Caleb Hester and fiancée Maya Norris (center) with Concours Motors CEO Gerardo “J.R.” Luna (right) and COO Rita Luna (left). Photo by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo @marie_the_photographer
On October 29, Concours Motors of Ventura celebrated its eighth annual Wheels to Shine Giveaway, awarding a pristine 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 and a year of free maintenance to Ojai resident Caleb Hester. Caleb, 20, was selected from 60 nominees for the honor.
A recent Summa Cum Laude graduate from Pepperdine University, Caleb completed high school years ahead of schedule, finishing with nearly two years of college credits and maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout his studies. Tragically, his mother, Lisa Hester, 43, was struck and killed by a speeding driver on July 31 while walking on a crosswalk, leaving behind Caleb and his seven younger siblings, the youngest just four years old. Friends describe Caleb as a quiet, dedicated, and compassionate young man who has become a pillar of strength for his grieving family.
Caleb was nominated for Wheels to Shine by close family friend Fawn Parish of Camarillo. Shortly after receiving the award, Caleb married his childhood sweetheart, Maya Norris, 19.
Concours Motors CEO Gerardo “J.R.” Luna and COO Rita Luna, known for their philanthropy in Ventura County, contribute to over 18 local organizations, participate in beach cleanups, and support youth through the Police Activities League. They say the Wheels to Shine giveaway is particularly meaningful because it allows them to share their skills as master technicians. “We’re so grateful to everyone who nominated someone for this year’s Wheels to Shine. As always, our nominations committee had a nearly impossible task, but Caleb and his family are truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see what he accomplishes with his new car,” shared J.R. Luna.
Friends of the Hester family have set up a GoFundMe page to help Caleb pursue his dream of attending medical school: GoFundMe link. To learn more about Concours Motors’ Wheels to Shine program, visit WheelsToShine.com.
