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Vol. 20, No. 48, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 www.LamontLeader.com
Charity Car Show raises thousands for local business family BY JANA SEMENIUK The atmosphere was nothing short of festive on Bruderheim’s Queen Street Aug. 30, as 140 classic cars lined the road while music played and the huge crowd took-in all there was to offer. Both potato and macaroni salad, donated by Ironwood Catering, was served along with Bratwurst and sauerkraut, donated by Old Country Sausage, and hot dogs cooked up by volunteers. At the other end of the street, ice cream and other cool treats were being dished out, offering some relief to the above 30 C sunny weather. In between, a special donation tent was set up to collect funds for a family hit by tragedy. The Charity Car Show was organized in only two weeks by local residents Luis and Allison Diaz with help from Chipman Car Crafter’s President Dave Gray. Original organizer, Bruderheim resident Ryan McIvor, was forced to hand over organizing the event to his friends after he was called away to work at his new job out of town. The fundraiser was in support of the Hotte family, owners of the local classic car restoration business Strong’s Garage in Bruderheim, who suffered a major blow last month. Matt and Cassie Hotte watched their fourth child, a newborn daughter,
Ida, fight for her life in the U of A hospital ICU when she stopped breathing soon after her July 22 birth. Once Ida recovered and was released from hospital Aug. 3, Matt Hotte was nearly killed in a head-on collision Aug. 8 near his home. The crash destroyed his 1966 Ford F100 truck, ripping the cab from the body and ejecting Hotte from the vehicle. Hotte said he can’t believe he’s still alive. “I can’t figure out how I survived,” he said after seeing what remained of his truck. “The truck is finished. We had our first date in that truck (and) I brought Ida home from the hospital in that truck. But I’d rather give up the truck than my life.” Hotte said he was having a good day as he slowly hobbled around the car show in his new walker. He said despite the tragic circumstances he feels lucky. “My wife is a big part of the reason I survived. She was at the hospital helping me, just like the staff and my neighbour and his daughter who was a nurse that found me. Everything just went right,” he said. “I’m fortunate to be without any serious health issues. I have a broken pelvis, new hip and all that but no broken back.” Hotte said in another six weeks he will be able to put weight on the right side of his body where his new hip
resides. He also said he hopes to participate in next year’s Model T races which were cancelled this year in light of his accident. In terms of the enormous outpouring of community support, Hotte was amazed. “It’s been unbelievable,” he said, as the sole breadwinner for his family of six. “All of these people I’ve met my whole life and some people I’ve never met. It goes to show you that you can touch people in a different way no matter what. That’s why you can’t be a weenie.” Hotte slowly made his way down the street to where Dave Gray was making announcements on a PA system. The crowd burst into applause as Hotte smiled and took the microphone. “It wasn’t so much the old truck’s fault, but driver negligence, not on my side,” Hotte told the crowd. “I’ve got to thank my wife and kids. They’ve been strong through this and it’s been definitely life changing. But I’m on the mend and I appreciate everybody coming out today.” Hotte’s business partner and fellow mechanic, Jim Koladich, said the community support has been incredible and expressed his gratitude. “We're just amazed by the outpouring support from the community here. It's been mind boggling. One little bit from people mowing their lawn, looking after the kids, and it's just amazing
Matt Hotte, part-owner of Strong's Garage in Bruderheim, stands with his walker during a Charity Car show held Aug. 30 in his honour. Hotte miraculously survived a horrific head-on collision Aug. 8. Photo: Jana Semeniuk to see community still exists and thrives when times get tough,” he said. Gray said, in a later interview, that he was very happy with the turn out and said the event was very successful. “It was a super success with such short notice. The team came together and made it shine,” he said. Meanwhile, organizer Allison Diaz created two gift baskets, with donated items from local businesses, which were awarded to the top two classic car participants; first prize went to Thor Knapp, who brought his 1931 Model A Roadster, and second prize went to Robb Dyck with his red 1965 Chev Impala. While a total donation amount for the Hotte family was not available, Diaz said at least $2,000 was raised. An online fundraiser, which began soon after Hotte’s accident, also raised over $145,000. More photos Page 2