LOVEBug

2011 Auto Show Brings Optimism to Auto Industry

2011-02-21T05:26:00.000-08:00

Employees of Fox Valley Volkswagen were impressed by the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, and not just with the Volkswagen display, but with the entire event. "The setup this year was amazing," said Christina Wickersheim, Operations Manager at Fox Valley. "Audi has some great new vehicles; Land Rover made some significant changes to their line; Ford's display is enormous; and Buick, Hyundai and Jaguar are showcasing some fantastic new vehicles."

Overall, the 2011 Chicago Auto Show is comprised of quality vehicles, making the economic future of the auto industry look promising. Filled with a jam-packed crowd, the Auto Show saw more foot traffic its opening weekend than it's seen the past two years. And it's the everyday cars that are driving in all the traffic.

"This year, manufacturers were more focused on creating cars that their customers want," said Emir Abinion, President of Fox Valley Volkswagen. "There were a few concept cars, but most manufacturers brought in what they plan on selling in their dealerships." These obtainable cars are making such an impact, people are already frequenting dealerships to buy those they saw. "We had people come into the dealership on Saturday morning after going to the show on Friday night who wanted more information on the new cars we have coming out," said Wickersheim. "People aren't just going to the Auto Show this year to look, they are going to get information on a car they plan on purchasing."

Unlike past years, Auto Show visitors can test drive certain cars. Chevrolet has a course for those wanting to drive the Chevy Volt, the new electric car. Jeep also has a course. "Allowing visitors to drive the cars gives them the extra push to purchase a vehicle," said Shakeel Omar, Owner and Used Car Manager. "They can walk away in love with a car's features as well as the way it handles.”

Along with the other manufacturers showcasing new vehicles, Volkswagen had a few new items on display. "Volkswagen really focused on redesigns this year," said Abinion. "The Touareg, Beetle, Jetta, Eos, Passat—all of them have been redesigned with features our customers are looking for. 2011 is a new year for Volkswagen."

The biggest Volkswagen hit is the new Passat, a mid-size sedan. The Passat is the first American-built sedan in 20 years, and Volkswagen will have the car in showrooms by early fall. This car is also gaining attention because it's equipped with a Fender stereo system. "The system is crazy," said Wickersheim. "When you sit in this car, that stereo system is unlike anything ever heard."

Another Volkswagen eye catcher was the premier of the new GLI, a blend of the regular Jetta's four-door sedan body style with the GTI hatchback's performance modifications. "This car was a big hit with our visitors," said Omar. "It's been getting so much attention, we can't wait to get it into our showroom this spring."

Due to all the traffic Fox Valley Volkswagen alone has seen from the Auto Show, employees are optimistic about the industry's future. "The quality of cars are better and manufactures are doing great things,” said Abinion. "The market is ready to turn and things are looking promising. It's an exciting time for the auto industry."

Contest Winner Has Heart Of Gold

2011-02-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

January 26, 2011 will be a day that Stephanie Flood, the 2010 winner of Fox Valley Volkswagen's LoveBug2 Contest, will never forget. After a long day of doctor visits and an MRI, her tests came back clear, making her cancer free for nine long years.

At age nine, Stephanie was diagnosed with ependymoma, an aggressive brain cancer. She has battled the disease four times and has beaten it every time, but she has also experienced late effects due to her treatments. In 2005, she suffered a mini stroke, leaving the left side of her face paralyzed. In 2008, doctors found grey matter in her right hand which has affected her writing abilities.

But through it all, Stephanie remains a positive and giving person. She actively participates in The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, and she has also been involved in multiple events at Children's Memorial Hospital, including The Race for Kids 5K Run/Walk and Taste of Lurie Children's Hospital.

Knowing first hand what a disease can put you through has made Stephanie's desire to help others who are sick grow stronger. As a fighter, and more importantly, as a survivor, her strength doesn't solely come from being optimistic. "First, you have to have faith," she said. "Then, you have to be strong, even when you feel weak. And finally, you have to talk about it. Having a great support system is key."

Her optimistic disposition even impacted the name of her car. "Felicity is a synonym for joy, and I wanted to name the car Felicity because of all the joy I have felt from winning and the joy I experience every time I look at her," she said. "She even has her own Facebook page, Felicity Flood, so people can see what she's up to."

Along with the great feeling Felicity brings, Stephanie loves all of her features. "I love the color, and all the lights, and how I can pump the height of the seat up," she said. "I love the ESP, which has come in handy in storms, and it's also nice to have a CD player." But there's one main attraction that puts a big smile on Stephanie's face: punch bug. "I laugh when I see other people glancing at Felicity and punching someone else in their car," she said. "I'm part of a constant game!"

