Storm Doesn’t Dampen Goodwill Spirits; Auction of 1958 T-Bird Raises Much-Needed Funds for Disadvantaged Youth, Adults

Goodwill literally weathered one of the biggest storms in Arizona's history to raise much-needed funds for youth and adults who need a “hand up” to get ahead.

Before the rain and wind blew through the Valley in January, Goodwill was on cloud nine about our exciting opportunity to auction off a vintage, pristine 1958 Thunderbird on January 24 at the Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions in Scottsdale.

The creative and exciting plan to auction this automobile was hatched in September 2009, when a donor brought the 1958 Thunderbird to GoodWheels Auto Sales. Even though the car was inoperable and badly in need of a touch up, John Wyers, Vehicle Specialist for GoodWheels Auto Sales, could see that he had a gem of a car. Wyers contacted Dave Ochser, a Goodwill volunteer who collects and restores cars as a hobby, about turning this car into his next project.

Ochser accepted the challenge and came up with the idea for Goodwill to auction the refurbished 1958 Thunderbird at Russo and Steele which is one of the longest-running auctions in the Valley. Ochser utilized some of his connections at Russo and Steele to negotiate a generous spot for the automobile.

To bring the vehicle up to good mechanical condition and perform the exterior and interior detailing, Ochser worked for three months with his buddy Gary Herman, mechanic and owner of Copper State Towing in Prescott, and his friend, Robert Anderson.

The staff and volunteers brought the car to the Russo and Steele auction on Jan. 20 with the anticipation that it would reap a substantial donation for Goodwill.

Then the storm hit. The winds lifted an 800-foot-long auction tent onto the Loop 101 on Jan. 21, leaving hundreds of valuable collector cars uncovered in the onslaught of rain. Heavy tent poles and debris struck some cars. News reports claimed that the estimated damages to the vehicles could exceed $1.5 million but final figures will not be released until all investigations have been completed.

Fortunately, Goodwill's 1958 Thunderbird only sustained a broken headlamp and several scratches on the front hood area. However, the auction was pushed back to Jan. 25 and Goodwill's time slot attracted small crowd of about 200 people.

Ultimately the car sold for $3,200. Although the amount was less than the original goal, the estimated net proceeds of $1,400 will go toward the 2010 Evening of Goodwill's fundraising efforts, which support the advanced educational pursuits for at-risk youth attending Ecademie Charter High School as well as adult clients pursuing post-secondary education.

In spite of the challenges faced at the auction, Goodwill is extremely proud of the creativity and partnership of its community supporters and ultimately, collected additional funds to help enhance the future opportunities of clients through the power of education and work. With 90 percent of the proceeds going to Goodwill, this Classic will be the key to helping someone get on the road to independence.