Houston Treasure Tribute
“Mister Philanthropy – Alan Helfman, A Lifetime of Giving”
Photo by Gittings
Houston native and second-generation automotive dealer Alan Helfman has one of the biggest hearts in Houston. This gentle man has averaged working on a fundraising event per month for the past 27 years and raised millions of dollars in the process. He and his family own five dealerships in the Houston area, including River Oaks Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.
The coronavirus has brought much grief and many problems to our world and to our community, which has made fundraising much more difficult than it already was. Alan has not stopped with his efforts though. As of this month, he has already donated 10 trucks, SUV and vans to help worthwhile organizations. Among these lucky non-profits receiving these generous gifts this year are: Ronald McDonald House Houston (Van), Houston Fire Department (2 Durangos), Methodist Hospital (Van), Houston Police Department (Van), Rice University (Truck), Houston Community College (Van), Crime Stoppers (Van) and Texas Southern University (Van) and others.
Alan learned at a young age about giving back and doesn’t look for recognition when he gives. He has given his time and energy to more than sixty fundraisers for the Houston Police Officers Union. He accomplishes this by donating items from his extensive collection of autographed sports memorabilia. His interest in law enforcement led him to help Houston Community College establish the Public Safety Institute of HCC-Northeast. In addition to HPD, he has donated to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Alan is an active fundraiser for Texas Southern University, the University of Houston, Crime Stoppers and Houston Firefighters.
After Hurricane Harvey, this remarkable man raised over $4.7 million for Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services, which is among the largest fundraisers in Houston history.
His philanthropic endeavors continue his family’s legacy and Houston is blessed to have him as part of our community. The Social Book was proud to honor him in 2019 as a “Houston Treasure.”
