West Allis auto group gifts new car to local family struggling amid pandemic

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A local family that's living through a nightmare got a heartwarming surprise Thursday, Jan. 28.

The Wernicke family was presented with a new Hyundai by the International Autos Group in West Allis.

The group sponsored a contest, looking for families affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Twenty-two-year-old Andrew Wernicke has battled cancer for 10 years, and his dad, Dean, recently lost his job because of the pandemic. 

Lori Wernicke entered the contest, and on Thursday, they gratefully accepted the keys to their car. They say it will be a big help.

"There's plenty to worry about, clearly," said Dean Wernicke. "Andrew is immunocompromised, and so because of that, we really don't want to have to get onto a plane."

"I just want to thank everyone involved with the car," Andrew Wernicke said. 

International Autos Group will take care of the sales tax and fees so the Wernickes don't have to deal with that expense.