On August 18th, 2011 Mustang Mania descended on the Big Corner of 119th and Kellogg. What started as a simple partnership between Mel Hambelton Ford and a group of radio stations had blossomed into a huge event with thousands of people in attendance to try their hand at winning one of two mustangs.
Months ago Eagle Communications Hutchinson’s radio group Eagle Communications (KWBW 1450, My 93.1, and Country 102.9) proposed a giveaway of a 2012 Ford Mustang to one lucky contestant. Soon another Hutchinson company was added to the mix, Mike’s Rent To Own. It was decided that this would also be the perfect opportunity to raise money for Kenny Kalish, a Hutchinson Marine who lost both of his legs and one arm when a roadside bomb exploded in Afghanistan. Mel Hambelton Ford donated a 2006 Ford Mustang to be raffled off the night of the event and several other businesses followed suite, resulting in over thirty prizes to be given away. Each raffle ticket cost $5 with 100% of the proceeds going to Kenny Kalish. Meanwhile the 2012 Mustang visited a different local business sponsor each day, allowing people to register to win the grand prize.
The night of the event finalists began arriving at 6pm to the musical stylings of “Livy High.” It took almost two hours for all of the finalists to arrive and receive their complimentary “goodie bags.” After a few volleys of shirts from the t-shirt cannon, the guests looked to the sky to see the Mel Hambelton Ford helicopter above. Two divers jumped from the chopper with an American flag in tow to remind us all of the sacrifice our soldiers have made. Landing on the lot, the diver made his way to the stage to deliver ten keys that would be for the final contestants. The keys were placed in a clear lockbox as the finalists lined up for their shot. Each finalist received a key, and made their way to the stage; one by one ninety one people tried to open the box, and before long ten finalists were left on stage. Each finalist then took their key and attempted to start the brand new Mustang. On the eighth contestant Greg Gleason’s key started the car, through a shower of sparks and confetti he became the owner of a brand new Ford Mustang.
Next it was time to giveaway a 42in Flat Screen T.V. courtesy of “Mike’s Rent To Own.” A previous finalist for the 2012 Ford Mustang was the winner, Michael Nolte from Hutchinson, KS.
Then it was time to raffle off the 2006 Ford Mustang, once again ten finalists were drawn. And each contestant got their chance to try and start the Mustang. The ninth contestant was the lucky winner, who shockingly enough was Michael Nolte. The event concluded with a full featured fireworks display, and raising nearly $7,000 for Kenny Kalish which Mel Hambelton Ford proudly matched for a total of $14,000 to be given to the Kalish family.