Sept. 29, 2014—Colorado CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts teamed up with Make-A-Wish to grant the request of a Colorado teen who wished to have his 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee receive a makeover.
Steve Rigsby, marketing manager of the 11 Colorado CARSTAR locations, was contacted by Make-A-Wish for the project, and he quickly set the project in motion at CARSTAR West Auto Body in Denver.
“The car was in pretty bad need of a paint job,” Rigsby said. “There was some bodywork that needed to be done, and tires were in bad shape. It was a little run down.”
CARSTAR West owners Jerry and Deb Robideau took on the project with Jerry completing most of the work himself.
The body was straightened and a brand new paint job was put on the vehicle. Jason, the teenager who owned the vehicle, selected a dark blue color to match his father’s BMW. New tires and wheels, along with a brand new stereo system and other accessories were also added.
Once completed, repairs and upgrades totaled more than $13,000.
Jason was presented the car at a pizza party in front of a group of more than 30 people from his family, CARSTAR West Auto Body, and Make-A-Wish.
“We did a formal presentation, with the car hidden in the garage,” said Rigsby. “When you see that kid’s smile, and the mom crying, it was so worth it. It was just amazing.”
This was the eighth vehicle in the last five years that the Colorado CARSTAR shops have done for Make-A-Wish. All 11 area shops have helped out in some way throughout the years.