Our Story

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Some of the greatest dreams begin with something we never had.

Growing up, our family didn't have the opportunity to visit Disneyland. Like many families, there simply wasn't room in the budget for vacations or experiences that so many children dream about. We understood what it felt like to watch those magical moments from afar, hoping that one day we could create memories like that for our own family.

Years later, when our children fell in love with Pixar's Cars, those dreams took on a new meaning.

My husband has always had a passion for building cars. It's more than a hobby—it's an artistic outlet that allows him to create something extraordinary with his own hands. Wanting to surprise our children, he built a life-size Tow Mater tribute from the ground up. Watching their faces light up when they saw it was unforgettable. Their excitement, wonder, and pure joy reminded us that sometimes the greatest gifts aren't things—they're experiences.

That moment planted a seed.

If one car could create that much happiness for our own children, what could it do for thousands of other kids?

My husband had always dreamed of building Lightning McQueen. Most people start with a kit. He started with a paper model. From there he designed and built a wooden framework by hand, then painstakingly created the body in fiberglass. Every curve, every detail, every hour was crafted from scratch. What began as a dream became a rolling work of art built with passion, perseverance, and countless hours of dedication.

But the car was never meant to be just a showpiece.

Around the same time, I had the privilege of mentoring children through Boys & Girls Clubs. I saw firsthand how hard these organizations work to support families. Many clubs stretch every dollar, often making sure children have a safe place to go after school and, for some, a reliable meal when food at home isn't certain. Those experiences changed us. They reminded us that even small acts of kindness can make an enormous difference in a child's life.

We realized our car could become something much bigger than a vehicle.

It could become hope.

Today, our foundation brings smiles to children who need them most. We visit community events, children's charities, hospitals, and organizations serving kids facing difficult circumstances. For children who are hospitalized and unable to leave their rooms, sometimes simply seeing Lightning McQueen outside their window can brighten an incredibly hard day. For families facing challenges, a photo, a hug, or a few moments of laughter can become a cherished memory.

Every appearance is about more than a car.

It's about creating joy.

It's about reminding children that they matter.

It's about helping charities raise the funds they need to continue serving their communities.

Most of all, it's about paying forward the kind of magic we once wished we could experience ourselves.

Our hope is simple: that every child who meets our car leaves smiling, every organization we partner with is strengthened, and every supporter who joins us becomes part of bringing joy to children who need it most.

Because every child deserves a chance to believe that something extraordinary can happen.

Becki Hagerman - Scotlea Foundation co-founder