We are proud to use the Martin Group’s 40th anniversary as an opportunity to continue our family’s decades-long support of WKU and the entire Bowling Green community.”
Hosted at the company’s Fixed Base Operation, Co-Mar Aviation, the evening commemorated the beginning of a yearlong celebration honoring the Martin Group’s 40-year legacy and commitment to the community where it was founded, the release states.
The release says guests gathered for an evening of dining, live performances and commemorative presentations.
In addition, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Warren County judge-executive Doug Gorman and Bowling Green chief of police Michael J. Delaney delivered greetings at the event.
Additional special guests included former Speaker of the House Jody Richards, mayor Todd Alcott, WKU President Timothy Caboni and Miss Kentucky Ariana Rodriguez.
The gala included a museum-style legacy exhibit curated by Amber L. Martin, an exclusive screening of the Martin Group’s 40-year anniversary documentary and employee recognition. This included the company’s top salesperson to its most tenured team member of 27 years.
The evening was emceed by the founder and chair of the boar’s granddaughter, Céline Martin. The youngest family member and granddaughter, Cora Martin, proudly served as the presenter.
Gail Martin, chair of the board, and Chad Martin delivered special remarks.
Gail Martin said, “We are still in business today after losing our founder tragically in 2006. He led the way, and we continue the legacy.”
The evening concluded with a renowned performance by five-time GRAMMY® nominee Robin Thicke, closing a night of celebration, philanthropy and legacy.