Winning the LoveBug2 Contest has also given Stephanie a positive outlook on the future. Having recently graduated from Northern Illinois University, Felicity has helped Stephanie get to job interviews and has given her the opportunity to travel. "I want to visit all 50 states and all the people who helped me win the car," she said. And she knows these experiences wouldn't be possible without the LoveBug2 Contest. "The team at Fox Valley Volkswagen is superb, and I will be reminded of their generosity every time I look at or talk about Felicity," she said. "I think it's an amazing thing they're doing, and I hope they continue to bless others in the future."

Snow Days Survival – Tips to winterize you vehicle!

2011-01-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again. Whether the cold temperatures are making your engine struggle or snow and ice are limiting your traction and visibility, the winter is here to wreak some havoc on your car.

But instead of dreading your commute the next few months, know that there are easy steps you can take to properly prepare your car for winter.

Service Your Vehicle
While there are steps you can take to winterize your vehicle on your own, some winterizing steps are best left to the professionals. Take your vehicle to your dealership or service station and let them do the following:

Check your tires. Not only will your mechanic check the wear and tear of your tires, but they’ll also check the pressure. Cold weather causes air pressure in your tires to drop, and a properly inflated tire ensures the best possible contact between you and the road. If you are in need of new tires, your mechanic will be able to offer you the best options.
Change the oil (correctly). Your car needs oil to run effectively, but the cold weather thickens the oil, making it harder to circulate through your engine. Your mechanic will not only ensure your engine gets an oil change, but they’ll use the right type of oil your car needs in the winter.
Check belts and hoses. Cold temperatures weaken belts and hoses. Your mechanic will check for wear and tear and replace any that may be damaged.
Service battery. During cold weather, your engine requires more current from the battery in order to start the engine. Have your mechanic run a load test to see if your battery needs to be replaced.

Do It Yourself
Along with having your car serviced by a professional, there are a few things you can do to winterize your vehicle on your own.

Replace windshield wiper blades and refill wiper fluid. Having working blades and enough fluid will help ensure you have the best visibility.
Check heater and defroster. Make sure both are working properly. This will help keep your warm and, along with blades and fluid, help your visibility.
Check your spare. Make sure there is air in your spare tire and all proper tire-changing equipment is in the trunk.
Stay fueled. Keep gas tank as full as possible to prevent moisture from freezing in the gas lines.
Check 4WD. If you have four wheel drive, make sure your system is working properly.

Safety First
The number one step in winterizing your car is making sure you put safety first.

If your area gets a great deal of snow during the winter, you may want to invest in snow tires. Snow tires have different tread patterns than regular tires, designed to form a better grip on snow and ice. They are also made from a softer rubber that better retains flexibility in cold weather.

LOVEbug2 Finalists Video

2011-01-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

The “LOVEbug 2 Contest” ran June through November 2010. Each month three semi-finalist winners were selected to receive a monthly prize and entered to win the grand prize. Finalists’ stories received votes nationally and internationally submitted to the contest website at www.lovebugcontest.com.

Mundelein's Coslet has enjoyed a wonderful life

2011-01-07T14:03:00.001-08:00

Like George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life," Ken Coslet has found himself on that proverbial bridge, wondering where his life is headed.

He has indeed been through a lot over the years, surviving health problems, the closure of his business and the loss of his home.

In the midst of it all, however, Coslet continued to help others, ministering to inmates at the Lake County Jail and collecting food for the needy. Then, during a particularly low moment, Coslet made a discovery that has truly changed his life: he developed a relationship with Jesus Christ.

"God has a big plan for me," said Coslet. "I'm still alive."

The Mundelein resident's wife, Leslie, recently nominated him for the Fox Valley Volkswagen's LOVEbug2 Contest, designed to recognize an individual whose good deeds have inspired others. He won a widescreen portable DVD player and had a chance to win a 2010 Volkswagen Beetle.

In her submission at www.lovebugcontest.com, Coslet's wife said of her husband: "He is always looking for ways to help people who are in need, despite the fact that he is in need himself. He has the unique ability to put others before himself.

"Nothing would be more fitting than to see him driving around town in a VW Bug, with a couple of hearts on the side of it," she wrote. "He may have suffered a heart attack, but he still has the biggest heart in town, and everyone in our community knows that! Driving this car would help him continue to do his community work, cut down on the fuel expense and be a way of giving back to him, what he has given to both his family and others!"

Coslet may not have won the car, nor does he seek recognition, but he still feels blessed in so many ways.

"It has been a wonderful life," he said.

Coslet said his inspiration to help others came from his parents, now in their late 80's, who have always considered community service important.

"When I was a little guy, I would go door-to-door with my mom and try to collect dimes for March of Dimes," said Coslet. During the holidays, he would help his mom wrap candy in handkerchiefs to give to nursing home residents.

