Rhinelander Auto Center (Rhinelander GM and Toyota) Make Generous Donation

The Hodag Schools Foundation (HSF) is pleased to announce the donation of $100,000 from
Rhinelander Auto Center (Rhinelander GM and Toyota). The donation comes in the form of a pledge
over five years, designated for improvements to the Hodag athletic multi-purpose complex, specifically
the Hodag Dome.

“We feel business owners have a responsibility to the communities where they operate. It's
important to give back and be involved,” acknowledges Dan Towne owner of Rhinelander Auto Center.
Towne who was an entry-level salesman at Rhinelander Auto Center in early 2000, worked his way to
the top of the company over the course of 15 years. A proud Rhinelander native, he credits his start in
the car business to his father-in-law, who worked at a local dealership and encouraged him to apply.
After assisting with the purchase and successful growth of a sister store, Durango Motor Company in
Colorado, Towne returned to Rhinelander in 2016, overseeing Rhinelander Auto Center’s day-to-day
operations as general manager. He became owner in March 2019 and Towne remains committed to the
Rhinelander area.

“Sports and recreation is not only about winning, it’s about helping build stronger, healthier,
happier, and safer communities,” continues Towne. “Communities that participate in sports, recreation,
and wellness activities develop strong social bonds, are safer places, and their residents are generally
healthier and happier. Physical activity enhances cognitive function improving memory, behavior,
concentration, and academic achievement. We here at Rhinelander Auto Center believe sports activities
are a great way for children to learn essential skills such as teamwork and cooperation that will serve
them later in life.”

He goes on to say, “This dome will be versatile so it won’t only cater to our community of Hodag
athletes, but will be useful for Rhinelander High School students and departments like physical education
and band. Additionally, it will give our community a chance to host activities and events such as
tournaments and fundraisers.”

Rhinelander Auto Center believes improving outdoor facilities benefits the community by
bringing people together and providing opportunities for social interaction and networking. They agree
that facilities of this type create positive alternatives for youth, provide a vehicle for inclusion, and bring
people of different backgrounds together, promoting volunteering. “Sports and recreation clubs are the
hub of community life, especially in small rural locations like Rhinelander and its surrounding areas,”
continues Towne. “It balances work and life, fostering community pride.”

Rhinelander Auto Center trusts that building this complex will help grow the athletic department
of the schools and community which in turn will attract future business leaders and their families.
Towne sums up the reason to support this project by saying, “One of our values includes being good
community citizens. We give willingly to and are actively involved in the support of our local communities
because they provide us our success. Donating to local organizations also fosters good will. It shows that
we care about the future of Rhinelander and the youth that will shape it. It’s not about adding to or
growing our bottom line, but about shaping future generations to be proud of where they grew up.
Hopefully, they will see the value in that and want to continue that tradition - to continue building
Rhinelander into a great community.”

Jonna Jewell, an HSF Board member and 1971 graduate of Rhinelander High School, applauds
the coming changes, “Instead of practicing in congested hallways, Rhinelander students will be able to
train in a safe, comfortable place. HSF is fortunate to have the support of local businesses such as
Rhinelander Auto Center.”
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“The improvements in these Rhinelander facilities will change Rhinelander, benefiting students,
the community, and businesses, completely differentiating Rhinelander from its neighbor,” says
Rhinelander School Board member David Holperin. “The District thanks Rhinelander Auto Center for its
generous gift.”

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