This year’s Hands Off! event at Chatham Chrysler raised $20,000 for local charities, the most in its history.
Thirty-six participants spent Friday and Saturday keeping one hand on a 2016 Ram 1500 Crew Cab.
In the end, Matt Dawson of Chatham was the last contestant, earning himself a one-year lease on the vehicle.
Runners up were Taylor Simpson and Dylan Webster, but the real winners were the scores of charities and food banks who benefitted from the fact contestants had to raise money to qualify.
Spokesman Wendy Bloomfield said the event broke last year’s record of $15,000 in food and donations.
Bloomfield said despite the rain Saturday, the event had a large crowd and was well received.
“We’re getting a lot of positive feedback from the charities and the community at large,” she said. “It’s a lot of work for the dealership but it’s worth it.”
Bloomfield said the event grew from strictly a dealership initiative to one that benefits a lot of people.
“The charities are over the moon,” she said.
“There is always a need and we’re happy to help fill it.”
