A 2014 candidate for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s “Man of the Year” fundraising campaign, Alex Perdikis embodies charitable giving and volunteer work. Raising money and awareness for cancer is near and dear to his heart because Perdikis has watched his wife battle the devastating disease in the past.

Money from the Man of the Year fundraising campaign will go to the fight against all types of blood cancers, allowing for the advancement of treatments and therapies that can help save lives and increase the blood cancer survivor rate. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) has 61 chapters across the United States and Canada and offers education, support and free blood cancer information to families, patients, survivors and healthcare professionals. The organization advocates for survivors and their families, helping them understand cancer treatments and making sure everyone has access to affordable, quality care.

Due to the overwhelming success of his grassroots fundraising blitz, Perdikis finished the Man of the Year contest as the first runner-up, having raised over $146,000 along with his team captains.

Perdikis has used his career success as general manager and partner of Koons of Silver Spring car dealership, plus his high-profile in the community, to garner awareness for a variety of charities over the years. His car dealership serves as an active partner in the Greater Washington D.C. area community outreach, and Perdikis is proud to give back to the community through his business. In 2013 during the government shutdown, Perdikis and his managers offered furloughed federal workers free tire rotations, oil chances, and inspections simply because, as he put it, “It was just the right thing to do.”

That philanthropic spirit has driven Perdikis to support many organizations, including the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Hope Rising and the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. In addition to his countless hours of volunteer work with local charities in Silver Spring, Maryland and surrounding areas, Perdikis has also found time to serve on the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association board of directors.

Alex Perdikis Koons of Silver Spring success even got him recognized as one of Automotive News’ “40 Under 40,” drawing even more attention to his charity work. This annual program recognizes new-car dealership high achievers who are still under 40 years old, and Automotive News evaluates nominations from both the United States and Canada.

Perdikis thanked his team at Koons of Silver Spring, and says he owes much of his success to those managers and employees who have made it what it is today. Due to this sense gratitude and acknowledgement of the team spirit, Koons of Silver Spring was chosen by the Washington Business Journal as one of the “Best Places to Work” in 2014. This was the fourth year in a row that the dealership has enjoyed this honor.