Oakdale family honors grandfather with $30K donation towards Walk to End Alzheimer’s

To honor his grandfather, Austin Steves, a third-generation car dealer, convinced his dad to hold a raffle. The raffle was for a custom 2024 Chevrolet and the proceeds would go toward the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®. Steves Chevrolet (the company Austin’s grandfather built), donated proceeds and shares their story.

Not a dairy farmer

Growing up on a dairy farm, Frank Steves Jr. knew that wasn’t the life for him. He found that he really enjoyed talking with people and began his career as a shoe salesman. One day at the age of 19, Frank sold shoes to a man that owned a Ford dealership in Manteca. That man offered Frank a job and from then on his whole life changed.

Frank found that he loved cars. In 1974 Frank spent every cent he had and opened Steves Chevy and Buick in Oakdale, California. “When he opened his dealership, he didn’t have enough money for a vacuum,” said Austin, Frank’s grandson. “He was pinching pennies left and right. He had to bring the vacuum from the house. The vacuum broke and he didn’t have the money to repair it. [In the end it] led to him doing quite well for himself. [A company] my family is able to keep running.”

Frank’s business became so successful he was able to open up a second dealership in Chowchilla, California. Today, Frank’s two sons each own and run the branches.

Promising to run the family business

Austin was a child when Frank was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Being so young, he didn’t understand the full of extent of what “Grandpa is sick” meant. “I was in school when he was showing signs,” said Austin. “I was getting my [drivers] license when he died. Words can’t describe how close I was to him. He was my best friend and role model.”

“It’s tough to see someone who had it all together, the man of the house, slowly deteriorate. To see [the disease] slowly take his memory away. It was hard.”

In 2012, Frank was moved to a care setting in Modesto. Austin’s dad drove Frank there in the Corvette and that was the last ride Frank ever took. Three days later, Frank died from a stroke.

“When I said good-bye [to him I] held his hand,” said Austin. “[I promised] I would [finish] high school and college and come back and run the company. It’s a promise I made to him and [one] I can’t break. I love [working here] and I know his company is better in this family than in someone else’s.”

Big idea

During the COVID-19 pandemic many dealerships marked their cars at extremely high prices. “It was something [my grandfather] refused to do,” said Austin. “We sell at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and going over that is wrong. It’s taking advantage of the customer. I’m third generation [at the company] and it’s something we’ve never done.”

In 2023, Corvette did a redesign and created their first ever supercar, the Z06 Corvette. “Grandpa had every car you could think of,” said Austin. “He loved horsepower, fast cars, and customizing cars. Corvettes were his thing. He would have been the first one [to buy the new Corvette]. It was always his passion car.”

The new Corvette at some dealerships was selling at $100,000 over MSRP. Knowing the popularity of the car, Austin wondered if there was a way they could use this to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association®. After running the idea past his dad, Austin custom ordered the car and Steves Chevrolet hosted a raffle.

How the raffle worked: Whoever bid the highest over MSRP for the car would get to take it home. Anything raised over MSRP would be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. The raffle was a huge success raising over $22,000. Austin and his family donated an additional $8,000 bringing the total donation to $30,000 and Frank Jr. would’ve been so pleased.

Becoming a sponsor

After the money was raised, Austin contacted the Association and was introduced to Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Modesto. The company became a proud Promise Garden sponsor.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

The Promise Garden is a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden Flowers represent participants’ connection to Alzheimer’s — their reasons to end the disease.

• Blue: Someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
• Purple: An individual who has lost someone to the disease.
• Yellow: A person who is currently supporting or caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s.
• Orange: A participant who supports the cause and the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and other dementia®.

Where the money goes

Every dollar raised for Walk to End Alzheimer’s benefits those affected by Alzheimer’s disease in the local community. The funds raised go towards advancing care, support and research. Austin hopes that the money his family raised effects the Association in a positive way, and aids in finding a cure for the disease.

“I think that the medical and technological advancement are [helping] work towards a cure. We’re coming up on it faster than people realize. [This disease] can take a toll on everything; your work life, your relationships, everything. We’re making huge advancements on making a dent and finding a cure.”

Spend more time together

Austin encourages people to spend more time with their loved ones while they still can. “You’ll kick yourself if you weren’t able to spend time with them,” said Austin. “They might not remember who you are but know they do love you.”

Come see Austin and Steves Chevrolet at Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Modesto on September 14, 2024. Not in Modesto, visit alz.org/walk to find a Walk near you.