60 DAYS OF GIVING, ONE BIG MOMENT. Roosevelt Elementary School's Sarah Candell, above center, was nominated by dozens of her coworkers for One Automotive's 60 Days of Giving Program. The big surprise came during the school day.

“I’m still in shock,” said Sarah Candell, wife, mom to four kids, my neighbor and friend, when I popped by her home in Eau Claire’s Shawtown on Saturday, Feb. 1, the day after she was given one heck of a surprise.

The local elementary school on Eau Claire’s northwest side, where Sarah works as a general school assistant, was also the scene of the aforementioned surprise. On Friday, Jan. 31, she was gifted a 2019 Nissan Murano S and a $1,000 Kwik Trip gift card for gas, thanks to One Automotive Group and its “60 Days of Giving” program.

Sarah's fellow general school assistant Drew Carlson, and all of her co-workers – there are 40 staff there – nominated her for the program. Drew said he nominated Sarah because of her kind, compassionate nature. “She is an outstanding person,” he said in an interview with One Automotive. “She’ll always go out of her way to help you; if you have a question, she’s there for you.”

“I have the best co-workers anyone could ask for, and how they were able to pull this off, is simply amazing.” –Sarah Candell

The surprise was initially revealed at a general assembly in the school gym on Jan. 31 when principal Ben Dallman introduced guest Bill Bertrand, owner and CEO of One Automotive, to the 260 Roosevelt Tigers students who clapped loudly after he walked through the gymnasium door with Drew (known as Mr. Carlson at school). The assembly’s theme: grit and perseverance.

“I typically stand in the back, with my coffee mug, where I can easily pop in and out if someone needs anything,” Sarah said. This time, unbeknownst to her, two of her co-workers were “guarding” Sarah to ensure she was present at the magic moment.

About five months ago – on Friday, Oct. 19 around 11:30pm, to be exact – Sarah was home alone, folding laundry in the kitchen. Her husband, Brad, and their four children were out of town on their annual trip with their grandpa, Brad’s dad. Suddenly, she heard a loud boom followed by crashing sounds. As she headed to her porch to find out what was going on, customers from the Do-Dodge-Inn tavern just down the street ran over and rang the doorbell to alert whoever lived there that something terrible had happened. Within seconds, she was looking at the devastation caused by a hit-and-run driver who swung into her family’s driveway, crashed into both Sarah’s car and her son’s car, totaling both upon impact, and destroying their garage door. Her husband happened to see the commotion on his phone via their security cameras, which unfortunately did not capture a clear video of the vehicle or the driver.

Sarah Candell pictured with the new-to-her vehicle after being surprised at Roosevelt Elementary.

Sarah’s initial focus was getting a reliable car for her son, Caleb, a senior at North High School with a part-time job, while also problem-solving her own vehicle situation. To get to and from work, she car-pooled with co-workers, grabbed rides with friends, and many times rode the school bus home with her Roosevelt students. She wasn’t going to miss a day of work at a job she loved.

In the crowded gym, lit up with electric excitement, Bill called upon “Miss Candell” to join him and Drew at the front. Bill then asked the students who had ridden the school bus with Miss Candell. Dozens of little hands quickly shot into the air.

“I have really bad news,” Bill said. “Sarah’s probably not going to be riding the bus with you anymore.” Some sounds of dismay arose.

Tying into the theme of the assembly, Bill shared that Sarah had not missed one day of work since experiencing the loss of her vehicle. Through her actions over the previous four months, Sarah had demonstrated true perseverance and grit.

He continued: “To acknowledge her for her efforts during this incredibly challenging time, we’re giving her a new car … for free.”

The Roosevelt Tigers burst into applause and cheers.

“I am in total shock,” Sarah said, her initial reaction capture on video. “I have the best co-workers anyone could ask for, and how they were able to pull this off, is simply amazing.” Upon seeing the car and getting the gift card, she said: “This is such a stress reliever. I can’t believe it.”

Watch One Automotive’s video capturing the big surprise below:

One Automotive and Bill Bertrand have given away 31 pre-owned vehicles to those in need as part of the 60 Days of Giving program for 12 years. Learn more about the program online.