Get ready to shift gears for a great cause! Apex Leather, known for its premium automotive interior products and a strong focus on community, has officially teamed up with Wheelz That Heal, an auto-based children’s charity, in supporting the Integrative Medicine Department at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH).
This partnership is not just about cars, it’s about significantly impacting the lives of children battling serious illnesses.
Join the Ride
Wheelz That Heal has been a beacon of hope since its inception in 2013 when local screenwriter, producer, and self-proclaimed “car nut” Scott Bindley founded what was initially called Wheels for Wheels. With a heart as big as his passion for cars, Scott started by purchasing older sports cars at a discount, rallying support from generous donors nationwide to restore these vehicles, and then selling them to raise funds for PCH. To date, the organization has raised over $1.4 million by restoring vehicles, selling them via sponsoring dealers, and donating every penny to help improve the lives of countless children.
The Drive to Make a Difference
Wheelz That Heal initially found a market niche in restoring and upgrading the late, great Pontiac Solstice, as there has been consistent demand for quality examples of the two-seat, rear-wheel-drive roadster. Wheelz That Heal has sold nearly two dozen Solstices to date, showcasing the talents and generosity of the automotive community. More recent projects have expanded their reach to also include other sportscars and classic off-road vehicles.
A New Model Motoring Forward
Auto restoration takes time so the Wheelz That Heal Foundation is now looking to make a bigger impact by asking generous owners, collectors, and dealers to donate new or used cars and trucks directly to the program or sell them and donate the proceeds directly to PCH Integrative Medicine. Wheelz That Heal can help facilitate these gifts and tap into its 50+ sponsors who can assist with restoration, maintenance, and/or upgrades. This new model will also better facilitate tax opportunities for generous donors. (They just had a collector donate proceeds from a Mercedes G-Wagon he sold for $65,000 — after running the donation through a current triple-match program, Phoenix Children’s netted $195,000!)
Kids Design A Restoration
Beyond direct giving, Wheels That Heel is also sharing their love of classic cars and trucks by giving the children at PCH a role in the restorations. Currently, the kids are working together to choose the color of the exterior (via a vinyl wrap), the color and style of the seats, the wheels, and interior trim and accessories for a donated 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP. From there, the Foundation’s sponsors generously lend their services and the children will see “their car” come to life. The Solstice will be sold early next year and all proceeds will benefit PCH, and the “Patient Design Team” will share in the joy and pride of this special achievement.
How You Can Help
Are you a dealer, collector, or automotive industry professional? Your contribution could be the next chapter in this incredible story. Whether a donation of vehicles, parts, or services (paint, body, upholstery, detailing, etc) every bit of support helps drive this mission forward. Wheelz that Heal is especially interested in enthusiast-type vehicles – sports cars, classics, off-road, etc., but will entertain most anything that will garner worthy funds for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Your support is vital in helping us continue our mission and make a difference for sick children. Click here to read more about how you can help.
Join the Movement
Our vibrant automotive community has already shown immense support, and as Wheelz That Heal moves into its second decade, the possibilities are endless. The partnership with Apex Leather and dozens of other auto-related sponsors is a testament to the power of collaboration and a commitment to making a difference. And, there are so many ways to help! Check out what Desert Dubs VW Club is doing– restoring a classic 1967 Baja Beetle, with members of the club handling various portions of the wheels-up restoration.
Together, we can drive health forward. Partner with Wheelz That Heal to help ailing children get back on the road to wellness.
Visit the Wheelz That Heal Partners Page to learn more about how you can get involved. Also, PLEASE help spread the word about this special organization. The auto community is big, diverse, and generous in spirit. Together we change futures!
For more information Get In Touch with Wheelz That Heal.
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