May 6, 2013—Golden State Collision Repair Centers, A BodyCraft Company, a multiple-shop operation based in California, recently presented a local community member with a refurbished 1965 Mustang Fastback through the Northeastern California and Northern Nevada Make-A-Wish chapter.
Golden State Collision Repair Centers said it was contacted by Make-A-Wish last year for assistance in refurbishing the vehicle—a wish requested by a local 18-year-old man. The 1965 Mustang Fastback had been owned by the recipient’s father, and it was his wish to restore the vehicle to its original condition.
“We were approached by volunteers of the local Make-A-Wish chapter to help out to refurbish his ‘65 Mustang Fastback. As a company, we are always in search of ways to help our community and its families. When we heard about this wish, we jumped on board to spearhead the renovation,” said Dave Finkelstein, marketing director for Golden State Collision Repair Centers.
Golden State Collision Repair Centers collaborated with several businesses to completely restore the vehicle, which included a paint color change, body work, upholstery, sound system, glass installation, and wheels. Local vendors that donated time and services toward the project include Les Schwab Tire Centers, American Mustang, Windshield Pros North, LKQ/Keystone Corporation, Leland Insurance, Upholstery Tech, Genesis Window Tinting, Acme Tops & Tunes, Mike’s Sound Solutions, and Cynthia Gandy Insurance.
The vehicle was presented at Golden State Collision Repair Center’s Elk Grove, Calif., location on April 29—the 33rd anniversary date of the very first wish granted by Make-A-Wish.
“We are delighted to be able to present this wish on the anniversary date of the very first wish granted by Make-A-Wish,” Finkelstein said. “Once the word got out on our World Wish Day project, other local businesses readily stepped up to the plate to help out. This is truly a community coming together to help make a wish come true.”
“We are very grateful to Les Schwab Tire Center for adopting Michael’s wish, and for Golden State Collision Repair Centers who quarterbacked the refurbishment,” said Jennifer Stolo, CEO of Make-A-Wish Northeastern California and Northern Nevada, an organization that has granted more than 4,700 wishes to children within its 37-county service area since 1983. “What makes this wish unique is that [the recipient] has worked on his car alongside the Golden State Collision crew during the preliminary refurbishment. He will surely be surprised when he finally sees the finished product.”