WOONSOCKET – A 33-year-old man from Burrillville was one of three current or former service members to win a used car last week through a raffle that aims to help military veterans.
Woonsocket auto repair shop Henri’s Auto worked with Burrillville-based organization New Englanders Helping Our Veterans to run the “Henri’s Heroes,” benefit, with winners chosen on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 12 in a live broadcast on O-N Radio on the Coffee An’ program.
Seth Guy of Harrisville will join winners Bill Ashton and Richard Mandeville at the city auto shop on Saturday, Nov. 20 to learn which of the three used cars he will take home. The vehicles and parts were donated to the effort to help area service members, now in its third year.
Guy, a former private in the U.S. Army, will win a 2002 Buick LeSabre Custom; a 2003 Ford Focus or a 2011 Mazda cx3 by picking an envelope that holds the vehicle’s title.
“These three cars are in really good shape,” said business co-owner William Gately, also a Burrillville residents, during the radio broadcast.
It is the first time the groups were able to donate more than one car through the raffle, started in 2019. Local businesses that have contributed to the effort include Burrillville Motors and New England Farms in Burrillville, along with WOON Radio, Raps Auto Parts Supply and Woonsocket Auto Salvage.
“Without the small businesses being involved, this never would have happened,” Gately said.
The three vehicles have reportedly had extensive work, including new brakes and engine repairs – and all were donated by Burrillville families
“We had a fourth car,” said Gately. “We were trying to surprise everyone with a fourth car this year It just needed too much work that I didn’t feel comfortable putting anybody in it.”
The give away was open to all active duty or retired military veterans – as well as their caregivers – who live locally and could demonstrate need for a car.
“I see how some veteran’s slip through the cracks,” said Gately.
Veterans from Woonsocket and Warwick have won cars in past years.
Guy’s mother reportedly entered his name in the sweepstakes.
All are invited to attend the pickup event and meet the winners Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the business at 1068 Park Ave., and light refreshments will be served.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article stated that Guy was an SFC, as listed in town information. We apologize for the error.