Truly Blessed

"The Lord has truly blessed me, so I feel the need to bless others," said Coslet. "After I lost everything, I just felt the drive to be helping others that are less fortunate. I would not pity myself I would reach out and help others."

To say that Coslet has been through a lot would be an understatement.

He survived a massive heart attack in 1996 and then walked away unscathed from a major car crash during a friend's funeral procession, during which a woman in another vehicle ran a red light and hit Coslet's car at 40 miles per hour. He suffered a stroke in April 2010. He woke up one morning to let his dogs out and then went back to bed.

"I got up to go to church and I just collapsed," said Coslet. Thanks to the doctors at Advocate Condell Medical Center who administered a blood thinner, Coslet "was able to spark back up."

Along with surviving these medical-related crises, Coslet has also survived the loss of his business and home. In 2004, Coslet bought out his partners at Terra Cotta Truck Service and became the sole owner. The business had been around since the 1950's. After not being paid by some clients, including one from a major local road project, Coslet ended up losing his business.

"It was just a great, great company," he said.

It was during this time that Coslet developed a relationship with Jesus Christ and became a self-proclaimed "Jesus freak." In 2004, while out for coffee with a friend, Coslet "was totally crumbling" and filled with worry about not receiving the small-business loan he needed to buy his trucking business. His friend, a Trinity International University graduate, "reached into his pocket and gave me a Gideons pocket Bible," said Coslet, who had been a Catholic his whole life.

'Helping hand'

"That was the moment that Christ came into my life and turned the light switch on," said Coslet.

"If you need a helping hand, reach out and it's all there," he said of the Bible.

Now a member of The Chapel, Coslet often shares his story with people at the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago. He also participates in a prison ministry program. During a visit to Stateville Correctional Center, he saw 22 inmates turn their lives around and profess faith in Jesus Christ. The prison ministry program also takes him to the Lake County Jail.

"We're all sinners. We all make mistakes," said Coslet.

Through The Chapel, Coslet often helps collect food for the needy. During one church food drive, members were encouraged to take a paper bag home, fill it with food and return it the following week. Coslet picked up 60 bags and handed them out around his neighborhood.

He picked up all but two bags the following week and returned them. Then, a neighbor called and asked Coslet to pick up two more bags. At the time, Coslet and his family had been living off of the food they had in their freezer and pantry following Coslet's job loss. While the "little devil" on his shoulder was telling him to take the food and put it in his own pantry, he turned it in to be given to the needy.

When he returned home, a card was waiting for him that said, "It's all going to be OK. From your friends in Christ." Inside the card were two Jewel gift cards valued at $500 apiece.

"To this day, we don't know who it was from," said Coslet. He added that not long after his business closed, the community held a fund-raiser for his family that brought in $14,000.

"Life is good," said Coslet, who is feeling better and getting back to work. "I live each day and make the best of it and try to bless others."

Lake in the Hills Cancer Survivor Wins 2010 VW Beetle

2011-01-07T13:57:00.001-08:00

Stephanie Flood thought long and hard before coming up with the perfect name for her brand-new 2010 Volkswagen Beetle.

In the end, “Felicity” seemed appropriate, she said.

“This car makes me smile every time I look at it,” said Flood, 23, of Lake in the Hills. “I wanted to find a name that’s representative of this whole experience. This whole process has been joy, which also happens to be my middle name. There is still good in the world."

Flood won the car, valued at $20,390, on Dec. 18 through the Fox Valley Volkswagen’s “LoveBug2 Contest.” The winning announcement ceremony was held at the dealership's West Chicago location.

The five-month contest asked Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have been inspirational or helpful to others.

Since June, the dealership accepted monthly nomination stories, and each month the public voted for their favorite nominee. Flood’s aunt, Jennifer Dzierozynski, of Libertyville, nominated her in June, and Flood won the most votes that month, she said.

Dzierozynski wrote in her nomination letter: “Most of us go through our lives not realizing what a gift each day is. My nominee, Stephanie Flood, lives each day knowing how truly precious life is. At age 9, she was diagnosed with an aggressive and deadly brain cancer, ependymoma. She’s battled this four times, but continues to give back and fight cancer.”

Flood’s cancer fight began when, in the fourth-grade, she experienced flu-like symptoms for three weeks which included dizziness and nausea. An eye exam and CATscan revealed a growth on her brain. Her first treatment involved surgery to remove the tumor and six weeks of radiation.

The treatment was successful, and the tumor disappeared for three years.

“We thought we had it beat,” said Flood, adding that her mother, Ursula and father, Kevin, supported her throughout her battle.

“But then in 2000, I had the same symptoms again. We thought, 'uh-oh, it’s back.' But we were just hopeful again that I’d have the surgery, and it would go away.”

The second treatment involved surgery and an experimental form of chemotherapy, she said. A year later, the tumor returned, and Flood endured a third sugery and Gamma Knife radiation, a procedure that killed both good and bad cells, she explained.

