Family wins much-needed 2012 Hyundai Accent

Brandon Casutt has spent much of his life giving back to others, so winning a 2012 Hyundai Accent is proof that those who give also receive.

Casutt's compelling story told how he continued to help others even during a series of unbelievable setbacks. The nomination resulted in Casutt being named the winner of the Planet Hyundai Cares campaign conducted during the holiday season. He was nominated by his sons, Zachary and Mitchell.

The green vehicle was awarded recently at Planet Hyundai Centennial at 6200 Centennial Center Blvd. in the northwest valley.

"This is really unique. We now have a green vehicle and it didn't cost us any green to get it," he said
The 41-year-old Casutt has had a run of bad luck during the past few years that cost him in many ways while also testing his strength. The bad luck led to numerous losses that included the passing of his son, Skyler, to cystic fibrosis in 2007, along with other losses that include his home and his employment.

Add in the fact that the family's two vehicles broke down about two years ago and it's understandable why judges in the Planet Hyundai Cares giveaway decided to award the Casutts with a new vehicle.
The Hyundai Accent could not have come at a better time.

"We have been through a lot," Casutt said. "So much has happened and we really needed a vehicle."

Even during the many challenges, Casutt has maintained a positive attitude.

"What was our dad's response to all of these tragic events?" son Zachary wrote in the nomination. "He became president of a nonprofit foundation to try and help others with cystic fibrosis. Our dad spends a lot of time trying to make sure that other families don't have to go through what we went through. In fact, when we ask him about our sister who has cystic fibrosis, he tells us the best thing we can do is help others and hopefully, when we need help, someone will be there for us, too."

"We know that it's very frustrating for dad when he wants to go to a fundraiser or talk to somebody about a donation and can't go because he doesn't have a running vehicle. With the Hyundai Accent from the Planet Hyundai dealerships, he can continue to reach out to help others."
The area's two Planet Hyundai dealerships also paid the sales tax on the vehicle.

Second- and third-place finishers, Jeffrey Dennis and Kraig Mitchell, each received checks for $1,000.

"When we evaluated the three finalists, all the stories were so moving, we decided to make sure that the second- and third-place winners didn't walk away empty-handed, said Jason Tamburro, general manager at Planet Hyundai Sahara."

The Planet Hyundai Cares campaign generated 125 nominations and more than 18,000 votes.

Planet Hyundai co-owner and spokesman Ron Coury said the campaign illustrates the dealerships' owners sincere care for the community.
"This is a sad yet extremely heartwarming story," said Coury, himself a survivor of esophageal cancer. "We appreciate the people in our community who demonstrate such strength and fortitude against seemingly overwhelming odds while also exhibiting great compassion for others. The Casutt family is a prime example of the kind of American spirit this great country was founded on and we're happy to provide the Casutt family with their new Hyundai Accent."

All new Planet Hyundai vehicles come with 10-year, 100,000-mile power train warranties; and five-year, 60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper protection.

Finally, the Accent comes with Hyundai's Assurance trade-in guarantee that ensures the future value of every new Hyundai by guaranteeing today exactly how much it will be worth two, three or four years from the date the car is purchased.

Further information regarding local help for those struggling directly or indirectly with cystic fibrosis can be found by visiting www.SkylersCFfoundation
.20m.com.

Planet Hyundai's dealerships include Planet Hyundai Sahara at 7150 W. Sahara Ave. Further information regarding the dealerships can be found by visiting www.planetlv.com or by calling 702-938-1400 (Sahara) or 702-483-2200 (Centennial).