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Press Release | Nov 05, 2019

Austin Hatcher Foundation Heads to Las Vegas for 2019 SEMA Auto Show, Introducing the 2020 Gladiator

By Austin Hatcher Foundation
By The Austin Hatcher Foundation
Austin Hatcher Foundation Heads to Las Vegas for 2019 SEMA Auto Show, Introducing the 2020 Gladiator
  • IASO name derived from the Greek goddess of cures, remedies, and modes of healing  
  • Modified by children with cancer and their families as part of STEM-based recovery therapy  
  • Scheduled to be consigned at the inaugural Leake Auto Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. on Jan. 18, 2020 at 1 p.m.

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 5, 2019) – The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, a SEMA Cares Charity, introduces their next project vehicle, the 2020 Gladiator Rubicon IASO at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The vehicle is named after Iaso, the Greek goddess of cures, remedies, and modes of healing and takes styling cues from Parnelli Jones’s 1971 and 1972 Baja 1000-winning Ford Bronco known as “Big Oly.”

On Oct. 20, 2019, criminals broke into the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. and stole two customized vehicles built by children recovering from cancer and their families. The vehicles were customized as part of the foundation’s unique STEM-based therapy programs designed to offset the negative effects of life-saving treatments received by the child with cancer and their families. These vehicles were ultimately consigned to be auctioned with Leake Auction Company, America’s first collector car auction company, at their inaugural Scottsdale, Ariz. event at Salt River Fields during the 2020 Automobile Auction week to generate funds to provide the therapies.

To recover from the foundation’s emotional and financial losses, the foundation, their partners, and the families they serve have rallied together to create a 2020 Gladiator Rubicon IASO. One particular donor, the Mauzy family, has graciously contributed initial funds needed to start the build. The vehicle is scheduled to be consigned to be auctioned at the Leake Auto Auction on Jan. 18, 2020 at 1 p.m.

Financial and product support for the 2020 Gladiator Rubicon IASO include Rugged Ridge®/OMIX-ADA®, Inc., Magnuson Superchargers, Wastegate Technologies Inc, BFGoodrich, Fully Loaded Interiors, JKS Manufacturing, Top Notch Customs, BDS Suspensions, ikonGPS, and Mountain View Automotive Group.

Contributions to the IASO project can be made at www.gofundme.com/ahfcars, and interested vendors may contact Austin Hatcher Foundation Director of Industrial Arts Jonathan Myren via email at jonathan@hatcherfoundation.org or by calling (423) 243-3471.