Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM EST
GART for Vets & Willys M38 Jeep Auction
July 24th PRESS RELEASE - Download a copy HERE.
New York, NY, July 24, 2023 – GartForVets.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, is thrilled to announce an extraordinary event that will take place in Times Square on Friday, the 26th 2023, at 10am noon. Veteran Captain Scott Montefusco, while nearing the finale of his epic "Great American Road Trip," will meet with the iconic Times Square performer, 'The Naked Cowboy.' This momentous occasion celebrates Captain Montefusco's inspiring journey and the extraordinary efforts of part-time volunteers and the sponsorship of Kaiser Willys Auto Supply that helped make it possible.
The "Great American Road Trip" is a daring and heartwarming cross-country expedition undertaken by Captain Montefusco in a 1952 Willys M38 Jeep known as "Little Glory." His journey covers thousands of miles from San Francisco to New York all to raise awareness and funds for veterans in need. The retired marine and FBI agent has touched the hearts of people across the nation, raising upwards of $3k, a number that continues to rise with every new donation to Tunnels for Towers. GartForVets.org wants to remind all that the online auction for his historic 1952 Willys M38 Jeep will close on the 29th at 11pm (EST), as Captain Scott reaches his hometown of Long Island, NY.
"Little Glory" has blazed across the USA after a full mechanical restoration, first crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in May 2023 and set to arrive in New York City on July 26, 2023. This 1952 Willys M38 is being driven by Marine Corps Veteran Captain Scott Montefusco, who personally restored this Jeep.
Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the esteemed Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization that provides support and assistance to first responders, military personnel, and their families.
“Kemmerer is the first city I spent in Wyoming on this journey,” he said. “When I rolled into Kemmerer, they just came out to meet me. There’s this bar owner, he’s also a Marine. He came out and was like, ‘Semper Fi, Marine.’ People were coming out of the woodwork to meet me and see the Jeep.” - Captain Scott, Cowboy State Daily
Kaiser Willys Auto Supply's generous support played a significant role in making this remarkable journey possible, showcasing their commitment to veterans and their families alongside other contributors and Sponsors such as TRIFECTA, ACTION TARGET, LION ENERGY, MARQALL, COLONIAL FLAG, API SPEED, RAMCO, AND QUEEN OF WRAPS.
GART - ITINERARY (Real-time updates, click here)
| TIMES SQUARE APPEARANCE | Wednesday, July 26th (10:00am to 2:00pm) then Holland House 30th and 5th Avenue |
| Fundraiser Reception | Wednesday, July 26th McSorley's on 15 East 7th Street (5:00pm to Close) |
| The Ground Zero Jeep Display | O'Hara's Pub in NYC Thursday, July 27th (All Day) |
GRAND FINALE | Saturday, July 29th, Setauket Fire Department in Long Island, NY |
| AUCTION FINALE | On July 29th at 11pm, all bidding will close for "Little Glory," the 1952 Willys M38 Jeep driven across the US by Captain Scott Montefusco as part of the "Great American Road Trip" for veterans. Source: Auction Ninja |
For more information on the event and the auction, please visit GartForVets.org.
About Captain Scott Montefusco:
Captain Scott Montefusco, a retired Marine Corps Captain and former FBI Agent, is a passionate advocate for our military, first responders, and veterans. Through his Great American Road Trip for Veterans, he aims to raise awareness and funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting the families of fallen heroes and providing homes for wounded veterans. Captain Montefusco's lifelong commitment to service and his love for American history drive his remarkable journey and efforts to inspire future generations.
About GartForVets.org:
GartForVets.org is a non-profit organization committed to providing support, resources, and assistance to veterans and their families. GartForVets.org aims to uplift and honor those who have served our nation selflessly.
The Great American Road Trip for Veterans: This is a 14-month (May 2022 – July 2023) Nationwide fundraising event organized to support specific foundations that are dedicated to charitable giving to our military, veterans, first responders, and their families. The campaign is underway now! Many corporate sponsors, non-profit foundations, celebrities, military leaders, and citizens from every walk of life are speaking with “The Captain”, Scott Montefusco regarding this campaign. The goal of this campaign is to unite Americans across this great nation for the cause of supporting and honoring our military, veterans, first responders, men and women, and their families for their heroic service today and in the war on terror.
About Tunnel to Towers:
On September 11, 2001, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller laid down his life to save others when America was attacked. For 20 years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has honored Stephen's legacy by supporting the heroes who continue to risk life and limb in the line of duty. To mark its 20th anniversary, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has promised to deliver 200 mortgage-free homes to our nation's heroes by the end of the year.
Recent Press:
Capt. Scott Montefusco drives his 1952 Willys Jeep (Cowboy State Daily)\
Man Driving Across Country for Veterans (Powell Tribune)
Retired U.S. Marine captain finishes cross-country trip in Setauket (TBR NewsMedia)
NewsMax Feature with Scott Monte
Cap. Montefusco returns to Sidney (Sidney Telegraph)
One Man’s mission is to raise awareness and funds for Veterans and First Responders. (EINPresswire)
Utah veteran plans cross-country trip with vintage Jeep, seeks help with drive, funds (KSL.com)
Ret. Marine Captain drives cross county in a 1952 Jeep (Livingston County)
Marine Veteran embarks on cross-country trip (FoxNews)
Great American Roadtrip for Veterans and First Responders (Tunnels to Towers)