The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s hockey team (12-2-1) is thanking 3 Guys Truck Wash after receiving $1,600 for season expenses on Nov. 29.
The local business hosted a car wash fundraiser for the team in mid-September. The fundraiser saw support from motorists and businesses such as Dekker Oilfield Services.
“Funds were raised through the players physically washing some Dekker Oilfield trucks. Dekker was kind enough to come in and have their trucks washed, they paid us, and we were able to pay them,” said 3 Guys Truck Wash manager Kevin Brooks.
“Funds were also raised through the draw the team was holding.”
Brooks explained the draw included gift cards to several local businesses, including Fountain Tire, Echelon Ramp, Truck Zone and several others.
Braydan Edwards was the big winner and received a package including $3,000 worth of local services.
“Everything went directly to the girls for the season, whether it’s travel expenses or meals, whatever is needed,” said Brooks, explaining the truck wash takes every opportunity it can to give back to the community.
“Every time you can get out and support local it comes back to you tenfold. When people see a business supporting a local team, suddenly that business is getting more traffic,” said Brooks. “It’s a snowball effect.”
“We see the business come back to us, almost immediately. Whether it’s through the car washes we host to help cheerleaders, or whoever it is, the next week we’ll see new faces in our carwash.”
For the team’s head coach, Morgan Mann, all support is welcome.
“We can’t operate without community support like that, plain and simple,” said Mann.
“We appreciate the opportunity to get that support with initiates like the truck wash. In this case, we feel it brought some recognition and new customers to 3 Guys Truck Wash, and a chance for us to get to know them better.”
“Raising support and funds for the team is always fun, but it’s also an opportunity for our players to get to know the people behind the support they give to our team.”
Mann also explained volunteering helps grow people for the better.
“We’re growing our young student-athletes, and giving back is such an important part of sport. Those lessons learned away from the ice are very important,” he said.
“Volunteering in a community, being involved and giving back when you can are ways to grow people. It’s necessary for our team, but it’s rewarding to our players.”
