Most SEMA builds are little more than a marketing exercise, but Ford decided to do something different by donating a 2019 Explorer Sport to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer.
The organization provides support to families battling cancer and it spawned the Hatcher Foundation’s Education Advancement Center which allows children with cancer to help build custom show cars. As founder Dr. Jim Osborn explained, “We merged motorsports with therapy in an effort to make recovery fun and not sterile.”
Thanks to Ford’s donation, this year the foundation focused on creating a customized Explorer Sport. It features a unique exterior with orange accents and Paragon wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich tires. The crossover has also been equipped with auxiliary lights, a Yakima roof rack and a four-tailpipe Borla exhaust. The model also has a kayak and a copper accent on the tailgate.
The unique styling continues in the cabin as the Explorer features custom leather seats with white accents and white contrast stitching. The model also has carbon fiber trim and a rear seat entertainment system.
Power comes from a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine which has unspecified performance upgrades. There’s no word on how powerful the model is, but the standard engine develops 365 hp (272 kW / 370 PS) and 350 lb-ft (474 Nm) of torque.
Children worked on various aspects of the build and the industrial arts director for the Austin Hatcher Foundation said “Some kids got to work on the upholstery, some on the racks and some on the lights.” Johnathan Myren went on to say, “It serves as a diversion from the things they’re going through, and we see progress in terms of their cognitive function and fine motor skills.”
The crossover is currently on display at SEMA and the foundation will use it to support their healthy lifestyles program. It will eventually be auctioned off to fund survivor support programs.