For 10 years, the Homewood Chevy Cares Car Giveaway has been more than a contest—it’s been a lifeline. Every year, the dealership selects someone truly in need and hands them the keys to a brand-new car. For the winners, it’s never just about the car. It’s about regaining freedom, security, and a little bit of hope.
This year, that life-changing moment belonged to Deanne Recklaus, a single mother of six from Oak Lawn.
The giveaway started with a promise.
“The car business has its ups and downs, and during one of those tough times, I told myself, ‘If I get through this, I want to do something good,’” said Steve Phillipos, owner of Homewood Chevy.
And he did. What began as a simple idea became an annual tradition—one that has touched countless lives. Over time, the selection process has evolved. It’s no longer just a public vote; instead, a panel of judges—including dealership staff and community members—sifts through hundreds of heartfelt nominations.
After narrowing the list to five finalists, they conduct video interviews, giving each nominee a chance to tell their story in their own words. Then, after careful deliberation, the judges choose the winner—the person for whom a car would mean not just convenience, but real, tangible change.
This year, that person was Deanne.
For her, life has never been easy, but she’s always found a way to keep moving forward.
Raising six kids on her own comes with its share of struggles, but her biggest challenge came when her 14-year-old daughter, Autumn, was diagnosed with juvenile lupus.
The disease didn’t just affect Autumn—it turned their entire world upside down. Lupus attacked her nervous system, leading to strokes, blood clots, and complications that required constant medical care. Hospital visits, specialist appointments, emergency trips—it all became part of Deanne’s daily life.
But getting there? That was another story.
Her old car was unreliable, breaking down at the worst times, leaving her stranded more than once. Every trip to the hospital felt like a gamble. “It was always something—something rattling, something stalling. I was just praying it wouldn’t die on me,” she said.
A co-worker saw what Deanne was going through and nominated her for the giveaway. At first, she hesitated—asking for help wasn’t something she was used to. But those closest to her knew she needed this, and so they pushed her to go for it.
When Homewood Chevy called to tell Deanne she had won, she was at the hospital with Autumn.
“I had to step out of the room. When they told me, I literally had to grab onto the wall—I thought I was going to pass out,” she said.
Her kids, though, took it in stride. “My son actually said, ‘Maybe someone else needs it more,’” Deanne laughed. “That’s just how they are.”
On Christmas Eve, with family, friends, and dealership staff cheering her on, Deanne was handed the keys to a brand-new 2025 Chevrolet Trax. But Homewood Chevy didn’t stop there—they covered the sales tax, provided three months of insurance, and made sure she had everything she needed to hit the road without worry.
For Deanne, the car represents more than just transportation. It’s peace of mind.
“Every time I drive it, I feel confidence replacing fear,” she said. “I can take my daughter to the hospital without wondering if my car will make it. I don’t have to depend on other people. It’s just… freeing.”
For Phillipos and the team at Homewood Chevy, seeing winners like Deanne thrive is what makes it all worth it.
“Everybody needs a break,” Phillipos said. “I hope this is the break she needs.”
Deanne’s journey is far from over, but thanks to a community that stepped up, one of her biggest burdens has been lifted.
To support Deanne and her family, visit her GoFundMe page by searching “Help Deanne Joy Support Her Daughter Autumn” on GoFundMe.com.
“Check out the Homewood Chevy Cares Car Giveaway and previous winners at https://www.homewoodchevycares.com