BRODHEAD - During a time of year when giving and gratitude are emphasized, one local business has established a tradition of providing the gift of a safe and reliable way to transport children to school, to go to work and maybe even allow for a family vacation or two.
Kubly's Automotive of Brodhead officially chose three finalists Tuesday night as part of its fourth annual Car Give-A-Way event in partnership with Wheels to Prosper, a group started in 2011 by Dino Di Guilio of Sonoma, California, and Jody Gatchell of Conway, Arkansas. Both were in the car business and wanted to establish a giving event.
From there, the idea spread. Kubly's Automotive became involved through connections with other auto-inclined friends across the country, Roxy Kubly said, noting the event falls in line with "a time of giving" within the year. The goal has been to provide a reliable car to people who not only need it, but who give back to their community.
The event requires nominations from people describing why they feel the person is deserving of the vehicle, preferably done in secret, she said.
"We tell people to explain to us why this person needs a reliable vehicle and why that person stands out to them," Kubly said. "It's someone not thinking of themselves."
It has been a success in its four years, raking in a dozen or more nominations each time. Kubly said the first year, the business received 59 nominations. While the total has gone down by more than half in the last two years, she said they now receive more quality over quantity than in the beginning. As a member of the eight-person judging panel, Kubly noted the choice is always a little hard.
"It is a difficult decision each year," Kubly said. "We sit there and talk and deliberate. I usually tell everyone to bring their top three or so choices and then we work to narrow them down."
Kubly said the two other finalists receive a gift card for either gas or groceries donated by sponsors.
The car-giving event coincides with the Brodhead Fire & Ice Festival. A winner will be announced from the three chosen at the celebration Dec. 1. Kubly said the recipient of the vehicle then follows her and her husband, Dusty, who owns the shop, in the lighted parade.
Ed Mikkelson has organized the festival through his work with the Brodhead Chamber of Commerce. He was also the initial recipient of the program in 2013, nominated by co-worker Barb Cook with the Register Print Center in Brodhead and supported by 16 others who took the time to write about his work as a volunteer within the community and through Central Christian Church in Beloit.
Mikkelson said he still remembers the shock when his name was announced.
"I was standing there taking pictures," Mikkelson said. "They announce the gas winner, and then they announce the grocery winner; I'm all excited for whoever was going to win this car. I had no idea it was me. It's humbling. I don't do it for the recognition."
The car was a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu and a welcome replacement for his previous car, which had roughly 233,000 miles on it.
"It meant a lot," Mikkelson said. "It was very much appreciated and needed."
Mikkelson said the vehicle served him and his niece and her children well when the group took family vacations together, taking in the sites of Colorado, North Carolina and other parts of the country.
"It was a blessing," Mikkelson said. "For Dusty and Roxy to step forward and give a car out is absolutely fantastic. It's a great program, and it helps people in need."
Other recipients have been Kathy Visger, who last year took home a 2005 Chevrolet Impala, and Bryan Swoboda, Brodhead, who received a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu the second year of the giveaway.
This year, the vehicle is a 2006 Buick Rendezvous. Roxy said the shop ensures the vehicle has been fine-tuned. Other sponsors have worked with them to donate parts and provide body work to the vehicle when needed. Patti Revis of State Farm Insurance even provides free car insurance to the winner.
"It's amazing the need in your own community people don't even know about," Roxy said. "You don't realize it until someone takes the time to write about them."
Kubly's Automotive of Brodhead officially chose three finalists Tuesday night as part of its fourth annual Car Give-A-Way event in partnership with Wheels to Prosper, a group started in 2011 by Dino Di Guilio of Sonoma, California, and Jody Gatchell of Conway, Arkansas. Both were in the car business and wanted to establish a giving event.
From there, the idea spread. Kubly's Automotive became involved through connections with other auto-inclined friends across the country, Roxy Kubly said, noting the event falls in line with "a time of giving" within the year. The goal has been to provide a reliable car to people who not only need it, but who give back to their community.
The event requires nominations from people describing why they feel the person is deserving of the vehicle, preferably done in secret, she said.
"We tell people to explain to us why this person needs a reliable vehicle and why that person stands out to them," Kubly said. "It's someone not thinking of themselves."
It has been a success in its four years, raking in a dozen or more nominations each time. Kubly said the first year, the business received 59 nominations. While the total has gone down by more than half in the last two years, she said they now receive more quality over quantity than in the beginning. As a member of the eight-person judging panel, Kubly noted the choice is always a little hard.
"It is a difficult decision each year," Kubly said. "We sit there and talk and deliberate. I usually tell everyone to bring their top three or so choices and then we work to narrow them down."
Kubly said the two other finalists receive a gift card for either gas or groceries donated by sponsors.
The car-giving event coincides with the Brodhead Fire & Ice Festival. A winner will be announced from the three chosen at the celebration Dec. 1. Kubly said the recipient of the vehicle then follows her and her husband, Dusty, who owns the shop, in the lighted parade.
Ed Mikkelson has organized the festival through his work with the Brodhead Chamber of Commerce. He was also the initial recipient of the program in 2013, nominated by co-worker Barb Cook with the Register Print Center in Brodhead and supported by 16 others who took the time to write about his work as a volunteer within the community and through Central Christian Church in Beloit.
Mikkelson said he still remembers the shock when his name was announced.
"I was standing there taking pictures," Mikkelson said. "They announce the gas winner, and then they announce the grocery winner; I'm all excited for whoever was going to win this car. I had no idea it was me. It's humbling. I don't do it for the recognition."
The car was a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu and a welcome replacement for his previous car, which had roughly 233,000 miles on it.
"It meant a lot," Mikkelson said. "It was very much appreciated and needed."
Mikkelson said the vehicle served him and his niece and her children well when the group took family vacations together, taking in the sites of Colorado, North Carolina and other parts of the country.
"It was a blessing," Mikkelson said. "For Dusty and Roxy to step forward and give a car out is absolutely fantastic. It's a great program, and it helps people in need."
Other recipients have been Kathy Visger, who last year took home a 2005 Chevrolet Impala, and Bryan Swoboda, Brodhead, who received a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu the second year of the giveaway.
This year, the vehicle is a 2006 Buick Rendezvous. Roxy said the shop ensures the vehicle has been fine-tuned. Other sponsors have worked with them to donate parts and provide body work to the vehicle when needed. Patti Revis of State Farm Insurance even provides free car insurance to the winner.
"It's amazing the need in your own community people don't even know about," Roxy said. "You don't realize it until someone takes the time to write about them."