One of the star cars crossing the block this weekend during Mecum Auction’s Denver sale is a red-and-white 1958 Corvette roadster with a special charity mission.
The Chevy sports car has been donated for auction by a retired Colorado couple, with all proceeds from its sale benefitting the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The donors, Duke and Jan Hamberger, have been supporting St. Jude for more than 50 years, increasing their donations and involvement with the organization commensurate with the rising success of their crane and heavy-equipment business.
“We saw what St. Jude was doing for the kids, and we had to be part of it,” Duke said. “I can’t stand to see a sick kid – that’s what motivates me.” `
“And we love how St. Jude shares their knowledge with people all over the world,” Jan added.
The Hambergers donate more than money, though, putting their own time into helping support the organization. Their activities include hosting the annual St. Jude Harvest farm-to-table fundraising dinner at their farm in northern Colorado, which they have grown into a major local event.
Duke recalled how they provided one St. Jude patient with a special day on the farm.
“She was just the sweetest little gal you’ve ever seen,” Duke said. “I got her up on that tractor and she had the steering wheel – and a smile all over her face.”
The Corvette has been totally restored, according to Mecum, and is scheduled to be auctioned without reserve on Saturday, July 13.
The classic sports car is powered by a 283 cid V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors and 4-speed manual transmission. It has its original radio and a new set of whitewall tires.
For more information about the Mecum’s Denver sale, visit the auction website.
Thank you Duke and Jan, you,re wonderful people.
Says June 13th was the auction date. This email I received is July 13th.
So the email is superfluous as the auction was last month.
Do really appreciate the couples support of St Jude. ✅
Thanks, George. That was a typo. Auction is July 13
so today is the auction?
The photo credits are incorrect. I was the photographer for these Corvette photos. Zebrajellyfish Photography. zebrajellyfish.com