SANFORD, N.C. - Thanks to American television host, writer and comedian Jay Leno and Texas Pride Trailers, the Central Carolina Community College Automotive Restoration program has received a heavy duty trailer to be used to transport vehicles.

While many people may know Leno from his 22 seasons on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he is a passionate vehicle collector and is well-known for his show Jay Leno's Garage.

Leno was involved in a gas fire accident in November 2022 - and CCCC Automotive Restoration instructor Rick Heptig suggested that students send Leno a "get well" card. That seed of an idea quickly germinated and blossomed into a team-based side project, with students applying their newly acquired metalworking and finishing skills to some scrap pieces in order to fabricate a three-dimensional hanging lamp that integrates a rendering of Leno's signature and the "get well" message into the form of classic roadster grill.

Leno called CCCC and was able to reach Instructor Kiel Rhodes to offer his gratitude for the gesture and to compliment the students' on their skills. The television celebrity asked the faculty about the program - and, later, Leno called to speak to the entire class.

Since that time, the CCCC Automotive Restoration program students continue to watch Leno's videos of vintage vehicles - and now will benefit from this gracious donation of a heavy duty trailer to be used to transport vehicles.

"A donation like this not only gives us the ability to make use of the equipment, but most importantly, it shows our students that there are people and companies that want them to succeed in their goal to work in the restoration industry," said Rhodes.

Students in the CCCC Automotive Restoration Technology program get extensive hands-on training in a variety of subjects such as metal and plastic body restoration, wood and steel component fabrication, automotive engines and drive train, painting and refinishing, automobile upholstery, electrical systems and welding. Students can earn either a Diploma or Certificate.

To learn more about the CCCC Automotive Restoration Technology program, visit www.cccc.edu/autorest.