Photography courtesy Robin Mohns
When Robin Mohns’ husband, Chris Mohns, Sr., passed away suddenly from a heart attack on June 17th, 2022, she realized, in time, that the best way to cope with the overwhelming grief was to keep Chris’ memory alive and honor his legacy. Chris was known in the community for his warm, caring nature, his selfless desire to help those in need, and his enthusiastic spirit of philanthropy. So, in December 2022, Robin created the Chris Gives Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides help to individuals who are struggling to pay for auto repairs and other transportation costs.
A 42-year Midas franchise owner with shops in Pasadena, Annapolis, Laurel, and Wheaton, Chris followed in the footsteps of his father, who owned 12 Midas shops. A dedicated businessman and active member of the community, he was always willing to lend a hand and believed that it was his duty to use his skills and talents to help others.
“Chris was a genuine person,” says Robin, who serves as the president of the Chris Gives Foundation. “If he saw someone whose car had broken down on the side of the road, he would call a tow truck and have their vehicle repaired at one of his shops—no charge and no questions asked. He loved to pay it forward and give back to the community. Through the foundation, we hope to continue Chris’ legacy of giving.”
Funds raised by the Chris Gives Foundation are used to provide parts, services, and labor as well as free vehicle repairs for individuals and families in need. Reliable transportation is a basic necessity, yet many people cannot afford repairs or maintenance. Since Robin was familiar with the automotive business, she was able to identify and address this critical need. Once the idea for the foundation was planted in her mind, it took root and grew organically.
“To fulfill its mission, the Chris Gives Foundation partners with auto repair shops, vendors, and volunteer technicians who generously devote their time to this worthy cause,” Robin says. “Since its inception, the foundation has hosted two fundraising events to help generate awareness and has already made an impact in the community. I hope to expand our services to include transportation costs to medical appointments. I would really like to reach out to Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center to discuss their needs.”
Robin and Chris met in 1984 when she stopped by his Midas shop in Laurel. A native of Cumberland, Robin was looking for a summer job before returning to college to complete her studies. During the six months that she worked in the shop, she developed an admiration for the way Chris approached life. He valued his employees, provided outstanding customer service, and enjoyed helping others.
Robin and Chris parted ways when she returned to college, and life led them down different paths. However, Chris had inspired her, and throughout the years, she followed his example by further developing her love of helping others and giving back to the community. Thirty-four years later, Robin and Chris’ paths crossed again when they reconnected on Facebook. They soon realized that they still had a lot in common and really cared about each other. Married in 2019, the couple was excited to build their life together. Robin left her government job in Washington, D.C., and became Chris’ business partner at the four Midas shops.
“Robin’s dedication to honoring the legacy of her late husband through the Chris Gives Foundation keeps a light shining on a common aspect of their love: a desire to help others who are struggling,” says Sandie Curtis, CFE, IPMA-SCP, JMT, Vice President of Education, the International Franchise Association (IFA) and a board member of the Chris Gives Foundation. “Community outreach helps locate people in need of auto repairs. And by providing much-needed services, the foundation offers hope during tough times.”
Robin, who lives in Millersville, continues to operate the four Midas shops. Chris’ son, Chris Mohns, Jr., who works in the Annapolis Midas shop, will continue the family tradition, and ultimately carry on his father’s honorable legacy.
“Chris always said that truth is stranger than fiction, and that definitely applies to our love story,” Robin says. “We were reunited after decades, and we planned to spend our lives together. When he was taken away so suddenly, I was grief-stricken. I really don’t know what I would have done if I had not created the Chris Gives Foundation. It has given me a purpose. Chris was such a special person. Nothing is more important to me than carrying on his legacy.”
To learn more about the Chris Gives Foundation, visit chrisgives.com.
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