Custom Collision giving away two vehicles

Custom Collision Repair is continuing its tradition of giving away a rehabilitated vehicle to someone in need during Festival Days, and is increasing the event this year with two families receiving a vehicle.

This year Custom Collision is giving away a 2002 Pontiac Minivan and a 1999 Buick Century to 2 individuals or families in need during Festival Days.

Chris Preputin, owner of Custom Collision Repair, said applicants will need to submit an essay by Wednesday saying why they or someone they know deserves a vehicle.

He said the winning essays will be selected by three judges, Bridget Kallenberger, Karla Geda and a third judge yet to be named.

People interested in entering can pick up a form and later drop off their essay at Custom Collision Repair on First Street Northeast or at the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce.

Winners will be announced during Custom Collision Repair’s annual customer appreciation day which will include a barbecue and a car burnout Sept. 16.

Preputin, who started the contest in 2015 as a way to give back to the community using his business, said despite being late in getting the word out this year, the number of people turning in essays and support from the community has been profound. Support, he said, has come in the form of a $950 donation from the Hi-Line Cruz’n Association, along with material support from other sponsors such as Ace Towing, Bergren Transmission and Montana Carpet Care and Restoration.   

Gibson Chiropractic of Havre donated the minivan, Preputin said, while an anonymous donor gave the Concord. He said both vehicles were donated last fall.

Preputin said about $5,000 in work had to be done on each of the two vehicles, including a new motor for the minivan, provided by Ace Towing, and general maintenance by Bergren Transmission. The vehicles were detailed by Montana Carpet Care and Restoration.

He added he and his own crew began working on the vehicles last month.

“All employees in the shop worked on them,” Preputin said.

Work on the cars will be completed next week, he said.

As of Thursday, Preputin said, about 100 essays had been submitted from as far east as Glasgow, west as Chester and south as Big Sandy.

The outpouring of interest and support he said, has been so great, that next year he expects to give away three vehicles, with Leon’s Buy and Sell Pawn Shop already expressing some interest in donating.