That treatment shrunk the tumor, but it wasn’t gone for good. In 2002, Flood went through a fourth surgery and received another experimental treatment at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Intrabeam radiation.

“That treatment only kills bad cells,” she said. “And I’ve been cancer-free for eight years.”

Since then, Flood graduated from Jacobs High School in 2005, and from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, in August with a communications degree.

She recently completed an internship at Children’s Memorial and said she hopes to find a public relations job in fund-raising or marketing in a position where she can help others.

She’s also been instrumental in the fight to raise cancer awareness and research funds. She has served on the leadership board for the American Cancer Society, she said. She appears in the Children’s Memorial commercial “One Day,” where she shares the message of new cancer treatments.

She’s also helped chair and co-chair several “Relay For Life” fund-raising events at Elgin Community College and at NIU, she said.

Flood said her new wheels are much appreciated. Her old car, a '95 Toyota Camry, broke down permanently a year ago. She had a good feeling about the contest because she knew her family and friends were rallying votes on her behalf.

“I know I had a lot of people in my corner,” Flood said. “My supporters went above and beyond the norm to get more votes. My uncle Tom (Dzierozynski) had friends calling in from Puerto Rico.”

The top three monthly winners in the "LoveBug2 Contest" won smaller prizes, such as Apple I-pods, Garmen GPS systems and video cameras, said Fox Valley Operations Manager Christina Wickersheim.

The 15 monthly winners were entered into the December Grand Prize contest for the 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle, which is the final build of the current body style, Wickersheim said.

More than three million people visited the contest website, LoveBugContest.com, according to the contest organizer Desert Rose Design

“We had people from 48 states and 9 countries casting votes,” Wickersheim said.

Lake in the Hills Resident Wins Grand Prize in Fox Valley Volkswagen's "LOVEbug2 Contest"

2011-01-07T13:56:00.001-08:00

Stephanie Flood of Lake in the Hills was named Fox Valley Volkswagen’s “LOVEbug2 Contest” Grand Prize winner of a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle Saturday at an award ceremony at the dealership’s West Chicago location. Flood was one of 15 finalists and 100 overall nominees in the “LOVEbug2 Contest,” which asked Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help or inspire them or others. The public was then asked to vote for their favorite finalist, with the largest vote-getter winning the grand prize valued at $20,390.

Flood’s friend, Jenny Dzierozynski, nominated her for her remarkable efforts on behalf of cancer awareness and research. Flood herself has battled brain cancer since she was nine years old, overcoming this deadly disease four times. In spite of her health challenges, she continues to raise money for research and volunteer for the Children’s Memorial Hospital and the American Cancer Society. Flood is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University and is currently interning at Children’s Memorial Hospital. Recently Flood’s car broke down, and due to its age, could not be repaired. It was her friend’s wish that Flood win the new Volkswagen Beetle so she could continue her life’s mission.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to honor Stephanie for her remarkable contributions to our community, and to help her continue to help others by having a new car to drive to her internship and volunteer activities,” said Emir Abinion, President of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”

The Oprah Winfrey Show Reveals Silhouette of All-New 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

2011-01-07T13:54:00.001-08:00

HERNDON, Va. – Today on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Volkswagen revealed the design silhouette of its all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, and then shocked her audience – by giving each of them a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

The all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is an automotive icon, reinvented. The all-new, completely redesigned vehicle has been dramatically revolutionized by the same engineers and designers that brought the GTI and CC to life. After 12 years, the heart and soul of Volkswagen has evolved, exemplifying Volkswagen’s engineering excellence, power, styling and sophistication.

Oprah owns and drives a New Beetle and asked Volkswagen to help her recognize the time, talents and contributions of select viewers by giving them one of her favorite things, a Volkswagen Beetle. As one of the most iconic vehicles in America, everybody, including Oprah has a Volkswagen Beetle story and this reveal kicks off the next chapter of a great saga. Volkswagen is donating two hundred seventy-five 2012 Beetles plus applicable taxes and fees, to each member of today’s studio audience.

“Oprah Winfrey and the Volkswagen Beetle are two American icons, so when the “Oprah” show approached us with this incredible opportunity to share her Beetle experience with deserving viewers, we instantly wanted to be a part of it,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “Our all-new 2012 Beetle exemplifies power, styling and sophistication, and is an automotive icon reinvented to create the new shape of performance.”

As revealed today, the new Beetle will feature a sportier, more aggressive stance, and features sleeker styling and a wealth of new technologies that provide a heightened driving experience. It is also customizable, with options that will offer the performance, styling, accessories and features that will appeal to everyone from the driving enthusiast to the driver motivated by value, excellent fuel economy and nostalgia.

