Jim Taylor Motors in Fort Benton recently announced plans to donate $100 for every vehicle sold from May through the end of 2022 to restoring Fort Benton’s Historic Walking Bridge.

The money will be donated to the City of Fort Benton in honor of Mike Taylor, who founded Jim Taylor Motors with his brother.

Mike, 65, was killed in a motorcycle accident near Parker, California on April 11; he had just retired shortly before leaving on the motorcycle trip. Owner Mike Schneider, who recently finalized his purchase of Jim Taylor Motors in Fort Benton from the Taylor brothers, said Jim Taylor Motors plans to pick a project in Chouteau County each year where they can make a sizable impact through their contributions.

Brothers Mike and Jim Taylor had a longstanding commitment to community involvement and Schneider hopes to follow their example. Following Mike’s death, Schneider said he was shocked by how many phone calls they received from locals sharing memories of Mike, who lived in Great Falls. Many people told stories of how he helped them when they faced tough circumstances.

“The amount of people that he and his brother Jim impacted through behind-the-scenes charitable giving and just doing the right thing – it was incredible,” Schneider said. “Any time he was given the opportunity to help someone out, he helped them out. They’re an inspiration.”

The Fort Benton dealership was Mike and Jim Taylors’ first venture into the car business, which eventually expanded into Taylors’ Auto Group.

“They grew the whole thing from this store,” Schneider said.

Schneider understands locals want to shop around when looking for a new or used vehicle, but he hopes they will at least give the local dealership a chance before making their decision. Great Falls dealerships aren’t likely to donate money to local youth sports or other Chouteau County programs, but Jim Taylor Motors is quick to say “yes” when locals bring up a need in the community.

“I do not want the store to be successful at the detriment of the community,” Schneider said. “The better we do, the more we can give back. … It’s a symbiotic relationship.”

Jim Taylor Motors also plans to continue hosting community events. Their drive-in movie screenings were popular last year and they have another in the works for July, among other plans.

The City of Fort Benton plans to pool any contributions they receive from Jim Taylor Motors with the $10,000 donated last year from the Bentonfest brewfest to put toward replacing worn out planks on the walking bridge.