Whether it’s a flat tire, a cooling problem, a bad alternator or any other issue that might pop up on the road, car guys seem to share one trait more than any other: they’re quick to help a friend in need.
And on the road of life, where challenges can become far greater than just about any automotive breakdown imaginable, that trait is just as evident. A Minnesota car club called the Gasaholics proved it July 19 at a VFW in Mendota, Minn., where they put on a car show that raised $13,000 for local hot rodder Gib Sagdalen, better known as Gibby.
Sagdalen, 63, has rarely left the hospital since hip surgery took a turn for the worse last January, temporarily paralyzing him from the waist down. His wife, Sandy, said friends and family have been working to remodel the house to make it more accessible, and she’s hoping to buy a specialized van to get her husband around.
She, along with all of Sagdalen’s family and friends, just want him home.
So a few guys in the car club got together and decided to throw the car show for the cause. Every penny donated at the “Gibby Gathering” went to their friend.
“We’ve got to get him out of (the hospital) and get him home where he can be among family and friends and heal,” said Gasaholic member and one of Sagdalen’s longtime friends, Jerry Kitzman. “That’s what this day is all about. It’s all about Gib’s family and him.”
Hundreds of family members and friends showed up at the event to support Sagdalen – who cruised around in a motorized wheelchair – and look at the roughly 130 cars crowding the parking lot, lawn and street around the VFW.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Sagdalen said through an electronic voice aid, which he’s used since a recent battle with throat cancer took his vocal cords. “I had no idea there would be this big a turn out.”
Once known as the go-to guy for springs, Sagdalen retired from Kremer Spring, Alignment and Body in Inver Grove Heights, Minn., a couple years ago. He’s been a Minnesota Street Rod Association member for decades and was one of the original members of the Gasaholics.
His orange ‘55 Buick, powered by a 427ci Chevy, was parked for him at the show. I asked him if he thought he’d ever get behind the wheel again.
“God I sure hope so,” he said.
Sagdalen recently developed movement in his legs and has been able to stand briefly with the help of a pole, so there’s still a chance he’ll tack some extra miles on top of his Buick’s 35,000.
His friends are also rooting for a full recovery.
“I used to go walk around at swap meets with him,” said friend and Gasaholic member Bill Sampson. “Boy, I miss that big ox.”
Jim Sloan, a Gasaholic member and one of the lead organizers of the Gathering for Gibby, said the big turnout at the show reflected how many people Sagdalen has helped and befriended over the years.
The show is going to become an annual event, Sloan said, maybe as a fundraiser for another buddy who might need a helping hand.
“It’s kind of a testament to the way car guys are,” he said. “They stick together.”
July 23rd, 2008 | Articles, Event Articles
Thanks to everyone who helped raise money for my uncle. I hope everyone had a great time!!! It sure was wonderful!!!!!!
Comment by Courtney Wosepka — July 27, 2008 @ 8:54 pm