HURST Jeepster Commando Built by Pediatric Cancer Patients Raises $225,000 After Two Trips to Auction
HURST Jeepster Commando Built by Pediatric Cancer Patients Raises $225,000 After Two Trips to Auction
Jeep Sold at Leake Auto Auction in Tulsa, where it raised an additional $75,000
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (June 12, 2019) - The Tulsa Leake Auto Auction at the River Spirit Expo came to a notable close this past weekend as a 2017 HURST Jeepster Commando was sold for a prodigious $75,000. The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer worked with pediatric cancer patients to assemble and modify this exact Jeep through their Industrial Arts Therapy program.
The patients and their families utilized parts donated by Omix-ADA to dramatically modify the Jeep that was graciously donated to the foundation’s Industrial Arts Therapy program by Mt. View Auto Group in Chattanooga. The build events were hosted by family-owned Truck ‘N Trailers USA in Chattanooga and gave children a chance to boost their creativity, learn new skills, practice therapy exercises, and most importantly, have fun.
Prior to the auction, the HURST Jeepster Commando was displayed at the SEMA show in Las Vegas as well as attending several Jeep enthusiast events. Local logistics company Trident Transport provided a covered trailer to ensure the vehicle was safely and securely transported from the Education Advancement Center in Chattanooga to the Leake Auto Auction in Tulsa.
“It was such a unique way to get involved and help an amazing cause,” said Heath Haley, President of Trident Transport. “We were thrilled to be able to combine two things that we love: transportation and helping our community. We’re always looking for different opportunities to give back to Chattanooga, and we’re grateful to have a team of people who love to help.”
At the Leake Auto Auction, the Jeep speedily sold for $45,000. The anonymous buyer then immediately re-donated the ride, and it was sold a second time for $30,000 as the final buy.
All proceeds from the Jeep will be invested into the numerous programs and services that the foundation provides to its patients and family members at no cost, operating out of their state-of-the-art Education Advancement Center in downtown Chattanooga. Programs include activities like building cars, engine repair, enrichment camps, art therapy, behavioral counseling, and much more.
“Once again, we’re absolutely amazed and encouraged by the generosity of our donors,” Austin Hatcher Foundation President Amy Jo Osborn said. “We’re beyond grateful to Mt. View Auto Group, Rugged Ridge, Trident Transport, the Leake Auto Auction, Gary Bennett, and of course our anonymous donors.”
“You come to an event like this with what you think are high expectations, and then you’re just blown out of the water when you see the generosity of those who believe in the foundation’s mission and want to make a difference,” she said. “We’re looking forward to offering more Industrial Arts Therapy builds like this which get kids back under the hoods of cars while also providing pediatric cancer patients with a fun way to improve their bodies and minds during recovery.”
