Original Article Posted by Heather Perkins / August 18, 2017 on mywalworthcounty.com
Rewritten by Deserving Rides: August 1, 2025
At Deserving Rides, our mission has always been clear: lift up those who lift others. On a sunny Saturday in Delavan, that mission came to life in a big way during a community fundraiser held at Advanced Auto Clinic, where a reconditioned GMC Yukon was awarded to a truly selfless local hero as part of our ongoing vehicle donation program.
The event, which raised funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Walworth County, brought the community together with a dunk tank featuring Mayor Mel Nieuwenhuis, live music from “Most Wanted,” and generous support from local businesses. The dunk tank raised $81, every dollar of which went to support youth programs at the Boys and Girls Club.
The highlight of the day was the giveaway of a fully reconditioned GMC Yukon, donated by Fred Krablean of Neenah and lovingly restored by the team at Advanced Auto Clinic. This vehicle was part of our Deserving Rides program—founded in 2014 by Tony Lynn, owner of Advanced Auto Clinic. The program identifies individuals in our community who continually put others first and awards them the gift of reliable transportation, free of charge.
This time, the deserving recipient was Patty Sonheim of Delavan, a single mother and community servant whose name appeared on every single judge’s ballot. Patty’s impact reaches far and wide—she has volunteered at Twin Oaks Homeless Shelter, served on the board of Community Action, helped lead Sophos Youth Center in Elkhorn, and worked with Park and Rec in Delavan. Through church mission trips and her own acts of kindness, she has clothed and fed the homeless, adopted families during the holidays, and stepped up countless times when people were in need.
Patty’s vehicle had logged over 250,000 miles and was no longer safe to drive long distances—yet she never stopped giving. That’s exactly the spirit of Deserving Rides.
This event was made possible through the generosity of many community partners. NAPA Auto Parts contributed $500 toward parts. Recreational Upholstery of Walworth helped refurbish the interior. Our dedicated Advanced Auto Clinic technicians donated their time and skill to ensure the Yukon was safe and dependable. WSLD brought the energy with a live broadcast, ticket giveaways, and more. Guests were treated to brats and hot dogs from Sorg’s and great music—all free to enjoy.
Deserving Rides is proud to honor individuals like Patty, and we’re grateful for the local businesses, volunteers, and neighbors who make this possible. As Tony Lynn shared, “We wanted to give back to someone who has given so much to the community.”
Together, we can continue to drive change—one ride, one story, and one act of kindness at a time.