Last Thursday’s Love & Laughter fundraiser was nothing short of incredible. With 123 people gathered in the room, powerful stories shared, and nonstop laughter throughout the evening, the energy was truly unforgettable.

Thanks to the generosity of our community — and a matching campaign from Duke Energy — we raised $51,440 in a single night to support the mission of Cars for Keeps. The paddle raise alone brought in $19,000, which grew to $21,000 with Duke Energy’s generous $5,000 match.

From Dave Dugan’s comedy, which filled the room with laughter, to Chrystal’s inspiring story of life change through accessibility and encouragement, the evening served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people are given the right tools and support. Chrystal’s journey to homeownership illustrates how belief, guidance, and opportunity can transform lives.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors who helped make Love & Laughter possible: Q106.7, Industrial Federal Credit Union, Packaging Systems, and Guaranteed Automotive and Transmission Services. Your partnership plays a vital role in helping Cars for Keeps remove transportation barriers and replace them with opportunity.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and believed in this work. Because of you, we are building pathways to stability — one vehicle, one family, and one future at a time.