Plant, UAW 95 donating last truck to United Way raffle
JANESVILLE — Wouldn't it be something if the Feingold family ends up owning the bookends of truck production at the General Motors assembly plant in Janesville?
The grandfather of U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold bought the first truck off the Chevrolet line in Janesville in 1923, and the younger Feingold said he'll likely buy a chance at owning the last.
Representatives of the plant and United Auto Workers Local 95 announced today they will donate the plant's last sport-utility vehicle to the United Way of North Rock County, which will make it the top prize in a fundraising raffle.
"If the cost is not exorbitant and it is within my budget, I'll certainly buy a ticket," Feingold said of the raffle.
The 2009 Chevy Tahoe LTZ is scheduled to be the last truck off the line on Tuesday, Dec. 23. It will be fully loaded and carry a sticker price to match: $57,745.
But the winner in the United Way raffle likely will own it for much less. Tickets will be $20 each, or $100 for six.
In addition to the Tahoe, the raffle includes a $1,600 package from Kutter Harley-Davidson and a $1,300 play set from Swing-N-Slide. CRT Processing is donating 14 refurbished LCD televisions, eight Dell computer systems and 10 surround-sound systems.
Gail Graham, president of United Way of North Rock County, said the organization has never staged a raffle.
"But we've never had a flood or a flood fund before," she said.
As United Way staff approached companies about their annual employee campaigns, some offered to donate items that the United Way could use as it saw fit. One donation led to another and ultimately to GM's decision to donate the Tahoe.
"The stars aligned for us," Graham said. "I can't say enough about how wonderful and generous our program partners have been.
"In fact, I'm speechless."
Today's announcement was broadcast live onto the GM plant floor through video monitors.
The Janesville plant and its people have a proud tradition of giving, and that's why the decision was made to donate the vehicle to the United Way, Plant Manager Gary Malkus said.
"I've had a lot of requests from individuals and many companies interested in this piece of Janesville history," Malkus said.
"This raffle will honor the legacy of Janesville assembly while giving an incredible opportunity to the United Way and the community," Malkus said.
John Dohner Jr., United Auto Workers Local 95 shop chairman, said Local 95 has always understood the importance of giving back to the community.
"Janesville assembly has always stood for great people building great products, and we will continue to pour everything we have into what we make, including the very last Tahoe," Dohner said.
The United Way has printed 9,000 raffle tickets. If they're all sold, the tickets would generate between $150,000 and $180,000.
"The idea is not to tell people what their odds are," Graham said. "Everyone has a chance to spend $20 and win the last Tahoe ever built in this community."
Graham said the raffle is intended to supplement rather than replace employee giving to the United Way.
"It will not make up what we would typically get in employee contributions from GM," she said, noting that the employee portion of GM's annual contribution is normally about $400,000 each year.
"Each year, about 70 percent of our funding comes from our employee campaigns. That's really our bread and butter."
GM plant spokeswoman Mary Fanning-Penny said the decision to donate the vehicle to the United Way originated locally and was approved at the corporate level.
"It's a reflection of the commitment that this plant and its people have made to the United Way and also a reflection that a large chunk of that organization's budget will be absent in the future.
"It's a decision that was made specific to Janesville."
Graham said the organization is honored to receive GM's donation.
"Over the years, GM and the United Auto Workers have been strong partners with the United Way, and that's been particularly true in our area," she said.
Winning raffle tickets will be drawn Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the United Way's annual meeting at the Pontiac Convention Center.
The winner of the Tahoe will not have an option to take cash instead of the truck.
But if he or she doesn't want the Tahoe, plenty of options—including several involving cash—likely will present themselves.
FOR TICKETS
Tickets are available at the United Way of North Rock County, 205 N. Main St., Suite 101, Janesville.
More ticket outlets and more information will be announced on the organization's Web site, www.uwnrc.org.
Dec 20, 2008 at 3:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
They should just sell it, and then give the 57,000 to charity, I don't think they will make 57,000 in ticket sales...
Dec 11, 2008 at 3:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Radical environmental policies, TCB? Oh, you must be talking about that silly mpg thing. You know I’m pretty sure driving vehicles that only get 10-15 mpg have nothing to do with increasing the demand and, in conjunction, the price of oil for all everyone. Just because some people choose to drive fuel efficient cars and have a desire to preserve our limited resources doesn’t mean you have too. Not that it’s selfish to believe that you are somehow entitled to waste more energy simply because you can afford it. All those loonies that want to clean up our planet ruined everything. Higher CAFÉ standards just mean that foreign automakers will sell more because they already have lighter, more fuel efficient vehicles to choose from. American car makers just can’t compete. This is America by God, we should be able to use and waste as much energy as we want!! How can I get my two kids down the block to school without my Cadillac Escalade! I mean personal wealth should not limit an individuals’ right to pollute the environment or waste limited resources. I swear, environmentalists are simply ruining our earth.
Dec 10, 2008 at 10:44 a.m.
Suggest removal
For lack of a better place to mention it, I know we all hear about the gas guzzling of GM trucks and SUVs, but as for quality, my 2003 GMC 4X4 stands second to none. I've owned probably over 20 vehicles in my life and this truck has nothing at all to complain about. It runs great, goes through anything, is comfortable, and looks great. Thanks to the folks that built it!
