Austin Hatcher Foundation's Custom Mk4 Roadster Built by Pediatric Cancer Families Raises $105,000 in Successful Bring-A-Trailer Auction

• Funds Support Comprehensive Care for Families Facing Pediatric Cancer
• Exceptionally Built Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster Picked Up by Auction Winner February 9
  

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (February 11, 2024) – The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is delighted to announce the success of the recent auction on Bring-A-Trailer for its custom-built Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster. This one-of-a-kind car was assembled with the highest-quality materials by pediatric cancer patients, siblings, and families as part of the Foundation’s Industrial Arts STEM Therapy Program, and it sold for an impressive $105,000.

“I am so impressed with the quality of the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s builds AND the quality of their charity/organization,” said Dave Smith, President of Factory Five Racing. “The build quality of this car is exceptional. The paintwork and panel fitment are world-class, the running gear and suspension are ideal for a touring/sports car, and it is a great driver. Every AHF car has such a great build plan, and I loved the interior color and execution of this car.”

The Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster, a Shelby Cobra replica, captivated car enthusiasts during the seven-day auction that was held from Jan. 12–19. The car, finished in striking "No Strings White" over Can-Can Red leather upholstery, boasted a powerful BluePrint Engine-built 347ci V8, Tremec five-speed manual transmission, and a Moser Engineering 8.8" rear axle.

Daniel Fosbinder, The Foundation’s Industrial Arts Manager, emphasized the significance of the project. “It’s a gorgeous car, but what makes this vehicle build extraordinary is the teamwork that brought it to life,” Fosbinder said. “Pediatric cancer patients, survivors, their siblings, and family members actively participated in the project, providing them with a unique outlet for learning, creativity and overcoming the challenges they face as a side effect of cancer treatment.”

Through the Industrial Arts STEM Therapy program, children and their families learn a STEM-based trade and improve essential skills that may have been affected by childhood cancer.

“At the Austin Hatcher Foundation, we’re not just building charity cars, we’re building beautiful, high-quality cars,” said Jim Osborn, concept designer of the Mk4 Roadster and Austin Hatcher Foundation co-founder. “We use the finest components for our builds and work with top-of-the-line automotive partners to ensure that our vehicles are top-notch.”

The collaboration with industry leaders and generous contributions from partner companies such as Factory Five Racing, AkzoNoble, BluePrint Engines, Bulox Leather, Whitby Motorcars, and many others, played a vital role in making this auction a tremendous success.

The Foundation’s 2023 build was sold to Jeff Whitacre of Greensboro, North Carolina, who came to pick up the car at The Foundation last week on Feb. 9.

The funds raised from the auction directly contribute to The Foundation’s mission of providing comprehensive coordinated care for families facing pediatric cancer. This includes services such as occupational therapy, counseling, grief groups, art and music therapy, family programs, and educational resources, all provided at no cost to the entire family facing childhood cancer.

To learn more about the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer or to get involved, please visit www.hatcherfoundation.org.

About the Austin Hatcher Foundation:

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is an official SEMA Cares Charity and Proud Charity of the International Motorsports Association (IMSA). Dedicated to providing comprehensive coordinated care for families facing pediatric cancer, The Foundation offers a range of services at no cost to the entire family, including occupational therapy, counseling, grief groups, art and music therapy, family programs, educational resources and more.