Crystal Lake business rescues teen car giveaway

Given the current state of the auto industry, it's understandable that local car dealerships would be hesitant to just give away one of their vehicles.

Try telling that to a high-schooler who for two years has done nothing but the right thing while behind the wheel in hopes of winning a car.

Thanks to a generous donation from a Crystal Lake plumbing company, nobody will have to.

With the car giveaway that highlights the teen driving program Operation Click at stake for one of its five suburban chapters, Black Diamond Plumbing and Electric stepped up recently with an offer to buy a vehicle for the program this year.

"That was huge," said Sean McGrath, a Crystal Lake police officer who created and now leads Operation Click. "We contacted every car dealer in McHenry County, then tried Kane and Lake counties and, with the economy the way it is, they all respectfully declined.

"If not for (Black Diamond's) donation, there would be no car."

Founded by McGrath in 1998, Operation Click is a high school-based program that encourages teen drivers to wear safety belts, drive sober and obey all other traffic laws. Student participants who make it through the year without a violation are eligible to win a car at an end-of-year event.

Five students will win cars at this year's giveaway event next Saturday, April 25, during halftime of the Chicago Slaughter arena football game at the Sears Centre.

That number nearly was four until Black Diamond owner Rick Sperando offered to buy a car for the program's Woodstock chapter, which includes students from Marian Central Catholic, Woodstock, Harvard and Alden-Hebron high schools.

A longtime supporter of Operation Click, Sperando said he didn't hesitate when he learned next week's event would be one car short.

"I had two children who got through high school and college without any accidents, and now that I have grandchildren I hope this program can help them do the same," Sperando said. "It's not the best economy out there right now, but you have to do what you can to help the kids."

About 30 students from schools in Barrington, Crystal Lake, Cary, Wauconda, Libertyville and several other communities will participate in the event, each drawing a key during halftime that could start one of the five cars.

Even those who don't walk away with a car won't leave empty-handed, thanks to donations of gift cards of $200 from Walmart and $25 from Buffalo Wild Wings, McGrath said.

The event is open to the public, with purchase of a ticket to the game. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is expected to be on hand for the halftime festivities.