The 2012 Beetle will be revealed in the spring of next year and will be available in showrooms next fall. U.S. pricing is not yet set, but with trim packages and unprecedented personalization and customization options, the Beetle will offer the performance, styling, accessories and features that will ensure there will be a Beetle everyone.

The new design lines draw upon the vehicle’s legacy, but the 2012 Beetle will be a true, performance driving machine perfected by German engineering, offering a wealth of technologies that will provide a heightened driving experience over the previous generation. The 2012 vehicle is sporty, aggressive and comes with Volkswagen’s carefree maintenance and known safety standards. The vehicle will offer dual exhaust, 19-inch wheels, sport seats and new, sleeker styling. New technologies, like Bluetooth, touch screen radio, branded audio speaker systems, navigation and unique ambient lighting provide a heightened driving experience.

See photos and video from today’s reveal on The Oprah Winfrey Show at media.vw.com.

For the love bug

2010-11-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

I’ve written in past columns about the Love Bug contest at Fox Valley Volkswagen in West Chicago as pitches are made for why certain area college students deserve a new Volkswagen beetle.

Aubree Hoepper, a 2007 graduate of St. Charles East and currently a senior at Boston University, falls into the category of a worthy candidate.

Hoepper has been involved in numerous community projects, but is currently helping an organization called STIVE, working with kids suffering from sickle cell anemia. She is running in next April’s Boston Marathon to raise money to send kids to a summer camp.

She’s a finalist in the contest for the new car, which would help her get around the Boston area from school to her work with STIVE and other organizations.

You can help her with a vote at lovebugcontest.com/view-and-vote. The voting ends at the end of November, and the winner is declared in mid-December.

Source: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20101116/news/711179935/

Why Aubree Hoepper deserves the special edition lovebug; Aubree’s “ Drive for Strive”

2010-11-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

Aubree Hoepper, my 21 year old 5’2” blue eyed daughter deserves to win this Love bug 2 contest. She is a senior at Boston University and plans to attend medical school to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatrician. She will be incurring an enormous debt to attain her goal and will need a car to zip around Boston for her volunteer and educational obligations. Aubree has dedicated herself to her education, family and helping those less fortunate.

She is the coordinator for a program called STRIVE - dedicated to children with sickle cell anemia. She also works in a preschool and tutors. This summer she worked with children with disabilities at an unpaid internship program in Ireland, an opportunity she paid for herself to do. Aubree’s dedication to helping others is amazing, Whether giving encouragement to a sick patient or bringing a smile to a child’s face, she has a special gift.

Aubree’s dream of owning a Volkswagen beetle began when she rode in our neighbor’s vintage beetle and was further influenced when at age 12 she spotted the limited edition powder blue beetle She told me that one day she was going to own that car. This resulted in our family purchasing a silver beetle in 2002. This limited edition blue 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is a metaphor for Aubree…compact, efficient, economical, fun-spirited and distinctive.

Winning this contest would not only fulfill a childhood dream but would help her accomplish her goals.

Also contribute to her fundraising effort to help send STRIVE kids to Camp visit her web page at http://teamholeinthewall.kintera.org/boston2011/aubree

Last Year's Winner Meets 2010 Finalist!

2010-11-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Ken and I got a call from a friend to attend a church this AM, where an old friend of ours was going to be giving the message. We walked into Alpine Chapel in Lake Zurich, where we have NEVER attended before. Following the service a gal came up and introduced herself to me, because she saw the T-shirt that I was wearing.

This was the www.lovebugcontest.com t-shirt, that we were given yesterday, when Ken went to pick up his prize for qualifying to be a finalist in the contest. Anyway...she said "Do you know someone in the LoveBug Contest this year?" I told her that my husband Ken was in it. She wanted to know his story. So I let her know. With that, she says "Last year's winner goes to our church!"

I couldn't believe it. Of all the churches in the area, we were led to go to the ONE that last year's winner goes to? So...she introduced us to Donna, the winner from last year, who was eager to meet us. She said she would put Ken's information out on her Facebook today, and get her church behind him, to see if they can do it again!

She told us to take a look at her car in the parking lot. Of course, when we went out, it was parked directly behind ours! Her little red Bug, and Ken's big ole gas guzzling Avalanche. She said that last year, her entire church got behind her, and it was a real testament to the everyone that God had a hand in the win.

She said "it was all God." Glory to God, that, that was the only way she would have won with God and the Church backing her. It was amazing, she said, it took on a life of its own!

So... amazing, that we actually met the winner from last year!

Leslie Coslet

Evergreen Park, Ill. Resident Wins Monthly Prize in Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest

2010-11-04T06:53:00.001-07:00

(Evergreen Park, Ill.)-Laura Daluga of Evergreen Park was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. She and two other August semi-finalists each won a Sony

AURORA RESIDENT WINS MONTHLY SEMI-FINALS PRIZE IN FOX VALLEY VOLKSWAGEN'S "LOVEbug2 CONTEST"

2010-10-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

Adam Fulkerson of Aurora was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. He and two other October semi-finalists each won a XM® Xpress RCi® satellite radio receiver in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize Contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.

