By Ashley Reyes
As viewers of Hemmings’ nine-part YouTube series “Road to Improvement” watched journalists and auto experts Mike Musto and Elana Scherr take an ’81 Chevrolet Suburban on a 3,600-mile road trip, they also got to see how easy it can be to upgrade a vehicle and turn an older truck into a comfortable machine that includes modern-day comforts and conveniences. That same truck, dubbed “Big Green,” was auctioned off by Hemmings earlier this month, raising a total of $22,575 that will go toward the SEMA Cares foundation and its partnering children’s charities.
“Big Green,” was auctioned off by Hemmings earlier this month, raising a total of $22,575 that will go toward the SEMA Cares foundation and its partnering children’s charities.
The vehicle project, which was inspired by Hemmings readers and viewers who wanted to see road-trip content, was driven across the country and documented while it was being improved into a vehicle capable of being driven daily.
“We are very grateful to have partnered with Hemmings on the Suburban project we know will have a positive impact on our industry,” said Kathyrn Reinhardt, SEMA Cares chair. “The vehicle’s proceeds will play a huge role in helping children in need and continue to encourage the youth about the automotive hobbyist lifestyle.”
The “Road to Improvement” series can be viewed here.
SEMA Cares offers a way for SEMA membership to give back in a meaningful way to help children. Funds are donated to the three official SEMA Cares charities: Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, Childhelp and Victory Junction. To learn more about SEMA Cares and how to support the industry’s fundraising efforts, visit www.sema.org/sema-cares.