The Fiat 126p, which Tom Hanks received as a gift from the Bielsko-Biała citizens, was auctioned for 83,500 dollars, reported Monika Jaskólska, whose idea was to award the actor with a car. The money raised will be used to support caregivers of American war veterans.
“$83,500. I don’t know what to say. I’m so happy. That’s over 370 thousand PLN. I don’t think anyone expected that. Tom Hanks is happy, I’m even happier. Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what will happen to you,” commented Monika Jaskólska on the auction finale on her Facebook page.
The money for the auctioned car will be credited to the Hidden Heroes campaign, in which Tom Hanks is involved. It supports people who care for veterans.
How did it begin?
The idea to give the actor the Fiat 126p came up in autumn 2016. On the Internet, she saw a photo of Tom Hanks holding the Fiat’s handle. I am so excited about my new car!! Hanks wrote under the photo.
Jaskólska decided to raise money for a car and donate it to Hanks. She shared her idea on Facebook. She suggested that the money left over after the purchase would be deposited into the account of the Children’s Hospital in Bielsko-Biała
The action received wide coverage in the world media. Sponsors came to finance the purchase and repair of the car.
The actor’s great surprise
Hanks found out about the action. In an email to Jaskólska, he admitted to joking a bit, but he added that he liked the car very much. He invited the woman from Bielsko-Biała to the United States and declared that he would support the Children’s Hospital in Bielsko-Biała.
In autumn 2017, the car flew aboard by the LOT plane to Los Angeles, where Monika Jaskólska handed it over to the actor.
The car’s history
The Fiat of the movie star had is over 40 years old. It came from Suwałki. It was celadon, but after a thorough renovation, it was painted white.
The car was tweaked. High-quality leather was used in the interior. There were also small elements related to Bielsko-Biała, and details related to the actor’s hobby, namely typewriter buttons, which Hanks is passionate about.
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