By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Despite frigid December temperatures, community spirit ran warm outside Reaume Chevrolet as Greg Martin and Paul Atherton once again took on their annual “2 Guys Can Drive” fundraiser in support of the LaSalle Food Bank.
The two longtime Reaume Chevrolet employees spent 34 straight hours at the dealership, located at 500 Front Rd., collecting non-perishable food items and gift cards during the seventh edition of the event, held Dec. 7 and 8. Braving cold winds and overnight temperatures, the pair remained on site to greet residents, accept donations and load up a truck and trailer with contributions from across the community.
By the end of the fundraiser, the results were significant. More than $2,200 in cash and gift cards was raised, in addition to a large volume of canned goods, boxed food, pet food and other essential non-perishable items. Organizers said it marked the most successful year since the fundraiser began.
“There are a lot of people out there that are far worse off than either of us,” Martin said. “We love to give back, but it’s all about the people of LaSalle who step up and make this happen.”
Atherton echoed the sentiment, noting that the consistent generosity shown by residents, local businesses and passersby is what keeps the event going year after year.
The fundraiser has become a familiar sight in LaSalle each December, with residents stopping by on their way to shop, run errands or simply to offer encouragement. Many donors arrived with full boxes of food, while others contributed gift cards or cash to help the food bank purchase items most needed during the busy holiday season.
Representatives of the LaSalle Food Bank have said the timing of the event is especially important, as demand typically increases during the winter months and around the holidays.
Martin and Atherton credited Reaume Chevrolet for continuing to support the initiative by providing the location and helping spread the word, as well as to the volunteers and community members who helped ensure the fundraiser’s success.
Now in its seventh year, “2 Guys Can Drive” has grown from a small charitable idea into a well-known local tradition, highlighting the power of grassroots fundraising and the impact of community involvement.
