The Service Learning Center (SLC) hosted a car wash on Saturday to raise money to buy a new car for Hillview Basketball Coach Jhavante Hill. The event, occurring at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Valparaiso Avenue, was prompted after Hill’s gas tank blew out a few weeks prior.
Kelli Nicholas and Bonnee Mazjun, both M-A and Hillview parents, thought of raising money toward getting Hill a new car, after he was left without reliable transportation to reach practices and games. Recognizing his hard work, especially after the recent loss of a family member, Hillview parents took matters into their own hands.
K. Nicholas’ son, senior Matt Nicholas, is a member of the SLC and lead the plan to host a car wash through the club. “I figured it would be a really good idea to help him out, especially with a car wash, or something creative like that,” M. Nicholas said.
He worked with his aunt, Keri Nicholas, and the rest of the SLC to set up the car wash and a GoFundMe page. The page raised over $17,000 for Hill before the wash even took place.
“Tay [Hill] supported a bunch of us all our lives, helping us. So, it’s just important that we now help him,” junior and M-A Varsity Basketball player Griffin Birk said.
Combined with the proceeds from the car wash, the community raised $25,000 for Hill.
The car wash kicked off at 10:30 a.m., with cars lining up down the block before the fundraiser started.
Customers were offered two services: a regular wash priced at $10 and a wash and vacuum at $15. A team of Hillview basketball players, Hillview and M-A families, SLC members, and later M-A’s Boys Varsity Basketball Team worked together to get cars washed, rinsed, and dried.
“It’s all community across all lines: M-A, Hillview, and past M-A grads have been contributing, so it’s been like a real community push,” Hillview and M-A parent Catherine Dacey said.
The fundraiser was a success, staying busy from its opening until it closed at 1:30 p.m.
M. Nicholas’ grandmother, Geri Nicholas, was also present at the car wash, recognizing it not only as a fundraiser but as a symbol for hope and community. “It’s such a really good cause, and the kids are here working, and all the parents have been so supportive. I just have to tell you, it gives me hope for the world,” she said.
Hill expressed his gratitude towards the community for showing up to support him. “The car wash honestly meant more to me than I can put into words. It was one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had,” Hill said. “I’ve always tried to give back to the kids and families in the community, so seeing everyone show up for me like that was overwhelming in the best way.”
