Chrysler Group Selects 20 Contestants for 'Stand By Your Van' Contest at Chicago Auto Show
- Minivan fans from Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Milwaukee to participate in contest
- Winner to drive home in a brand new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan with Stow n' Go seating and storage system
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 4 -- Chrysler Group has selected 20 minivan fans to compete in the "Stand By Your Van" contest, which will take place at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show in the McCormick Place South building beginning Thursday, February 5 at 8:45 a.m. CST.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the minivan and the introduction of its new 2005 Chrysler and Dodge minivans with minivan-first Stow 'n Go second- and third-row fold-into-the-floor seats, the company will challenge 20 minivan fans to compete for a new minivan. The contestant who is able to keep one hand on a new minivan and stand longer than any of the other contestants will drive home in their choice of a brand new 2005 Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan.
To be considered for the contest, contestants submitted a paragraph explaining why they would like to compete for a new 2005 Chrysler or Dodge minivan. Twenty qualified contestants were selected out of more than 300 applications.
The 20 selected contestants for the "Stand By Your Van" contest are:
- Robert Bensko, 55, Springfield, Ill.
When Robert is not acting as the homeland security director of Illinois,
he's spending time with his wife and five children. Robert entered the
contest to win the vehicle for his hard-working wife. Robert's strategy
involves focusing on winning. He expects his supporters in the crowd to
keep him motivated.
- Ken Brom, 36, Riverside, Ill.
Ken has always envied parents who can easily drop their kids off at
school by pulling up and safely letting their kids out of one door on
the same side of the street. Despite his friendly smile, this Chicago
native is one of our fiercest competitors and is going into this
competition feeling confident and relaxed.
- Jamie Franchi, 24, Chicago, Ill.
Move over gentlemen, this adventurous and devoted mother of two will
stop at nothing to win a new minivan. It's a tight fit in Jamie's
current car because her two kids and the family dog go everywhere she
goes. She wants a minivan for the added convenience. Jamie intends to
sleep for the entire 24 hours leading up to the contest and keep a
picture of her two children with her for inspiration.
- Bob Graczyk, 32, Chicago, Ill.
This south-side Chicago native is known to be hard working, funny, loyal
and easy going. He can never pass up an opportunity to compete and
wants to win a new minivan for his wife. Bob plans to get plenty of
rest before the contest and wear comfortable shoes and, while one hand
is on the minivan, the other will rest on a picture of his wife of
nearly 5-years.
- Philip Groth, 32, Chicago, Ill.
One of Chicago's finest firemen, Philip is trading in his big red truck
for a chance to win a more practical minivan for his family. Easy going
and always looking for a good laugh, Philip, his wife and their son,
Frederick, a.k.a. Fritz, are anticipating the birth of another baby boy
and could benefit from a new minivan. He says a good pair of shoes is
all he needs to win.
- Christina Gruszynski, 22, Woodstock, Ill.
Outgoing, outspoken and very independent, Christina recently moved to
Chicago to explore a new city and find herself in the process. With
several nieces and nephews, Christina wants a new Chrysler or Dodge
minivan so she can take them on fun adventures. She says comfort is key
and plans to wear a new pair of pajama pants for the contest so that she
remains focused and relaxed.
- Linda Gusloff, 38, River Forest, Ill.
This stay-at-home mom was formally a special education teacher.
Everything is BIG with Linda -- she's BIG on talking, BIG on personality
and wants a BIG minivan. After having her third child, Linda needs a
minivan more than ever now. To prepare for the competition, Linda has
been practicing standing around at home and keeping her hands on the
furniture.
- Troy Johnson, 34, Romeoville, Ill.
This schoolteacher doubles as a basketball coach in his free time. He's
coached some of the top players in the state, many of which now play in
the NBA. He has his hands full carting all of the equipment to games
all over the state and could use the space that a minivan offers. Troy
is used to only getting three to four hours of sleep a night and often
skips meals, so this contest should not be too challenging. He intends
to sing silly songs in order to pass the time and carry deodorant so
he'll be the best smelling contestant.
- Badr Khudeira, 23, Bridgeview, Ill.
