Custom Collision awards vehicles

Jackie Roberts, a woman who, along with her twins, were injured in a car accident that claimed the life of her significant other, is the recipient of a used Cadillac Coupe deVille, one of two cars given away in a contest by Custom Collision Repair.

Roberts and the other winner were announced Saturday during Custom Collision Repair's Customer Appreciation Day, as attendees toured the shop, looked at restored antique vehicles and ate pulled pork sandwiches provided by John Davison of Wolfer's Restaurant.

Roberts’ boyfriend, Craig Lawrence, 28, was killed when the Ford Explorer they were traveling in veered off the road and rolled over while traveling northbound on Secondary Route 232 on the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 10. Roberts and her two 1-year olds, were in the vehicle and sustained non-life threatening injuries in the accident. Since then, the loss of Robert's boyfriend has inspired an outpouring of emotion and support for Roberts within the community. Fundraisers for Roberts are being held by local businesses and organizations.

Chris Preputin, owner of Custom Collisions Repair, said that in addition to an essay submitted by one of Roberts’ co-workers at Gary & Leo’s Fresh Foods, where she works in the bakery, he has received six or seven petitions with about 500 signatures saying she should win one of the vehicles.

“She had some bad stuff that's happened to her, some tragedy, and she absolutely needs a vehicle,” said Preputin after making the announcement to the crowd.

Initially the contest was just supposed to feature one winner of a revamped 2003 red Dodge Caravan. But last week, Preputin said after talking with his friend, Shad Houston about how much of a struggle it is to pick just one winner, Leon's Buy and Sell donated the Cadillac, which, aside from a small dent, was in pristine condition.

Holly Beard, a single mother with three young daughters, was the winner of the Caravan. Beard, who works the night shift as a CNA at the Sweet Medical Center in Chinook, was entered into the contest by one of her co-workers. In the letter, the author explained that Beard also has been diagnosed with unspecified medical conditions that force her to drive long distances to seek treatment and that heat in her car doesn't work.

Roberts and Beard were on the scene to claim their winnings.

Contestants were required to enter an essay stating why they or someone they know were deserving of the van. In all 65 essays were submitted. Preputin along with Shari Robinson of the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce narrowed down the essays to 10 and then to five before deciding on the two eventual winners.

Preputin said he hopes to make the vehicle giveaway contest a regular part of the Festival Days celebration. Next year, he wants to give away four vehicles, but he is hoping this act of generosity is contagious.

“Someday I would like to give away 10 cars from 10 businesses for Festival Days,” Preputin said.