Giving Tree Art Car -Repairs & Engine Parts Needed

The Giving Tree Family has spent the past few years building and improving the Giving Tree Art Car to provide an interactive and fulfilling experience for adults and children alike. My name is Kat, and I am the “camp Mom” for the Giving Tree Art Car family and am taking the lead to raise needed funds for the art car. Unfortunately, the beloved art car broke down on its way home from the Lightning in a Bottle (LIB). The engine ceased -blew a piston- on its way home while Adam, the owner, and founder of the Art Car, was driving. AAA was not immediately able to come out to move a large vehicle (the Giving Tree uses a small-size school bus as its base). Adam had to wait with the bus for an additional two nights on the side of the 395 freeway.

We also had some items stolen from the art car on the last day of the LIB. We recognize that most people treat Giving Tree with care, respect, and appreciation- only a handful of people find it “funny” or “rewarding” to rip items off to steal for themselves. We want to replace stolen/vandalized items such as the pirate’s wheel, decorative insects, and animals.

The Giving Tree has become a staple at Burning Man, Dirtybird Campout, and Lightning in a Bottle. We love being a part of the community that keeps PLUR as a foundational staple among the participants. We are not ready to leave this community over an engine and a few stolen items.

We have the following events coming up that we are determined to attend: Reno Bass Camp, Cali World Festival, Burning Man, and Off the Grid Campout. We cannot replace the engine with internal resources, which is devastating for us to admit. We need help from the community to get a new engine for the bus and replace stolen and damaged items. We plan to work on the engine ourselves to keep labor costs down (we estimate the labor will take 5-7 days) and continue our dedication to building and maintaining the Giving Tree with love and care.

The donations will go toward the following:

1. $2,500 for the tow (reimburse credit card used)

2. $11,000 for a Diesel engine from Jasper

3. $800 to replace stolen or damaged items

The Giving Tree has spread happiness and joy at many events over the years, and we need your help to continue the legacy. No donation is too small or large. We appreciate the help and support from all of you.