Charles Barker stands as a prominent figure in the automotive industry, boasting over 40 years of rich experience complemented by diverse business ventures and significant community leadership roles. For Charles Barker, “good corporate citizenship” is more than just a phrase; it’s a core principle deeply ingrained in his business ethos. He emphasizes, “good corporate citizenship is an important goal in my companies because we believe in giving back to the community.” This commitment drives his efforts to enhance Hampton Roads, particularly focusing on the well-being and development of its youth.
Through his foundation, Champions for Kids, Charles Barker has channeled over three million dollars in the past 21 years towards numerous youth programs across Hampton Roads. To learn more, contribute, or sponsor a Champions for Kids event, please visit their website or contact Teresa Reyes at 757.499.3771 ext. 2323.
Charles Barker’s unwavering dedication to both his profession and the community has garnered him numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career. Among these honors, he was recognized as Newsweek Magazine’s Top Dealer of the Year in 2004 and received Time Magazine’s Quality Dealer Award (TMQDA) for Virginia in 2005. These prestigious awards highlight his exceptional business acumen, active involvement in industry matters, and outstanding community service. Further demonstrating his support for local athletics, Charles Barker has been a vehicle provider for both the Old Dominion University and Virginia Wesleyan College Athletics Departments for an impressive 35 years.
The Charles Barker Automotive Scholarship: Investing in Future Leaders
Perhaps the achievement closest to Charles Barker’s heart is the establishment of the Charles Barker Automotive Scholarship program. This initiative supports college-bound students from Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Each school year, two deserving high school students from Virginia Beach are selected monthly for their outstanding volunteer work and community service. Each recipient is awarded a $500 scholarship and becomes eligible to compete for one of two additional $3,750 scholarships at the end of the academic year.
To participate, students submit an essay detailing the significance of community contribution and their personal efforts to assist others. Scholarship winners are recognized in the local newspaper, with their photographs and future college or university plans highlighted. Copies of the announcement are also provided to the winners and their respective schools.
The participating high schools in the Charles Barker Automotive Scholarship program include:
- Bayside High School
- Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School
- Cape Henry Collegiate School
- Cox High School
- First Colonial High School
- Green Run High School
- Kellam High School
- Kempsville High School
- Landstown High School
- Ocean Lakes High School
- Princess Anne High School
- Salem High School
- Tallwood High School
Charles Barker frequently expresses that the heartfelt letters and calls he receives regarding the scholarship program are among the most rewarding experiences of his career, underscoring his deep commitment to the Virginia Beach community and its future generations.
