Helping Hands

All In She’s

Robin Smith Salzman is a hands-on helper to many causes

BY » Karel Bond Lucander PHOTOGRAPHY by » Lisa Crates

OOfficially, Robin Smith Salzman may only be dog mom to Taco, Belle, Annie and Aubie, but she has helped thousands of other area dogs and cats thrive.

In 2003, Robin and her husband, Jack, bought the Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealership, relocated from Florida and became Cornelius residents. Since then, they have generously donated their time, finances and more than half a dozen vehicles to animal welfare organizations.

“There are a lot of people in our community who dedicate their lives to animal advocacy, and we are happy to be able to support them and their work,” says Robin.

As co-owner and marketing director of the dealership, Robin was first approached by the Humane Society of Charlotte. After answering their call with donations, she has since assisted Lake Norman Humane, Holly’z Hope, Stand for Animals, FurBabies Animal Rescue, Humane Society of Anson County and the Lake Norman Lucky Cat Program.

Her association with Lucky Cats began when Robin spotted a feral cat in the Cornelius McDonald’s parking lot, and it has led to a strong, long-standing relationship. “She is a great supporter and a big part of what our organization has become,” says Robin Byrd, executive director of the Lake Norman Lucky Cat Program. “If we run into something we can’t resolve on our own, we go to Robin, ask her for her recommendations and she makes it happen. Recently, she most graciously agreed to be on our board of directors. She has already been so instrumental in helping us raise awareness and move forward with our mission. She and Jack are just wonderful people and do so much in our community and beyond.”

As kids both Robin and Jack had pet dogs, but the couple didn’t have one in their home until their 18-year-old daughter had a seizure and couldn’t drive. “She asked for a dog, and it grew from there,” she says.

Local canine-advocacy organization, Holly’z Hope, is thankful for her love of dogs. According to Founder and CEO Holly Davis, “communities have been changed because of Robin.”

As she says, “Robin has had an unwavering support that lends credibility to Holly’z Hope – she responds to immediate needs, checks in, sends kind words, and her backing has allowed us to get additional support.”

Signs for Lake Norman Lucky Cats and Lake Norman Humane in the dealership’s Custom Shop and Commercial Center remind visitors to give to these organizations.

In addition to supporting four-legged friends, Smith Salzman and her husband help grant wishes for Lake Norman children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They also help Holy Angels and Least of These Carolinas near their second, smaller dealership, Gastonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM.

Humble about her own contributions, Robin emphasizes that none of this would be possible without the backing of their 200 employees.

“We are only able to make these donations because our staff is so great,” she says. “I make sure they understand what is being put back into their communities, thanks to their efforts.”

When Smith Salzman isn’t working, she enjoys traveling to Florida and Tex

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A few of the signs that help Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram customers know about organizations seeking help. as to visit their three adult children and eight grandchildren.

But back to the animals. Jack is the one who spoils their dogs — while Robin is out there helping so many other tail-waggers.

“Many people find a local animal rescue group and support that cause well, but Robin is unique in that she supports numerous animal welfare groups financially and with her time,” adds Jack Salzman. “She works behind the scenes to make sure each group has what it needs to succeed. She’s donated transport vans, converted dealership marketing dollars and personally helped build fences so dogs chained to a tree could run freely. I know I am biased, but I don’t think there’s a more giving person than Robin.”

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