On Friday, Dec. 14, Loveland Police responded to a scene that left a Fort Collins teenage motorcyclist in critical condition. Rushed into emergency surgery at the Medical Center of the Rockies, 19-year-old Tristan Hibbert had been riding motorcycles since he was 3-years-old. The evening of the wreck, a drunk driver ran a stop sign and hit Tristan, who is an employee at Houska Tire and Oil. Fortunately, he was wearing his helmet and all other appropriate biking gear.
After Tristan’s surgery in the ICU, rehabilitation has become the most important focus in his recovery. While trying to be by his side and also go to work to pay the medical bills, his family is doing their best to stay strong during this financial and emotional hardship.
On Saturday, Jan. 19, Houska Automotive is hosting a benefit to raise money and show support to Tristan and his family. It will be held indoors from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and include a silent auction. Food will also be provided from Fentiman’s Freezer Meats and Tristan’s friends and family for a donation. At the end of the benefit, if the weather permits, Tristan’s friends and family are intending on hosting a motorcycle ride.
Guaranty Bank has also participated and is showing their support by not only accepting donations for Tristan at all of their Colorado locations, but by waiving fees for those who want to make donations directly off of their debit and credit cards. Donations can be made in person or by mail:
Guaranty Bank
C/o Tristan Hibbert Donation Account
1335 E. Eisenhower Blvd.
Loveland, CO 80538
“It’s very impressive to see how his family and friends have stepped up,” said Jason Lightbody, Tristan’s manager in the Tire & Oil department. “They’ve all taken little jobs on from the party to the donations. I’ve been involved in a lot of charity events, but I haven’t seen this kind of outpour in a long time. Tristan is an awesome employee and has worked for us for two years. We have an Apprentice Program, and when people go through it, they are full-blown mechanics by the end of it. Tristan was on the track to do that; we just have been waiting for him to turn 21. He’s a grease monkey, who lives and breathes automotive.”
Houska Automotive has always been more than just a place to service your car. Throughout the years, this small local business has stepped up to serve the Fort Collins community through all of its trials and triumphs. Originally opening their doors in 1952, Houska Automotive currently employs 55 people and provides service up through Cheyenne and down into the entire Front Range. Next month, their newest building will be celebrating its two year anniversary. What started as something small in the Houska name, grew into something much bigger: A purpose, a family and a caring community for all of Fort Collins.
Something that noticeably separates Houska Automotive from other businesses is it’s loving culture to help the community and those in need. In 2015, they raised more than $30,000 when Fort Collins teenager Connor Walsh was hit by a car, and since then, they have hosted several more fundraisers to support worthy local causes.
“Dennis and Noreen are the reason for this culture at Houska,” commented Jason. “We knew we could go ahead and get started on the fundraiser for Tristan because Dennis and Noreen have always set that great example. They are the real deal.”
With a long recovery ahead, and the the benefit just around the corner, items are still being accepted for the silent auction. Please contact Jay Koontz at 970-820-8266 for arrangements. If you are unable to make it to the benefit, but would still like to help, you can click here to donate to Tristan’s GoFundMe page.