Earnhardt Family Shares 75th Anniversary Donation with CDT Kids and Barn Academy

Tuesday, 20 October 2026 01:00 PM

Topic: 

Company Update

QUEEN CREEK, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / October 20, 2026 / Earnhardt Auto Centers continues its 75th Anniversary commemoration with another donation to the community. This time, a gift of $7,500 has been provided to CDT Kids. The money will be used to help build a special playground and activities area for special needs kids who attend Barn Academy.

"Barn Academy uses well-known interventions such as feeding therapy and speech therapy as well as innovative techniques such as water-based therapy and equine assisted therapy," said Derby Earnhardt. "We are excited to help equip play & activity areas where these kids can feel included, nurtured and encouraged."

"The generous support provided to CDT Kids and the Barn Academy is a powerful example of the Earnhardt commitment to local organizations and our community of special needs families," said Mat Curtner, Chairman and President of CDT Kids. "Earnhardt's support reflects their belief in the importance of investing in local non-profits, children and education."

"Our giving back to the community reflects the spirit of Tex [founder of Earnhardt Auto Centers]," said Dodge Earnhardt. "Our Grandfather loved horses, riding and working with livestock. Of course, he made sure we all learned to ride. He would have loved to know about their program that uses horses to help kids."

"Through Earnhardt's generosity, The Barn Academy is able to enhance its learning environment and create spaces where children can grow, build confidence, and thrive," said Mat Curtner. "This support is not only shaping a better future for our students, but also reinforcing the value of businesses giving back to the communities that support them."

"When we were deciding which group to give our next surprise gift, we learned how Barn Academy uses specialized equipment in order to offer adaptive physical education and it really resonated with us!" said Nature Earnhardt. "We're so happy to be part of this essential service to special needs children."

"Together, CDT Kids and Earnhardt are helping build a stronger, more connected community, one that prioritizes opportunity, growth, and support for the next generation," she added.

Earlier 75th anniversary surprise gifts have supported many local charities. Earnhardt Auto Centers and the Earnhardt family have provided meaningful donations to Child Crisis Arizona, Ava's Treehouse at the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, Make-A-Wish Arizona, St. Mary's Food Bank, the 100 Club of Arizona, the Arizona Humane Society, and St. Vincent de Paul.

"And there may still be more surprise gifts to come," hinted Hal Earnhardt. "I will always miss my dad, but with these donations, the Spirit of Tex lives on!"

About Earnhardt Auto Centers

Earnhardt Auto Centers (EAC) is one of the oldest and most prominent privately owned auto dealer groups in the United States. Founded in 1951 by Hal Earnhardt, Jr. ("Tex Earnhardt") and made famous by their "No Bull" slogan, Earnhardt Auto Centers is consistently recognized by Automotive News as one of the top dealership groups in the country. EAC operates 17 new car dealerships, representing 15 brands. In 2026, Earnhardt Auto Centers celebrated its 75th Anniversary as an Arizona company. EAC remains locally owned and operated by multiple generations of the Earnhardt Family and over 2,000 loyal, dedicated employees. The company website is famously known as NoBull.com.

About CDT Kids and Barn Academy

CDT Kids provides children from 1 years to 20 years of age with quality educational therapy programs addressing each child's individual needs. Charitable donations support uninsured and under-insured kids with special needs in the community. Barn Academy in Queen Creek, AZ, is the standard for inclusive therapeutic education, integrating essential therapies to support children of all abilities. It uses innovative approaches, including aquatic properties and equine movement. Find out more at CDTkids.com.

Press Contacts:
Nature Earnhardt, Corporate Director of Sponsorships & Promotions, Earnhardt Auto Centers
[email protected]
602.690.9076

Mat Curtner, Chairman & President, CDT Kids & Barn Academy
[email protected]
480.570.9696

SOURCE: Earnhardt Auto Centers