(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Phil Long Dealerships announced on Thursday, Aug. 28, that it is teaming up with the Denver Broncos to become the club’s official ‘Hometown Dealership’ partner. This will also make Phil Long Dealerships the presenting sponsor of the Broncos’ signature Salute to Service game, which is being held on Sunday, Nov. 16.
Courtesy: FOX21 News
“I’m excited about the alignment between Phil Long Dealerships and the Broncos when it comes to fan and community engagement,” said Kevin Shaughnessy, Phil Long Dealerships CEO. “Veterans’ causes are important to us, and partnering on the Salute to Service game is a perfect opportunity to advance that great cause and support the military and our veterans alongside the Broncos.”
Servicemen and women prepare to go onto the field for pre-game activities during the NFL Salute to Service before a game between the Denver Broncos and the Philadelphia Eagles at Empower Field at Mile High on November 14, 2021. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Phil Long’s connection to veteran support dates back to 1945, as its founder, Philip Long, was a Naval Hellcat pilot in World War II, and upon his return, he opened the first Phil Long dealership in Colorado Springs. More recently, in 2016, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center opened under the guidance and leadership of Phil Long Dealerships’ past President and CEO Jay Cimino.
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center provides free services like behavioral health wellness, career and employment transition, housing assistance, and connects veterans to community resources. According to Phil Long Dealerships, the nonprofit has helped over 38,000 clients across Colorado since its opening.
This isn’t the first partnership between Phil Long Dealerships and the Broncos. The Denver Broncos Foundation and former head coach Mike Shanahan teamed up with the Phil Long Community Fund to build 12 playgrounds, two skate parks, and a football field from 1996 to 2012 across the Front Range.
Mike Shanahan, Head Coach for the Los Angeles Raiders, looks on from the sidelines during the American Football Conference West Division game against the Denver Broncos on December 4, 1988, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Raiders won the game 21-20. (Photo by Mike Powell/Allsport/Getty Images)
Another connection is Randy Gradishar, former Denver Broncos middle linebacker and leader of the team’s legendary ‘Orange Crush’ defense, and Class of 2024 Pro Football Hall of Famer. “Gradishar is Phil Long’s Corporate Ambassador and has served in different capacities over his 27-year tenure with the automotive group.”
Former Bronco and Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Gradishar speaks before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High on October 06, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
To learn more about Phil Long Dealerships’ 80 years of philanthropy and serving Colorado, visit its website here.
“Our dedication to excellence goes beyond the walls of our dealerships,” said Shaughnessy. “We are thrilled to connect our employees, customers and community in a new way that amplifies our commitment to a thriving Colorado and shines our Broncos pride in every ride we offer.”
