Businesswoman, classic car lover gives back through club

Posted January 29, 2014 at http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/spring/news/article/Businesswoman-classic-car-lover-gives-back-5185373.php

Woodlands Performance & Suspension co-owner Dana Pritchard has been a member of The Woodlands Car Club for more than a decade. Pritchard was instilled with a strong interest in the automotive community by her father, who has long been a Corvette fan.

“(My dad and I) were invited to come along to the first car club meeting that a few local enthusiasts were having, and have been involved ever since,” she said. “I am always open to new interests and a challenge, so this was a great opportunity for me.”

While being a member of The Woodlands Car Club has been an excellent way to meet up with other car lovers and talk shop, the group also lets Pritchard engage in community outreach and charity events.

“A lot has changed over the years with the organization of the club, but one thing that remains the same is our mission: using our cars to give back to the community,” she said.

In the years the club has been active, its members have donated nearly $100,000 to nonprofit organizations in the area, including the Montgomery County Food Bank, Montgomery County Youth Services and the Montgomery County Women’s Center.

“Owning an automotive business and being involved in a car club has given me the opportunity to be involved in the community in many ways, such as volunteering, educating and building relationships,” she said. “I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful club, and so thankful to have had the opportunity to grow our small business in The Woodlands to the success that it is. My mission, our mission, has always been to give back in any way that we can.”

One way Pritchard gives back through the club is by attending the weekly “Cars & Coffee For A Cause” event, which raises money for various charities. In addition to all the community services, the club also loans specialty cars for events, and Pritchard has her own dream car she’d like to own.

“One day, I would like to own a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am,” she said. “It is the car that Rocky Balboa bought when he won his first fight, and I believe it was the car in the movie 'Smokey and the Bandit.' That’s a really cool car.”

For more information on Dana Pritchard and The Woodlands Car Club, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

NAME: Dana Leigh Pritchard
AGE: 41
OCCUPATION: Co-owner of Woodlands Performance & Suspension
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Spring resident and member of The Woodlands Car Club
FAST FACT: Pritchard is currently enrolled in a private investigations program with the University of North Texas.