1978 Corvette Ready for Second Lucky Owner

 By ANGELA KELLOGG-HENRY

Cleaver Managing Editor

HARRISON – Pay it forward takes on a new meaning locally as a 1978 Corvette will be raffled a second time to benefit local high school sports.

Jacob Stuhr, owner of S&S Collision in Harrison, had always wanted a late 1970s Corvette growing up. In 2018, he bought one, restored it completely, and instead of keeping it, he raffled it off to benefit the local schools’ sports programs.  Gerry Hittle of Owosso, a seasonal resident of Harrison, won the car and was elated.

Like with all new cars, boats or other recreational vehicles, Hittle drove it and enjoyed it a lot the first few years of ownership. Eventually, it sat in the garage more often than not and Hittle came to an agreement with the Harrison Community Schools All Sports Boosters to purchase the car at a fair under market price so it could be raffled off again and benefit the sports boosters.

Hittle is happy the car will have a new owner, as happy as he was to win in 2018. Stuhr was also pleased another car lover would win the Corvette. With the restoration at 8 years old, Stuhr is fixing some minor scratches and giving the car a once over to make sure things are how they should be.

“I’m glad to see the car still on the road, still a beautiful classic car and that it will continue to be enjoyed by another car enthusiast. Good luck to everyone buying tickets and thank you for supporting our high school athletics.” said Stuhr.

The sports boosters provide fundraising and support for Harrison Community Schools sports programs. They purchase uniforms and fill in other budget gaps in sports and extra-curriculars activities for Harrison schools’ programs. The booster board is fully run by volunteers who give countless hours to support Harrison athletes. 

“This raffle really shows what makes our community special. From the original restoration to Mr. Hittle’s generosity in making this possible again, so many people have come together to support Harrison students and athletics.” said Carrie Whittaker, president of the booster board.

The proceeds of the raffle will go towards building a new concession stand at the football field. 

The tickets in 2018 were $100. Tickets this go around are just $20 with 2,000 tickets to sell. If less than 1,250 tickets are sold the raffle will revert to a 50/50 drawing. The drawing will be held at half time at Harrison High Schools field on Friday, Oct. 16. Tickets are available this weekend at the Memorial Weekend Car Show in downtown Harrison or from any Harrison Community Schools All Sports Booster member.