J.C. Lewis Serves, the philanthropic heart of J.C. Lewis Ford, is proud to drive volunteerism and community service by partnering with local organizations that help strengthen the community. J.C. Lewis Serves recognizes recent partner Performance Initiatives (PI) for its hard work and dedication to education and excellence to students in the Low Country.

Performance Initiatives is a Savannah nonprofit that educates and mentors youth and adults mentally, physically and spiritually through athletics and fitness, with Olympic-style weightlifting as the base. Kerri Goodrich, PI’s founder and director, is a former member of the U.S. Women’s Weightlifting National team. On Dec. 15, the J.C. Lewis Serves team attended the PI Christmas party and got to see its facility firsthand. The team also partnered with P.A.C.K. (People of Action Caring for Kids) to provide athletic gear and other gifts to the well-deserving student athletes that PI serves.

PI students have received national recognition as well, most recently at the USA Weightlifting American Open Finals. Ashamarie Benitez received three gold medals, and she was awarded the 2018 American Open title. Carlos Millen, the second youngest person in the competition, placed third. Santa made a surprise appearance at the PI Christmas party to see the gold medals its students earned.

“Although we cannot provide them with gold medals, we can help highlight their achievements,” said Julian Lewis of J.C. Lewis Ford. “Kerri and her students at Performance Initiatives deserve everyone’s attention and community accolades.”

From now until February 13, 2019, J.C. Lewis Serves encourages community members to support the hard-working students at PI by bringing a donation to any J.C. Lewis Ford Dealership (in Savannah, Statesboro or Hinesville). Donations needed include new packs of black athletic socks and athletic apparel, and sporting goods gift cards. J.C. Lewis Serves will register any community member who donates into a drawing for a new Ford truck.