LODI-

Chuck Webber is understandably proud of the work his band of volunteers has done on a donated 1971 Dodge Charger.

The iconic muscle car’s new black paint job reflected its surroundings outside the Compass bank where it will be given away in a raffle on Saturday.

“Look at it. This thing is sexy, man,” Webber said.

The money raised will mostly go to Lodi’s Ebenezer Church which has a music ministry that involves several area churches.  But Webber’s group is also involved in drug rehab charities because several of them are recovering drug abusers.

“The local charities that deal with child abuse, drug addiction, domestic violence…that’s pretty much our focus,” Webber said.

Much the auto business community has joined in.  Sponsors donated parts, a stereo system, mechanics and paint and body work to the cause.

“It’s the charities we’re helping out and it’s also the fun I’ve had doing it,” volunteer Bradley Williamson said.

At $10 a ticket sold on their Win a Mopar website and at local businesses, the raffle seems like a bargain for a car that is rare in California.  The group has gone to many car shows in the state to promote the fundraising raffle and of 20,ooo show cars it saw, there was only one other 1971 Charger.

The car is a stock restoration with a 318 cubic inch V-8 with a two barrell carburator.

The group isn’t stopping at the car raffle. Also on Saturday at the Compass Bank at Kettleman Lane and Hamm Lane beginning at 11 am a “white elephant” fundraiser will be held before the car drawing.  People are invited to bring a gift for a gift exchange and will also get a chance to win other raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

The group has already acquired a 1973 Dodge Charger for a Richard Petty tribute car for a charity auction next year.

“It is hard to let it go.  It’s going to be a sad day when we let it go, but we’re moving forward from there,” said volunteer restorer Michell Tveldt.