Elvis fan all shook up after getting new wheels
It may not be a pink Cadillac, but The King would approve. Rose Black got a new car Thursday, thanks to Elvis fan club leader Kay Meagher, an East Windsor dealership and other generous people moved by Black’s plight. Two weeks before Christmas, someone stole the 78-year-old woman’s car from the handicapped parking spot outside the building where she lives. The 1996 Dodge Neon was found in a nearby neighbourhood the next day with a busted ignition. Black spent all her Christmas money getting the car fixed only to have it stolen again a month later, and dumped in that same neighbourhood. The second time, the thief vandalized the car so badly before it was found, it was a writeoff. The culprit has not been found. Meagher started a fundraising campaign to get her friend of 15 years a new car. She reached out to members of the Elvis Keeps Rockin fan club and put out donation jars at recent Elvis tribute concerts.
Deacon John Shiha at St. Anne’s Parish read about the fundraising campaign in the Windsor Star and collected $1,300.
Car salesman Tom Steel saw the story, too, and approached his general manager, Ryan Eagen, at Ezee Wheelz about trying to help. Even though Meagher had raised only $3,000, Eagen put Black into a 2008 Nissan Sentra with a sticker price more than double that. “I’m so grateful. I can’t believe it,” Black said through tears Thursday as she got behind the wheel. “I’m in shock.”
Steel said he was moved by Black’s tale. Who steals a car from a handicapped parking spot? After spending time with Rose last week as she chose from six cars the dealership set aside for her, and helping her sign paperwork Thursday, Steel gave Black a big hug. “I’m very happy that we were able to do something for her,” Steel said. “I’m glad to see that happen.” Meagher arranged for Elvis tribute artist James Gibb to meet Black at the dealership Thursday and hand her the keys. Gibb, who owns a sign company in Harrow, got decked out as The King and surprised Black in the parking lot. Black, a diehard Elvis fan, laughed hysterically.
As an administrative assistant at Citizen Advocacy, Black spent her working life helping seniors and people with disabilities. But, even in retirement, Black is loathe to ask for help herself. Meagher knew Black would be hesitant to accept charity, so she didn’t tell her about the fundraising until it was well underway. Losing her car cost Black her independence, Meagher said. The senior never drove much, but she would go to the bank or grocery store whenever she needed to. She uses a walker, so taking the bus is a chore, and she can’t afford to take cabs often. Meagher said she was surprised how quickly she was able to realize her goal of getting Black a car. But what didn’t surprise her was the willingness of people to help. “Everyone loves Rose.”