Last year’s Jim Gilbert Memorial Build brought together 53 Supporters, 28 Volunteers, 4 Full Days, 2 Fieros and 1 Goal - to rebuild a 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT so that its owner, Colin, had a reliable set of wheels to get back and forth to his treatments for Stage 3 testicular cancer, work and life needs. Beginning Thursday night, October 29 and working through Tuesday morning, November 3, a team of volunteers from within the Fiero community made this dream come true.

It was also the kickoff to an annual event, conceived by Gary Pickardt of Pickardt Performance to honor the memory of Jim Gilbert, a longtime Fiero owner and member of the Fiero community who never hesitated to give back to Fiero friends and mentor young Fiero owners, including his two daughters, Jennifer and Jamie.

This year’s build took place October 28-31 at a new location, the home of Jennifer & Matt Goss in Staunton, Virginia. The same goal remained - to brighten the life of an individual in need. This year’s recipient is one who is incredibly special to the Gilbert family and the Fiero community. Although his name is not widely known, he has played a central role in keeping Fieros on the road in southeastern Pennsylvania and also in helping Jim Gilbert both in his garage and through his life for the past 22 years. The last 3+ years our recipient has had his own struggles with an ongoing back injury that has disrupted his livelihood and day-to-day abilities to function, yet his giving spirit and determination to surmount this obstacle has continued throughout his pain.