Joyride Derails Initial Beecher Fourth of July Raffle Car Bid, Board Approves Backup Vehicle

Village of Beecher Board of Trustees Meeting | March 23, 2026

Article Summary: The Village of Beecher had to pivot on its traditional Fourth of July raffle car purchase after discovering the initially approved vehicle had been loaned out by the dealership and driven for over 1,500 miles. The board voted to authorize up to $28,925 for a backup vehicle to ensure the raffle features a fresh prize.

Raffle Car Purchase Key Points:

• The village initially planned to approve a $26,400 bid for the annual Fourth of July raffle car.

• The original car was disqualified after officials learned the dealership had leased it out, putting nearly 2,000 miles on the odometer.

• The board approved the purchase of the Commission’s second choice, dubbed “Car A,” for a maximum price of $28,925.

• The make and model of the car are being kept strictly confidential to allow for a staggered marketing campaign on social media.

The Beecher Village Board on Monday, March 23, 2026, was forced to call a sudden audible on its annual Fourth of July raffle car purchase after an unexpected joyride ruined the commission’s first choice.

According to the meeting agenda, the board was scheduled to approve a $26,400 vehicle based on a recommendation from the Fourth of July Commission. However, Finance and Administration Committee Chair Todd Kraus informed the board that the situation had drastically changed in the days leading up to the meeting.

“When we went back to the dealer to discuss what the final out-the-door price was… the car had been lent out or leased out to someone who had been driving it,” Kraus explained. “Now the car has over 1,500 miles on it. We typically put two or 300 or more on it taking it back and forth to car shows. We’re potentially looking at raffling off a car that now has close to 2,000 miles on it.”

Because the goal is to raffle a “brand new” vehicle, the Fourth of July Commission reconvened and recommended abandoning the original bid. Instead, they asked the board to approve their second choice.

To protect the commission’s marketing strategy, Kraus referred to the new vehicle strictly as “Car A.”

“The reason we keep this quiet is the Fourth of July Commission likes to do teaser ads on Facebook so that they let people know little by little what the car is, so we don’t want to let the cat out of the bag too soon,” Kraus said.

The board voted 6-0 to approve the purchase of “Car A” for a price not to exceed $28,925. Kraus noted that there is a potential $750 manufacturer’s rebate that could lower the final cost, but the board approved the maximum amount to ensure the purchase goes through before the rebate window expires on March 31.