The Northeast Texas Community College Foundation and the Carroll Shelby Automotive Program took center stage in front of thousands and a national television audience last Friday night at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The college’s 1968 Shelby GT350 convertible sold to John Simonetti from Granbury, Texas with a bid of $100,000. All of the proceeds go directly to the NTCC Foundation to support students in the Shelby Automotive Program. The NTCC car was one of only four charity vehicles auctioned during the week-long event.
“Last Friday was a really momentous day for NTCC. From Barry Smith, who donated the car, to the buyer, the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the folks at Barrett-Jackson – this was the culmination of so much generosity and support. I cannot express how much we appreciate everyone who made this happen,” Dr. Jonathan McCullough, NTCC Executive Vice President for Advancement, said.
McCullough, Dr. Kevin Rose, Senior Vice President for Student Success, and Ron Luellen, Director of the Shelby Automotive Program, were accompanied at the event by two students and Shelby alumna Beth VanDyke. Aaron Shelby announced the car on behalf of the Carroll Shelby Foundation.
According to McCullough, Simonetti purchased the vehicle as a gift for his mother and it will remain in Texas, where they reside.
“It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Simonetti and give him more background on the car and the Shelby Automotive Program. He was very interested in learning more about what we do and he plans to visit campus in the near future,” McCullough said.
To learn more about the Shelby Automotive Program, visit shelbyautotech.com or contact Luellen at 903-434-8159. Tax-deductible donations to the program can be made anytime at ntcc.edu/give.
Header & bottom image credit: Barrett-Jackson Facebook page.
