Karen and Mike Leep video documentary, created by Big Idea Company
Karen and Mike Leep were honored at the Center for History’s 2013 Annual Dinner with the Community Philanthropy Award. Over 550 guests attended the dinner, which took place on Wednesday, September 19, under tent in the Historic Oliver Gardens of Copshaholm. Serving as Honorary Chairs were Ara Parseghian and Lou Holtz, who was also guest speaker for the evening. Pam and David Jarrett and Joyce and Tom Sopko were Dinner Chairs.

Karen and Mike Leep are passionate, loyal and dedicated friends of the Center for History and the entire community. Their success in business, their active leadership on behalf of the causes they believe in, and their love for their family have made a meaningful impact to the area. Mike entered the automobile industry in 1967 as a salesman. In 1973, he and his business partner, Van Gurley, purchased their first dealership—a Dodge franchise—in Highland, Indiana. In 1977, they purchased a Buick franchise in South Bend. Since that time, the Gurley-Leep Automotive Group has grown from one dealership to 36 automotive retail franchises at 22 dealership locations throughout the Midwest. Mike is the past president of the Automobile Dealers Association of Indiana.

Mike and Karen are active leaders in charitable causes in the community, including serving as dinner chairs for the Center for History’s 2006 Annual Dinner and Mike’s service on the Northern Indiana Historical Society Foundation Board. Mike is currently active on boards and committees for the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Women’s Care Center, American Cancer Society—Great Lakes Division, Saint Mary’s College, and the University of Notre Dame’s President’s Circle, Grants-in-Aid, and Undergraduate Advisory Council.  Karen is committed to organizations that support women, children, and families, including offering her time and talents to the Women’s Care Center and Hannah’s House. She is also well-known for her fabulous tailgate parties to celebrate Notre Dame football games. Mike and Karen are the parents of three children: James, Michael Jr., and Kristen. They are also the grandparents of three boys: Dylan, Brady, and Gibson.