Fulkerson, a police officer, was nominated by his wife, Melanie Fulkerson, for his devotion to his family and community and for his untiring support as a volunteer for their local church and children’s programs.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize Adam’s and all he does for others,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed."

JOLIET RESIDENT WINS MONTHLY SEMI-FINALS PRIZE IN FOX VALLEY VOLKSWAGEN'S "LOVEbug2 CONTEST"

2010-10-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

Ray Kurzawa of Joliet was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. He and two other October semi-finalists each won a XM® Xpress RCi® satellite radio receiver in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize Contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.

Kurzawa was nominated by his daughter, Kate Kurzawa, for his untiring devotion to his family. Kurzawa, who hasn’t owned a new car in 30 years, currently retired his present vehicle after 345,000 miles and is driving a car that needs daily repair. It’s his daughter’s wish “to see my dad off to work for once without seeing him carry his briefcase in one hand and a tool box in the other.”

“We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize Ray and all he does for his family –it would be rewarding to present him with a new car,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”

The LOVEbug2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Garmin navigation systems, Sony Flash Memory Handycam Camcorders, and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle.

To vote for a nominee, visit
http://www.lovebugcontest.com/view-and-vote/

ADDISON RESIDENT WINS MONTHLY SEMI-FINALS PRIZE IN FOX VALLEY VOLKSWAGEN’S ”LOVEbug2 CONTEST

2010-09-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

Santina Colella of Addison was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. She and two other August semi-finalists each won a Sony® Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize Contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.

Colella was nominated by her sister, Elisabeta Colella, for her positive attitude and devotion to supporting her family through challenging economic times. Colella was forced to quit college a year before graduation due to job losses in her family and now lives between friends and strangers while helping to pay off family debt. She recently earned a position as a delivery associate that is now in jeopardy due to costly repairs needed to her current car.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize Santina’s inspirational hard work and faith during a very difficult situation,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”

The LOVEbug2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Garmin navigation systems, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle. To vote for a nominee, visit http://www.lovebugcontest.com/view-and-vote

EVERGREEN PARK RESIDENT WINS MONTHLY SEMI-FINALS PRIZE IN FOX VALLEY VOLKSWAGEN’S ”LOVEbug2 CONTEST

2010-09-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Laura Daluga of Evergreen Park was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. She and two other August semi-finalists each won a Sony® Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize Contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.

Daluga, a fourth-generation florist, was nominated by a friend who would like her commute to her new job in Palatine made easier with her own car. Daluga currently commutes three hours per day to devote her time to a career she loves – creating beautiful and memorable floral arrangements for others’ special occasions.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to honor Laura and all she does to bring the beautiful joy of flowers to others’ lives,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”

The LOVEbug2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Garmin navigation systems, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle. To vote for a nominee, visit http://www.lovebugcontest.com/view-and-vote

September Monthly Winners!

2010-09-15T11:56:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to our Round 3 LOVEbug2 Winners! Laura, Tina and Helen each won a Sony® - Flash Memory Handycam® Camcorder with 2.7" Color LCD and will compete for the Grand Prize later this year!

Thank you for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of the people around you!

Laura Daluga
Florist in need

Tina Cole
Tina's Story

Chicago Resident Semi-Finalist in Fox Valley Volkswagen's LOVEbug2 Contest

2010-09-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

Vanessa Vargas was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen's LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help or inspire them or others.

Aug 03, 2010 – Chicago -- Vanessa Vargas was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help or inspire them or others. She and two other July semi-finalists each won an Apple 8GB iPod Touch in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.

Vargas was nominated by her sister, Veronica Vargas, for her untiring help and support in caring daily for Veronica’s 2 year old child, so the young, single mother could finish school and find a good job.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to honor Vanessa for remarkable devotion to her family,” said Emir Abandon, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”

The LOVEbug2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Garmin navigation systems, Sony Camcorders, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle.

Originally posted: http://www.prlog.org/10835519-chicago-resident-semi-finalist-in-fox-valley-volkswagens-lovebug2-contest.html

Win a New Volkswagen Beetle for Your Good Deeds in the LoveBug 2 Contest

2010-09-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

Nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help or inspire you or others and he or she could win a new 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390 as the grand prize winner of the LOVEbug 2 Contest sponsored by Fox Valley Volkswagen. Three monthly semi-final winners will receive prizes, such as Garmin navigation systems, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players, and will be entered into the Grand Prize contest for a chance to win the new car. The contest runs through December 19. To nominate someone and for complete contest rules, visit www.lovebugcontest.com.