Badr has never been one to turn down a challenge. As a successful
network engineer, he spends his days working as a creative problem
solver. Badr helps support his parents and five brothers and sisters in
any way he can. Winning a minivan would mean he could provide
transportation for all of them. He says his determination and patience
will guarantee him a victory. Wearing the right pair of shoes will just
make his journey to the finish line that much more comfortable.
- Kerry Kistenfegh, 39, Ottowa, Ill.
This mother of two girls has been athletic her entire life and has run 3
marathons, so she is definitely up to the challenge. She thought this
contest looked like it would be fun as well as an opportunity to replace
her ten-year-old car. For strength, Kerry plans to get more sleep than
normal and psych herself up mentally before the contest.
- Robert Luckett, 35, Whitewater, Wis.
This stay-at-home dad takes care of his son and daughter while his wife
is a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Robert's
family is constantly growing and he thinks a minivan is the perfect
vehicle for them to grow into. Robert thinks that this competition is a
battle of the strong in mind and will use meditation to prepare.
- Loriann Marino-Miles, 35, Chicago, Ill.
When she's not helping run her family's restaurant, Loriann is busy
being a wife and mother, often carting around her two young children.
Loriann is desperate for a new minivan to help with deliveries at the
restaurant. Her secret to success: lots of practice before the big
contest. After all, practice makes perfect!
- Dewain Peterson, 33, Western, Ill.
Married with three children, Dewain is an architect and consultant for
Chicago Public School's remodeling projects. Unbeknownst to Dewain, his
wife entered him in the contest and now he can't wait to win a new
minivan.
- Eric Pfeiffelman, 39, Chicago, Ill.
Although he's been called an introvert, Eric has a very competitive
spirit and hates to lose. When competition arises he is quick to come
out of his shell and step up to the plate. With two children, Eric is
ready for a new minivan that will better suit his family's needs. Eric
plans to bring an extra pair of shoes to stay comfortable during the
competition.
- Pam Ray, 34, Danville, Ill.
This mother of two is dedicated to helping others. Some would call her
crazy and fun loving, but her husband of eight years, Chad, would say
she's also extremely selfless and giving. Pam is excited about this
contest because it is something fun and new for her to take part in.
Other than keeping her husband nearby for good luck, Pam plans to
consume large amounts of caffeine so she can stay alert and ahead of her
game.
- Robert Rummel, 65, Glen Ellyn, Ill.
A self-proclaimed "wheel nut," Robert hasn't missed an auto show in 35
years! Next to his love of wheels, Robert is devoted to his wife of 38
years, four children and two grandchildren. Robert wants to win the
minivan for his daughter, a schoolteacher, currently home with two small
children while his son-in-law begins a new career as a Carol Stream
police officer. To prepare for the contest, Robert has adopted a
rigorous training schedule comprised of plenty of sleep and exercise.
- Abby Smillie, 29, Indianapolis, Ind.
When Abby sets her mind to do something, she doesn't hold back. She's
always up for a good time and will talk anyone's ear off. Abby sees
this competition as a way to test herself and see how far she can go.
- Jess VanDerMass, 25, Roseville, Mich.
Our self-described "Detroit guy," Jess is proud to represent his
hometown. An outgoing, natural born leader, Jess plays lacrosse and
participates on a competitive paintball team. The timing of the contest
is perfect -- he and his wife are currently expecting their second child
and are ready to purchase a new minivan. Jess plans to go into the
contest with a full stomach and totally hydrated.
- Cameron Van Wyngarden, 26, Zeeland, Mich.
Aside from his love of cars, Cameron enjoys working on home
improvements. With two children and a cat, Cameron and his wife think a
Chrysler or Dodge minivan will make their lives much easier. In
preparation for the competition, Cameron will implement a strength-
training program for his legs and practice standing for long periods of
time, only allowing himself bathroom breaks every three hours.
- Julio Vidal, 29, Chicago, Ill.
Originally from Houston, Texas, Julio has lived in Chicago for seven
years with his wife and two children. When he's not working at his
investment firm, Julio is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching games
on TV or playing outdoors with his children. A new minivan is just what
his family needs to replace his current Dodge Caravan. Julio is
convinced that music will carry him through this competition and intends
to sing the entire time.
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