The competition, inspired by an event held by CAA's East Bay Chapter for the past 10 years, featured 15 customized toy semis created by local collision repair shops, which were on display for the nearly 100 attendees.  A panel of judges reviewed the trucks, and attendees were asked to vote for their favorite.

All of the trucks were offered for sale in a silent auction, as were a pair of third-row, center-court seats for an upcoming L.A. Lakers basketball game.

 
Representative of two charities--the Orangewood Children's Foundation and Colette's Children's Home--were on hand to discuss their programs and were each awarded a check for $2,735, the proceeds from the auctions.

Orangewood Children's Foundation focuses on the ongoing needs of children in the foster care system, developing a wide range of activities, scholarships, support, and programs designed to give every child a chance to succeed.

Colette's is a shelter for homeless women and children that provides job counseling, teaches life skills such as budgeting, parenting, and health and nutrition training.

The truck entered by the Norwalk Toyota Collision Center, which featured radical modifications to create a streamlined, flowing cab and body with gold graphics over a black basecoat, was the winner chosen by a panel of three judges and was also chosen as the crowd's favorite.  The vehicle was designed and painted by Technician Willie Olea with assistance from Technician Mario Donis, said Manager Steve Burroughs. Norwalk Toyota repurchased the vehicle for a $2,000 donation.

Entries from Fix Auto captured the second- and third-place awards.  Fix Auto Anaheim won second place with a radically modified truck with a custom grille, chopped truck and trailer, and an acrylic roof on the trailer that showed off the custom car contained within.  The truck sat in a highly detailed diorama of a salvage yard, complete with a junkyard dog.  The truck was built by Technician Richard Golden.

Fix Auto Ontario South's third-place winner fused the truck and trailer to create an open car hauler that included two custom cars.  Technician Joe Balakowski created the vehicle.

Association members vowed to increase the number of entries for the second annual competition in 2008 and increase the turnout for the viewing and auction.  At least one truck builder was heard saying that he was going to start on his next creation right away.