Chicago Resident Wins Semi-Finals Prize in Contest Recognizing Good Deeds

2010-09-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Chicago resident Rachel Hall was recognized for her good deeds as a semi-finals prize winner in Fox Valley Volkswagen's "LOVEbug 2 Contest."

Aug 24, 2010 – (Chicago)--Rachell Hall of Chicago was one of three recent monthly semi-final winners for Fox Valley Volkswagen’s LOVEbug 2 Contest, which asks Chicagoland residents to nominate someone whose good deeds have gone a long way to help inspire them or others. She and two other July semi-finalists each won a Garmin navigation system in a special award ceremony at Fox Valley Volkswagen’s West Chicago location, and will be entered into the Grand Prize Contest in December for a chance to win a 2010 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle valued at $20,390.

Hall’s mother, Shan Hall, nominated her daughter for her continued, unselfish financial and emotional support she provides her family.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to honor Rachell and all she does for others,” said Emir Abinion, owner of Fox Valley Volkswagen. “We at Fox Valley Volkswagen are dedicated to giving back to the community and the LOVEbug contest is a great way for us to recognize and share our neighbors’ many good deeds that may otherwise go unnoticed.”

The LOVEbug 2 contest runs through December 19, 2010. Nominations are accepted at www.lovebugcontest.com. Each month, three nominees receiving the most votes by others will receive prizes, including Sony Camcorders, XM Satellite Radio Receivers and portable DVD players. The monthly winners will be entered into the grand prize contest, which will ask Chicagoans to vote for one final good-doer to win the new Volkswagen Beetle. To vote for a monthly nominee, visit www.lovebugcontest.com and click on “read and vote.”

Originally posted: http://www.prlog.org/10882607-chicago-resident-wins-semi-finals-prize-in-contest-recognizing-good-deeds.html

August Monthly Winners!

2010-08-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Round 2 LOVEbug2 Winners! Amanda, Cristina and Rachel each won an Garmin® - nüvi 765T GPS and will compete for the Grand Prize later this year!

Thank you for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of the people around you!

Cristina Cater
American Dream

Amanda Eckstein
Amanda...an Inspiration

Rachel Hall
Not the Best of Times

July Monthly Winners!

2010-07-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Round 1 LOVEbug2 Winners! Becky, Stephanie and Vanessa each won an Apple 8GB iPod Touch and will compete for the Grand Prize later this year!

Thank you for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of the people around you!

Sue Borowiak
Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover

Stephanie Flood
Angel Needs a New Set of Wheels

Veronica Vargas
My Life Line

July Winner - Angel Needs a New Set of Wheels

2010-07-20T07:59:00.001-07:00

submitted by jenny dzierozynski from libertyville, IL on Jun 2, 2010

Most of us go through our lives not realizing what a gift each day is. My nominee, Stephanie Flood lives each day knowing how truly precious life is. At age 9, she was diagnosed with a aggressive & deadly brain cancer, ependymoma. She's battled this reoccuring cancer 4 times but continues to give back & fight cancer. Steph has raised awareness & has been instrumental in raising large amounts of money for cancer research. She has gone before Congress, worked with Children's Memorial Hospital and the American Cancer Society. She's a recent college grad from NIU and is currently interning at Children's Memorial Hospital where she hopes to gain employment to continue to make a difference in the lives of those around her who are ill. Recently, her old car broke down and cannot be repaired. Please don't let this roadblock keep her from continuing her life's mission. She not only deserves this car, she REALLY needs it as she goes into the workplace. Please vote for our angel Steph!

July Winner - Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

2010-07-20T07:58:00.001-07:00

submitted by sue Borowiak from Geneva, IL on Jun 2, 2010

For her entire life Becky has always been an outgoing, loving child. Being only 4'9'' she has been placed into the category of being a 'legal midget' something that usually would wound others, but Becky is proud of who she is. My daughter is extremely special and I could not be more proud of her. She shares a car with her twin sister, someone 5'5'' and soon her younger brother as well, who also is taller than her. She constantly has to change the seat in the car to make it work for her. Whenever she sits in our other cars, she needs a boost to sit higher in the chair to see to drive. My daughter needs a car for herself, but because we are struggling in this economic time, she cannot get that. She works with what she has, but because of her height she struggles. I believe my daughter deserves this car because she gives so much to others, and ignores her misfortunes to make myself and my husband less stressed. She's paying her way through college, and getting this car would be great.

