JC Whitney Announces Finalists in its Centennial Truck/Jeep Sweepstakes and Charity Auction for United Way Veterans Programs and AXC Automotive Arts

LASALLE, Ill., Oct. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- JC Whitney today announced the three finalists vying to win one of two custom vehicles: a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon or a Ford F­150 XLT SuperCrew 4X4. As a part of the "JC Whitney Centennial Sweepstakes and Charity Event," the three lucky winners will fly to Las Vegas and take part in a special presentation during SEMA Ignited, the SEMA Show After-Party, at 7pm on Friday, November 6th.

"This is the stuff that car enthusiasts dream about," said Shane Evangelist, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc., the parent company of JC Whitney. "It's a bit like a golden ticket for gearheads and hobbyists. Over 68,000 entered to win our sweepstakes, and just three will have an opportunity to be on stage when we unveil the vehicles and put the final touches on our year-long Centennial celebration."

The winners are:

• Alina P. from Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Brian J. from Worthington, Texas
• Tara H. from Clearwater, Florida

All three will help SEMA Ignited host Dennis Pittsenbarger -- along with U.S. Auto Parts Network's Evangelist and Vice President Tony Savasta – celebrate the anniversary of one of America's most iconic and long-lasting automotive companies with a special "100 Years of Everything Automotive" tribute to founding father and Automotive Hall of Famer Roy Warshawsky. Then the winner will be announced, and Alina, Brian or Tara will pick either the Jeep or the Ford. The other vehicle will be showcased at Mecum Auctions on November 14th at Anaheim Convention Center, with proceeds benefitting United Way Veterans Programs and Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts.  Runners up will each receive $2,000 gift certificates, redeemable for parts available on www.jcwhitney.com.

JC Whitney: 100 Years of Everything Automotive

SEMA attendees will also have the opportunity to take part in the Centennial celebrations. Special guest Carol Warshawsky, daughter of Roy Warshawsky, will be on hand to share her recollections of growing up in the car business and working with the Hall of Famer.

"The sweepstakes and charity event is exactly how my father would have wanted to celebrate JC Whitney's 100^th anniversary," said Carol, "and he would have wanted it to be held at an event like SEMA, which celebrates all the amazing things that hobbyists and enthusiasts do with their vehicles. This show is a perfect example of what 'Everything Automotive' means, and I look forward to meeting attendees and sharing our story."

SEMA attendees will be treated to a special anniversary booth across from the main stage (booth #1500), featuring vintage catalogs, printing blocks and Hot Wheels® cars from the archives. Commemorative items including posters, t-shirts and stickers will be available while supplies last.

To join in the JCW Centennial celebration, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram and use #JCW100.

About JC Whitney

Established in 1915, Whitney Automotive Group, Inc., formerly JC Whitney & Co. ("JC Whitney"), is a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc., and a leading direct marketer of name­brand automotive parts and accessories, providing "everything automotive" with more than 6 million automotive applications from the latest model year back to the 1920s, and over 1.2 million parts for over 25 million different vehicles. Backed by 100 years of hands­-on, expert customer service, JC Whitney offers products for virtually any vehicle — automobiles, trucks, jeeps, modern muscle, motorcycles, and more — through its comprehensive family of general and vehicle-­specific catalogs and www.jcwhitney.com. The company is dedicated to providing customers the parts they need at some of the most competitive prices, along with high levels of customer service, fast and low cost shipping and convenient returns.

About United Way LA

United Way of Greater Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization that creates pathways out of poverty by helping homeless people move into housing, providing students with the support they need to graduate high school prepared for college and the workforce, and helping hard-­working families become financially stable. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. For more information, visit www.unitedwayla.org.

About Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts

The AXC program was developed in collaboration with automotive business owners and classic car enthusiasts based in the Inland Valley outside of Los Angeles. During the two­-year program, high school students explore automotive concepts and build skills in basic mechanics, diagnostics and service, auto body, metal fabrication and restoration. The program is designed to prepare students for continued study in college and the workplace. The program is funded through the generous support of private donors and sustaining partners. For more information, visit http://www.tlcfairplex.org/ctec/career-tracks/automotive

Contact: For a list of scheduled media events, to share your JC Whitney memories and to set up interviews contact:

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, [email protected] (424) 603­-4340
Elizabeth Johnson, mWEBB Communications, [email protected] (213) 713-­4865

SOURCE JC Whitney

Related Links

http://www.jcwhitney.com