Dec 10, 2008 at 10:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
Thanks also to Kutter, swing n slide and CRT. I will buy a few tix. Not sure if I will keep it if I win it since my US made SUV that I have now is just broke in at 140K miles!
Dec 10, 2008 at 9:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
devilsadvocate-----i can't afford the $74000, just used it as an example. wouldn't buy one if i could. retired from gm.
Dec 10, 2008 at 9:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
Mr.Black, you missed the point entirely. The statement by Pablo was $57000 says it all. I was pointing out that there are many other suvs that cost a lot more than that. The other point was GM gets a bad rap for gas guzzlers. The lexus gets 12 miles to the gallon. The suburban gets 33% more in the city and 10% more on the highway. As far as making it, if gas prices were what they are today we would not be having this conversation because the suvs of all manufactures would still be selling. Toyota is making it in large part due to having hardly any legacy costs and the fact that any state that has a transplanted auto maker has basicly given their first born just to get them there. So survival by a transplant automaker is pretty easy.
Dec 10, 2008 at 9:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
Unfortunately, Senator Feingold probably will not want to buy the last truck off the line since the coalition that supports Feingold supports higher CAFE standards and radical enviromental policies each of which has helped to destroy the US automobile industry.
Also, based on 2004 financial disclosures Senator Feingold cannot afford the Tahoe. Financial credit markets are tight and and for someone who lives half the year in public transportation friendly city such as DC, it would not be a prudent investment.
http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/CIDsumma...
Dec 10, 2008 at 6:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
If you can afford anything over $40,000 for a vehicle that depreciates as soon as you leave the lot then you're not worried about mpg. One interesting fact though is Toyota is making it huh, pubsrus?
Dec 10, 2008 at 5:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
Zoom the Tahoe they are donating will be a black one
Dec 10, 2008 at 12:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
Pubsrus
If you can afford 74k for a Lexus I doubt you worry much about mpg :)
I see Forbes has an interview with Gov Doyle on the Janesville plant closing. Interesting.....
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/12/0...
Dec 9, 2008 at 11:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
How about this beauty!!
2008 Lexus LX 570
MSRP:
$74,700
Invoice:
$64,989
Upon introduction, the LX 570 is equipped with a standard 5.7-liter, V8, 383-horsepower engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
I'll take a suburban any day. It at least gets 16 city and 19 on the highway.
Dec 9, 2008 at 11:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
Hey Pablo----
$57000 doesn't sound all that bad now.
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser
MSRP:
$64,755
Invoice:
$56,659
Dec 9, 2008 at 8:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
Come on folks, let's not dissect this good will offering from UAW 95 to raise money for United Way. Buy a ticket. If you can't afford to pay the tax if you win, then don't buy a ticket. Simple.
Dec 9, 2008 at 6:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
Yes this is a nice thing to do but for all you who hope to win it remember uncle sam will still charge you tax on it not sure what the tax is called it either falls under the lottery tax or gift tax . check with an accountant to find out what it is and how much it would be on $57000.00
Dec 9, 2008 at 5:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
$57,000??? That explains a lot.
Dec 9, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
I will definitely be buying a ticket ... even if my legs are too short to climb into the thing. (LOL!) Thank you to the workers and GM for donating this truck to such a worthy cause. I have a quick question for the workers: Is it getting tougher to get through the final days of the plant? Nobody in my family ever worked at the plant, but I have been feeling pangs of sadness this week. Please know that most people see the pride that you put into your work and that we appreciate you for it.
Dec 9, 2008 at 1:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
This is a good way to go out and this certainly isn't the first time GM and the UAW have done this type of thing. Good luck to all those who enter.
Dec 9, 2008 at 12:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
They also don't actually sell for $57K.
Dec 9, 2008 at 12:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
ndburdick - until you have owned one you can't understand the experience. I have a Janesville made LT Suburban. It is the most complete vehicle you will ever need. It will meet your every purpose except for gas milage. They are absolute incredible vehicles. By the way, GM has sold millions of these, shipping out around 350,000 a year. They must have did something right, because people WERE buying them. GM wasn't shoving them down peoples throats.
Dec 9, 2008 at 11:56 a.m.
Suggest removal
ihavealife.....that does sound like a good ballpark figure.
Dec 9, 2008 at 11:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
$57,000??? No wonder they're not selling.
Dec 9, 2008 at 11:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
I wonder what color my new truck will be.
Dec 9, 2008 at 11:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
What a wonderful donation by GM and a great opportunity to own a piece of Janesville's history!
P.S. Russ - I think you can afford to buy a ticket or two.
Dec 9, 2008 at 11:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
If you win it, you have to take it!
Dec 9, 2008 at 11:23 a.m.
Suggest removal
Count me in also.
Dec 9, 2008 at 10:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
I 'm trying to figure out how GM can aford this. Oh I think I know the gm workers are making this vehicle for free donating there time for free, just like we did in 911 we donated vehicles and were not paid for making them and some people in this town say were selfish and greedy.
Dec 9, 2008 at 10:33 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cool. I'm in.
Dec 9, 2008 at 10:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
I would have liked to know how much the first truck sold for...just some interesting trivia....
Dec 9, 2008 at 10:17 a.m.
Suggest removal
Why don't news articles have active hypertext links like the comment section does?
www.uwnrc.org
or?
http://www.uwnrc.org
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.