At the Dahl Auto Plaza on Highway 61, what started out as a team-building exercise soon blossomed into something more. Team members were encouraged to wear their favorite pair of jeans on Fridays to create a special, relaxed atmosphere.

Then someone had the idea that everyone who participated should donate $2 to charity.

That’s when Friday became the Dahl team’s favorite day of the week.

“It’s fun because Friday is a day where our team gets to wear jeans, so things are a little more relaxed, but we also have them donate $2 per time, so that we are able to help the community,” said Vinnie Pontius, director of operations for Dahl Auto Plaza.

“This time we are able to donate $1,007.77 to the Winona Police Department to support the National Child Safety Council, and we also donated $344 to the Winona Humane Society. It’s a morale booster.”

“We look at it as a donation that goes to a good cause, and it’s fun because it’s a casual day,” said Dahl Used Car Receptionist Sarah Ryan-Nelson. “We do it once a week, on Fridays, and occasionally on Saturdays. It’s a great way to help Winona, and have fun at the same time.