As lifelong residents of Rochester, New York, the Holtz's have always participated in many charitable and community activities. John has served on the Monroe Community College Automotive Advisory Board in 1991 and the Rochester Chamber of Commerce board of Directors from 1991-1992. He has participated in the Partnership with Angels Campaign since 1994. Holtz House of Vehicles provides Christmas gifts for children in need, servicing School #12; Battered Women, and Rochester Children's Nursery for this Association. In 1994-1995, John Holtz opened an Employment Outreach Center for the community and received recognition in the "Thumbs-Up" editorial section of the Democrat and Chronicle, which was also profiled in Automotive News, "Face of The Dealer" in 1996. He also received the nomination as "Volunteer of the Year" by Volunteers of America in 1996 and accepted their "Maude & Ballington Booth Award" in 1997. In 1996, John Holtz was nominated to receive the "Man of the Year" award from the Rochester Entertainment Underwriters Association.

John has also played an active role in the performing arts in Rochester. He has been a member on the Advisory Board for the Rochester Broadway Theatre League and has participated on the Mini Task Force Steering Committee for the Rochester Performing Arts Center in 1999. In 2000, John Holtz was on the Faces of Hope Board of Directors, which is an organization for breast cancer survivors. John also received The Philanthropy Award for 2000 from the National Society of Fundraising Executives and the prestigious Time Magazine "Quality Dealer Award."