Terry Atamian, president of Atamian Honda, submitted a bid of $36,000 to win a tour of Jay Leno’s famed car collection in a fundraiser to support physical therapy scholarships.
For Terry Atamian, the Jay Leno Garage Tour fundraiser auction became more than a chance to bid on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It became a way to honor his brother Robbie Atamian, who died on March 15.
“I wanted to do this in loving memory of my brother while contributing to a worthy cause of supporting UMass Lowell physical therapy students,” says Atamian, president and owner of Atamian Honda in Tewksbury.
The auction to benefit the Professor Joseph Dorsey Memorial Scholarship began on the same day that Atamian buried his brother’s ashes, which fueled his resolve to win. Over the five-day bidding in June, he increased his offers until the final bid of $36,000 secured the prize.
Atamian plans on taking Robbie’s son Benjamin and two other guests with him to visit Leno in his legendary Big Dog Garage in Burbank, California. The 140,000-square-foot facility holds Leno’s collection of more than 250 rare and specialty cars and more than 150 motorcycles. The Atamian family, which has been selling motor vehicles since 1919, is a longtime supporter of local causes, from the Genesis Foundation and Mikey’s Way Foundation to local youth sports, educational initiatives and community programs in Tewksbury, Lowell and Falmouth.
“We've always believed in investing in our community, whether that's supporting local organizations, students or families,” says Atamian. “This auction gave us the chance to make a lasting impact through UMass Lowell while celebrating my brother's memory.”
Andover native Jay Leno has provided garage tours for more than 30 years in support of causes that reflect his charitable priorities.
The auction proceeds will support scholarships for UMass Lowell physical therapy students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership and dedication to serving others. Dorsey, the founder of UMass Lowell’s physical therapy program, was Leno’s physical education teacher at Andover High School.
UMass Lowell’s physical therapy program, which is the first and only offering of its kind at a public college or university in Massachusetts, was established 50 years ago. A celebration to mark the milestone anniversary is planned for September 19 at the university.
“We’re immensely grateful to both Mr. Atamian and Mr. Leno for supporting our university and students,” said John Feudo, vice chancellor of university advancement and global engagement. “The Dorsey Memorial Scholarship is an excellent opportunity to honor a pioneer in education and to help ambitious students achieve their goals in a field that helps people move, live and perform at their best.”