Dec. 31, 2016 – West Bend, WI – Three cheers for Heiser Chevrolet Cadillac in West Bend as the dealership reached out today to help a local woman whose end-of-the-year holiday season has been pretty crummy.
“We just wanted to help you ring in the New Year on a better note,” said Mary Ann Scaffidi, owner of the Heiser dealership in West Bend.
Donna Bader’s saga started around 4:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve Day when she went to the Kwik Trip on Silverbrook Drive. Bader accidentally left her keys on the counter at the checkout and when she returned moments later they were gone.
Police reviewed store video and it appears a woman along with a taller man may have taken the keys by mistake and put them in a purse.
The couple did not get gas so it’s difficult to see their license plate and they paid for their purchase in cash.
Bader reached out with her story and need for assistance and the incident was posted on WashingtonCountyInsider and then shared thousands of times throughout the day on Facebook.
However – still no luck in getting the keys.
After spending more than four hours at Kwik Trip, Bader had her vehicle towed. After that the expenses to replace the keys and get everything squared away began to mount.
Today, Scaffidi and the crew at Heiser stepped in to try and make things right. “I would like to eliminate your stress so here’s a check to cover all the repairs to your vehicle, Kwik Trip also wanted to give you a gift certificate and this gift is from me and my family,” said Scaffidi.
Bader put her hand to her mouth, beside herself with emotion.
“Thank you,” said Bader in tears. “West Bend is such a great community.”
FYI – Bader now keeps her keys on a crimson and gold West Bend East Suns lanyard.
UPDATE: Police said the couple with the keys may have been driving a dark /black vehicle. If the Insider audience can please share this story so we can find the keys. I am working with Kwik Trip and WBPD to get a photo from the surveillance video so we can share that and maybe someone will recognize the couple.
We’ll reiterate, nobody is in trouble – police view this as an accident. The keys may be dropped at the WB Police Department on Vine Street just east of Main Street.
Or call me at 262-334-4526 and I’ll help get them to the rightful owner. Thank in advance for the help.