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Some
17 years sago, Joe Steckler paid a visit to A.J. Hiers to ask if he would
help support the Brevard Alzheimer's Foundation with a car drawing.
At the time, Hiers was supporting several small charities, each in some
small way. Since Joe was such a "wonderful and sincere man who
was working tirelessly," according to A.J., he decided to jump
in. The first several years, the event was held at the Boniface-Hiers
Mazda dealdership in Melbourne, Florida. After a few years, response
to the drawing was so positive that Joe and A.J. had to purchase BBQ
from local restaurants in order to provide adequate refreshments to
the raffle patrons.
The prize cars weren't always classics. Originally, the car in the drawing
was the winner's choice from any new vehicle from our Buick, Mitsubishi,
Mazda, KIA, Chrysler, or Dodge dealership. And while the BBQ & Car
Drawing raised enough money to support Joe's Club in a small way, it
wasn't enough to fund any other events. Being somewhat the classic car
collector, A.J. suggested to Joe the idea of a rare classic car raffle.
Joe agreed, and that year A.J.'s personal 1967 Hemi Dodge Coronet was
the prize car; tickets sales instantly doubled.
Since that year, the sponsors of the
drawing have searched to find the most rare of collectible American
vehicles to feature in the raffle. Boasting some of the most unique
cars is the list below of previously auctioned vehicles:
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The sponsors
might have a few surprises on the horizon, given the huge success of the
drawing. Supporting such a worthy cause while vying for such a valuable
car allows everyone involved to benefit. As one of the main sponsors of
the event, A.J. Hiers says, "Being a supporter has been very rewarding
for me and my people. It's a privilege to be associated with the board;
Joe, Chris, Jerry and everyone at the center. I see no reason to ever
stop trying to be more successful than the year before." |
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