With the assistance of several key partners, the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is starting 2018 with the latest in a series of unique fundraising initiatives that will also increase awareness of the foundation, both regionally and nationally.
The initiative starts with help from a longtime friend of the foundation – Mtn. View Auto Group in Chattanooga. That organization has donated a new 2017 Jeep Wrangler that will undergo considerable modifications to prepare it for a series of foundation-related appearances this year.
All parts for the project are being donated by Omix-ADA.
Omix-ADA is based in Suwanee, Ga. and has been a longtime supporter of the SEMA Cares family of charities, which includes the Austin Hatcher Foundation.
“Being part of a project like this one continues to be an important part of the Omix-ADA / Rugged Ridge philosophy of giving back to the community,” said Henk Van Dongen, director of Marketing at Omix-ADA. “It is great to see this project coming together after all the time and effort that has been put into this. We are honored to be working with the Austin Hatcher Foundation, which is such a worthy cause.”
The Austin Hatcher Foundation has used other automobile projects in the past to raise money, but this one has an innovative twist, officials said. Young cancer patients and their family members who benefit from the foundation’s free services will participate in modifying the Jeep. Truck ‘N Trailers USA in Chattanooga (4591 N. Access Road) will host the build with completion targeted for June.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation and Omix-ADA will display the Jeep at various events throughout 2018, and in 2019 the vehicle will be auctioned.
“Having this project come to fruition is a fantastic way to start the new year,” said Austin Hatcher Foundation President Amy Jo Osborn. “As with so many of our initiatives, both the origins and successes are tied to regional and national organizations that have a heart for the services the Foundation provides.
“Having the children and families that we assist getting involved in actually modifying the Jeep makes this project all the more special. This is really going to be fun, to see that involvement and watch the Jeep being transformed.”