Chrysler & Anderson For Katarra & Tracey Ewing

Chrysler, Anderson Cooper give Metro Detroit family in need new minivan

Published: Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 7:55 AM | Updated: Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 12:22 PM

By Michael Wayland | mwayland@mlive.com



Katarra Ewing was all smiles Tuesday afternoon in Lake Orion Township.

The Canton Township mother of five, as well as her husband, Tracey Ewing, and their youngest daughter, Kiley, received a fully-loaded 2013 Chrysler Town & Country Limited minivan from the Auburn Hills-based automaker and “Anderson” at Milosch’s Palace Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership.

“I can’t wait to drive this home and show the kids,” said Katarra Ewing, as she stared at the red minivan with dual DVD screens and black leather interior. “If you saw my other van, it’s totally a change. (The new van) is beautiful. I love it.”

The Ewing family, who arrived to the dealership in a Chevy Malibu borrowed from a relative, was selected by Anderson Cooper, host of the NBC talk show, in December to receive the minivan as part of the show’s “Anderson, I Need Your Help for the Holidays!”

The family was selected due to the struggles they have endured together, including job loss, a son who has survived cancer and a lack of reliable transportation.

“It’s amazing,” said Tracey Ewing, who is now employed, but was unemployed for two years. “It’s life changing.”

Bruce Velisek, Chrysler Brand head of large car and MPV marketing, said Chrysler was contacted by ‘Anderson’ about the show, and thought it was a great cause – particularly for a Metro Detroit family in-need for the holidays.

“It was an opp. For us to give back to the Detroit-area to a needy family,” said Velisek, who handed the keys to the vehicle to the Ewings. “It was a great opportunity to get involved.”

The Ewing’s children range from 17 years old to Kiley at 13 months.