July Winner - My Life Line

2010-07-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

submitted by veronica vargas from chicago, IL on Jun 15, 2010

I am a 22 year old single parent. Last summer when I decided to get my life together, my older sister Vanessa was there to help me. She has been my full time nanny for a year now. In that year I have done the following, one I have finished school, two I have found a wonderful job, three I have learned to let the little things go, and most importantly, I have become a Responsible adult and parent. She has dedicated all her time to myself and my two year old. In a few weeks ill be at my graduation ceremony. I would not be where I am today or there on that stage if it weren't for my sister. She has not asked me for anything the entire time on my journey. I'm enrolling my daughter in daycare this week and told my sister its time for her to go start her journey. What better way to start it than in a new car, something she does not have but she greatly deserves.

A Gift of Adventure Indeed

2010-05-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

It has been four months since the Love Bug extravaganza has taken its final bow and I have been awarded with the admirable title of Love Bug Ambassador. The experience as a whole taught me how many people are supporting and encouraging me. Even though they are not along side of me coaching me through every all nighter, stressful tech week, or rough day, a huge outpour of love and support enveloped me during this contest, and for that I am so grateful.

Every voter and every kind word spoken is what granted me this LOVE Bug for a whole year and has opened many doors for learning and engaging with others, that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do otherwise.

I am currently pursuing a PR and Advertising major and Photography minor at DePaul University. During the voting period, my mother encouraged me to have fun and use the skills to become the top vote getter. I see life as one big learning experience; one should seize every opportunity to learn more. This was the perfect opportunity to have fun and color outside of the lines a bit. I took silly (but effective!) photos to capture a sense of who I was. I decided to sing The Beatles ever popular “All You Need is Love” on YouTube in order to capture the attention of voters. People appreciated it and this contest; I’ve been told it was the highlight of many people’s days. It was exciting and at times, stressful. It became a community event.

The last few days were to say the least, nerve-racking and spent breaking the top record of refreshing a computer screen. It was evident how hard Donna (winner of Love Bug 2009) and I were working to get as many last votes as possible. It came down to the wire, when Fox Valley VW took away the vote count during the last 24 hours! At that point, the prayers started flowing as well as the phone calls from friends and family!

The night before the Fox Valley LOVE Bug reveal, I was exhausted. Before the vote count disappeared, Donna had taken the lead by a couple hundred votes. I felt overwhelmed and sad that if after all of my hard work, the efforts of my family, friends, friend’s friends, co-workers, and classmates, I wouldn’t win and I would have let everyone down. Everyone supporting me was just as invested as me at this point.

I woke up the morning of the reveal and was overwhelmed by the sense of peace I had been searching and longed for. I came to the realization that this contest gave me a wonderful insight to marketing, brought my family and I closer, and brought to the surface just how many people care about me, are rooting for me and stuck with me until the end. I felt so blessed and grateful for this opportunity that the results were going to be just as they should.

During the reveal, I met Donna, the woman whom I had been competing with fiercely for the last six weeks. I came to find that she and her family couldn’t have been kinder. Donna had a similar experience to me. She felt stress as well as the outpouring of support; it had been quite the ride for both of us.

We were geared up for the results as our stories were read by Emir Abinion as he shared Fox Valley VW’s experience of the first ever-successful LOVE Bug contest. I was shocked when he announced that the second place winner would be granted the opportunity to drive a LOVE Bug for a year and act as their LOVE Bug Ambassador.

The results were in and I took a very the generous offer for second place Love Bug Ambassador and learned I’d get to drive a brand new LOVE Bug for a year! I was thrilled! Even after four months, I am still in awe. I gratefully accepted his offer and have been having the time of my life since then.

I have been able to visit my dad, whom I do not get to see very often in Wisconsin, visit my hometown Geneva, and offer rides to my friends in need. Living in the city with the LOVE Bug has had its challenges; Chicago parking is not an easy thing, my friends! However, as I said before, it is a learning experience and I am learning in style.

I am a pretty serious babysitter and having a car has given me the opportunity for more jobs, which I am incredibly thankful for! Already, I have had meaningful conversations with friends after a long night class as I dropped them off. This car has brought me closer to others and improved my life significantly. No longer am I taking the bus and carrying 30 pounds of groceries home. I have felt safer driving home from my night classes and a capella rehearsals.

On May 2, I will be driving the LOVE Bug as well as four of my fellow DWaC (DePaul Women’s a Capella) ladies to Milwaukee to sing at Hope for Harmony at Marquette University as we raise money for the victims of Haiti and Chile. As you’ve already guessed, I love to sing and one thing you can’t do on the El to a downtown class is sing. I am a shameless singer when alone in the LOVE Bug and have LOVED busting a tune out on my way to class. Fox Valley VW wasn’t joking when they said, “And just like a concert hall, it makes for fantastic acoustics.”

Thank you, thank you, and thank you to each individual who made this possible. Every single vote made this happen and I am eternally grateful. Just like I said in my video, the offer is still available if anyone ever needs a ride! Please look for me at numerous events this summer as the LOVE Bug as I will be basking in the summer sun and spreading the love!

xo
Madison