SAN DIEGO (Jan. 25, 2013) — The partnership between WD-40 Co. and designer Chip Foose to build and auction a custom charity vehicle has raised $170,000 to help protect and care for children in need.
The WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose '53 Ford F-100 pickup truck was auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction on Jan. 18 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Mr. Foose, legendary hot rod designer and TV star who designed and built the custom pickup truck, was on hand to see the vehicle cross the auction block and receive the winning bid from Robert Wilson of Loveland, Colo. The truck sports an updated drive train, suspension, wheels, tires and paint and looks similar to the one used to deliver the first case of WD-40 Multi-Use Product in the 1950s, when the company was called Rocket Chemical Co.
"It was a pleasure building a truck that commemorates one of the most iconic American products, one I've personally used in my shop more than any other tool," Mr. Foose said. "I'm glad the truck went to an owner who really wanted it and am thrilled it's going to help support those kids who really need it."
This is the fourth consecutive year WD-40 has partnered with SEMA Cares, the charity arm of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), to build a custom vehicle for charity. The company's custom Camaro, Mustang and Challenger raised money for the same two SEMA Cares charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction—and all four vehicles, including the Foose Ford, have raised a combined more than $570,000 for those charities.
Childhelp provides services to abused and neglected children, and Victory Junction provides life-changing camping experiences to special needs and chronically ill children.
"What a way to kick off our 60th anniversary as a company," said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40. "We're so grateful Chip's hard work, along with that of our build partners, was recognized and that we were able to help make a difference through the great work of Childhelp and Victory Junction."
WD-40 markets its products in 187 countries worldwide and recorded sales of $343 million in fiscal year 2012.