1932 Ford Roadster for Charity

Our team took on an exciting challenge: we brought a classic 1932 Ford Roadster back to life. But this project was more than just a car restoration; it had a bigger purpose. We planned to auction off the beautifully restored Roadster and donate the proceeds to The Brett Boyer Foundation, which is all about researching and fighting congenital heart disease (CHD). This journey began with an old car full of stories and ended with something amazing — the sale of the Roadster turned into the largest donation the foundation has ever seen. This is the story of our passion for vintage cars and our commitment to making a difference, all wrapped into one memorable adventure.

This is the story of our passion for vintage cars and our commitment to making a difference, all wrapped into one memorable adventure. This remarkable outcome wouldn’t have been possible without our partnership with The Brett Boyer Foundation, an organization deeply committed to the vital cause we aimed to support.

The Journey of the 1932 Ford Roadster Restoration

Bringing the 1932 Ford Roadster back to its former glory was not just a restoration; it was like reviving a piece of American spirit. This car is more than metal and wheels; it’s a symbol of American ingenuity, especially during tough times like the Great Depression. When much of the country was covered in a cloud of uncertainty, the Roadster stood out as a beacon of freedom and rebellion. Its design was a bold move, combining a lightweight body with a powerful engine. This wasn’t just a car; it was the start of something big. It captured the essence of hot rod culture and grassroots American racing. Believe it or not, its legacy even traces back to bootlegging, where speed was a necessity. So, restoring this Roadster was our way of bringing back a piece of that adventurous and rebellious spirit that helped shape American car culture.

The Brett Boyer Foundation: A Cause Close to Our Hearts

The Brett Boyer Foundation was created in loving memory and in honor of Sadie Brett Boyer. Diagnosed prenatally with congenital heart disease and Downs’ Syndrome, she needed open heart surgery for a fighting chance at life. Her parents found themselves in a world uneducated about both DS and CHD, not to mention severely underfunded in research directed to understanding and treating these conditions.

Their mission is simple: to raise awareness for Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) and fund research to advance treatment options. Despite the fact that nearly 1 in 100 children in the United States alone are diagnosed with CHD, it only receives about ⅓ of the funding compared to other childhood diseases. On their website, the Brett Boyer Foundation highlights 12 research projects, both past and present funded or being funded by the Foundation.

The Auction: A Historic Moment

On a warm October afternoon friends, family, countless stars and celebrities gathered at country music superstar Luke Bryan’s private residence for an offline fundraiser for the Brett Boyer Foundation. Nashville, TN is a city with roots in the bootlegging and speakeasy culture ushered in by prohibition in the 1920s.

In front of this intimate crowd and out into the light rolled an icon of Americana, an ode to the spirit of American hot rod culture. A 1932 Ford Roadster – the quintessential hot rod with its lightweight frame and powerful V8. It changed the course of American automotive history with the democratization of the V8. The ‘32 Roadster is a symbol of the free American spirit, the won’t-be-denied attitude that carried (and delivered) optimism throughout prohibition and beyond.

Call it serendipitous. Call it divine. A combination of the right crowd and the right city were bound together for a common cause bigger than the sum of their parts. In support of the Brett Boyer Foundation, the roadster was able to generate close to $750,000 – the largest single donation in the Foundation’s history.

The Impact

The custom 1932 Ford Roadster wasn’t just about handing over a check. It was about fueling hope and progress. The foundation will use this donation in some pretty incredible ways. First, it’s going to fund research projects that aim to find better treatments for congenital heart disease (CHD), which could change the lives of so many kids and their families. But that’s not all. The foundation also works hard to spread awareness and educate people about CHD, the need for research, and the lifelong challenges faced by those affected by this condition. Plus, they provide ongoing support for CHD patients, their parents, and the medical professionals who take care of them. So, our donation is really a push forward in all these crucial areas.

The potential impact of this research and support can’t be overstated. Imagine a future where breakthroughs in CHD research lead to treatments that not only save lives but significantly improve the day-to-day experiences of these courageous kids. It’s about giving them the chance to run, play, and grow without the shadow of health limitations. For affected children, advancements in research could mean fewer hospital visits, less invasive procedures, and more birthdays celebrated. It’s also about giving their families peace of mind, knowing there’s hope on the horizon and a community supporting them. Every step forward in research, awareness, and support, fueled by donations like ours, brings us closer to that future – a future where CHD doesn’t define the limits of a child’s life.

Gratitude

We at NFI Empire are overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who joined us on this incredible journey. To all the participants, bidders, and supporters — your enthusiasm and generosity have made a world of difference. Your involvement went beyond just participating in an auction; you became a crucial part of a community striving to make a positive impact on the lives of children with CHD. Your support not only propelled the success of this project but also echoed the compassion and dedication that drive us all. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Together, we’ve turned a dream into a triumphant reality, and for that, we are truly grateful.

Our journey doesn’t end here, and the fight against congenital heart disease (CHD) continues. We at NFI Empire encourage everyone to keep the momentum going by supporting CHD research and The Brett Boyer Foundation. Your continued involvement can spark remarkable advancements and provide invaluable aid to those in need. Every contribution, big or small, every shared story, every moment of awareness helps fuel the mission. Together, we can be a relentless force of hope and change. Let’s keep this spirit alive, standing shoulder to shoulder with The Brett Boyer Foundation, as they tirelessly work towards a brighter, healthier future for children affected by CHD.