Aaron Zeigler & WMU Hockey Coach Pat Ferschweiler to Host 43rd Annual Drive for Life Gala

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pat Ferschweiler, head coach for Western Michigan University Hockey, will be headlining as special guest speaker at this year's Drive for Life Foundation Gala in benefit of the American Cancer Society and other charitable organizations. The event, now in its 43rd year, will be held at the Radisson Plaza at Kalamazoo Center on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of this year's Drive for Life Gala. I've seen firsthand how a strong community can rally together and accomplish incredible things; whether it's on the ice, in the classroom, or through service. The Gala represents that same spirit of teamwork and perseverance, and I'm honored to support the American Cancer Society and so many other organizations making a difference for our communities here in Kalamazoo, in Michigan, and beyond," Ferschweiler.

Prior to becoming WMU's head ice hockey coach in 2021, Ferschweiler served as an associate head coach for WMU from 2019 to 2021, and as an assistant coach from 2010 to 2014. He is also a Western Michigan University alumnus and former captain of the Broncos hockey team, playing from 1990-93. His long-standing commitment to excellence and community makes him a meaningful addition to this year's event.

The 43rd Annual Drive for Life Foundation Gala will be presented by Zeigler Auto Group, Greenleaf Trust, and Huntington National Bank in benefit of the American Cancer Society as well as various local and regional organizations.

"The Drive for Life Gala is one of the most meaningful traditions we have the privilege to continue. For more than four decades, this event has brought our community together to create real impact for the American Cancer Society and so many other incredible organizations. At Zeigler Auto Group, giving back is part of who we are, and we are proud to stand alongside our partners, sponsors, and guests in making a difference for our community," said Aaron Zeigler, president of Zeigler Auto Group.

Last year, the Gala raised $1 million, bringing its grand total for its benefactors to over $7.3 million across four decades.

Tickets for the Gala are now available online at driveforlifefoundation.org with every $300 entry admitting two guests for the gala, social cocktail hour, silent auction, live auction, and much more.

For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities please contact Monty Porter at [email protected].

About the Drive for Life Foundation Gala

For four decades, the Drive for Life Gala has attracted the support of business leaders, sponsors and volunteers; bringing the Kalamazoo community together for an extraordinary night of charity.

The Drive for Life Gala debuted in 1982 with a starting ticket price of just $1, raising less than $20,000 for the American Cancer Society. Today, the annual Drive for Life Gala –presented by Zeigler Auto Group, Greenleaf Trust and Huntington Bank– benefits the American Cancer Society and other local charities with over $7.3 million given over the last 40 years.

About Zeigler Auto Group
Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 88franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers.

Besides its extensive automotive portfolio, the organization owns and operates Zeigler Motorsports, an 85,000-square-foot motorsports dealership and action park, offering 19 different powersports brands, plus its own onsite restaurant: Trak Houz Bar & Grill. Additionally, Zeigler Motorsports houses the Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy, an executive training company.

The Kalamazoo-based dealer group also owns and operates Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago, three Byrider franchises, three finance companies, several insurance firms, and a leasing firm.
Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,400 people, ranking among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the nation with estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2024.

The family-owned and operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Michigan. Besides these prestigious accolades, Zeigler is also one of Glassdoor's 100 Best Places to Work in the U.S. for 2023, and among Glassdoor's top 10 U.S. companies for work-life balance.

SOURCE Zeigler Automotive Group