Craig Woolheater

WE DID IT — LITTLE BLUE IS OFFICIALLY MICHAEL’S! The fundraiser is completely funded, and the best part is: Michael has already purchased Bruce’s beloved 10th Anniversary Miata. Little Blue is officially staying in the family. What began as a memorial journey to honor Bruce’s dream has now become something even more meaningful. Michael and Aiden not only fulfilled Bruce’s wish of taking the Miata to the Tail of the Dragon — they now get to keep this special car, care for it, work on it together, and continue making memories in it for years to come. Michael shared these heartfelt words: “I want to thank everyone who donated to make this happen. A special thank you to MATG for their $5K match and to Craig Woolheater for setting the GoFundMe up and leading the charge. Because of all of these wonderful people, my son and I will have a car to bond over and create lasting memories working on the car and attending MATG as often as possible. I am so grateful that I get to have this piece of my dad. One day I will pass this car along to Aiden, and I hope he enjoys it as much as I am going to.” That says it all. Bruce’s dream was fulfilled when Michael and Aiden drove Little Blue to Miatas at the Gap and completed the Tail of the Dragon with Bruce along for the ride. Now Michael’s dream has been fulfilled too. He owns the car. And someday, Little Blue will be passed down to Aiden, carrying Bruce’s memory into yet another generation. To everyone who donated, shared, encouraged, matched funds, welcomed Michael and Aiden at MATG, gave them gifts, or simply followed along and cheered them on: Thank you. You didn’t just help save a car. You helped preserve a family legacy. Little Blue is home. And this time, she’s home for good.

For those who may not know me, I’m Craig Woolheater, a longtime Mazda Miata enthusiast and the proud owner of multiple Miatas. Over the years, these little roadsters have brought me countless friendships, unforgettable road trips, and memories that simply can’t be measured in miles. What makes the Miata community so special isn’t just the cars—it’s the people. Every once in a while, a story comes along that reminds us why this community is unlike any other. When I read Michael Kosak’s story about taking his late father’s beloved 10th Anniversary Miata to Miatas at the Gap with his son Aiden—and carrying his father’s ashes on the drive his dad had always dreamed of making—I was deeply moved. It isn’t just a story about a car. It’s a story about family, love, tradition, and honoring a father’s memory in the most meaningful way possible. After learning that Michael hopes to keep his father’s cherished Miata in the family, I wanted to do what I could to help. I’m sharing his GoFundMe campaign not because anyone should feel obligated to contribute, but because I know this community has a remarkable way of coming together when one of our own needs a hand. If Michael’s story touches your heart as it did mine, I hope you’ll consider supporting his family’s effort—or simply sharing his story with others. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is helping preserve not just a car, but the memories and legacy that travel with it. Michael’s Story Some cars are more than just machines. They become part of a family’s story. My father was a lifelong Miata enthusiast, and his pride and joy was his beautiful 10th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 Miata. He dreamed of making the pilgrimage to Miatas at the Gap (MATG) and driving the Tail of the Dragon surrounded by hundreds of fellow Miata owners. It was a trip he talked about often. Sadly, he passed away before he ever had the chance to make that dream a reality. This year, my son Aiden and I will make that journey in his honor. We will be setting out in the Miata tomorrow, August 3rd from West Fargo, ND. We’ll be driving Dad’s Miata through the Tail of the Dragon with his ashes riding along beside us, completing the drive he always wanted to experience. It will be our first trip to MATG—and, fittingly, our last. This isn’t just a road trip; it’s a memorial, a celebration of his life, and a chance for three generations to share one final drive together. When we return home, we face a heartbreaking reality. Dad had instructed that his Miata be sold. But as we’ve prepared for this journey, we’ve realized that this car has become much more than a vehicle. It carries memories of my father—his passion, his joy, and the countless dreams he had behind the wheel. Every drive reminds us of him, and every mile feels like a connection that we aren’t ready to lose. Several friends have asked how they can help us keep the Miata in the family. Their kindness is what inspired this campaign. I want everyone to know that there is absolutely no expectation or obligation to give. I’m more than willing to accept help when it’s offered, but I never want anyone to contribute unless it’s something they genuinely want to do. Your friendship, encouragement, and support already mean more to my family than you know. If enough people choose to help, our hope is to raise the funds needed to purchase Dad’s Miata from his estate so it can remain in our family. Instead of saying goodbye to the car he loved, we’d be able to preserve a piece of his legacy and someday let Aiden continue making memories in the very same Miata his grandfather cherished. This isn’t just about saving a car. It’s about preserving family history. It’s about honoring a father and grandfather whose love for the Miata community continues to inspire us. Whether you choose to donate or simply share our story, thank you for being part of this journey. Every kind word, every prayer, every share, and every contribution helps us celebrate my dad’s life and the memories he left behind. Thank you for helping us give Dad one final unforgettable drive—and, if we’re fortunate enough, helping us keep his beloved Miata in the family for generations to come. in loving memory of Bruce Kosak With heartfelt gratitude, Michael & Aiden