Kennewick coffee shop turns vintage van into veterans fundraiser

The Brief

Rockabilly Roasting Company is giving away a restored 1985 Toyota van to raise money for the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, with a goal of raising $3,000 to $5,000.
Customers can enter the giveaway by purchasing a $55 “van bundle” at the shop (101 W. Kennewick Ave, Ste A), which includes two bags of coffee, a tote bag, a sticker, and a raffle ticket for a chance to win the custom van.
Local businesses collaborated to restore and customize the van, including hand-painted artwork, a custom roof rack, and retro entertainment features like a Super Nintendo and VCR.

KENNEWICK, Wash. — A local coffee shop owner is combining his passion for cars with his commitment to supporting veterans through an unconventional fundraiser that runs through November.

Rockabilly Roasting Company owner Kagen Cox is giving away a fully restored 1985 Toyota van, but the real prize extends beyond the vehicle itself. A large portion of the proceeds from special coffee bundle sales will support the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, an organization that provides critical resources to local veterans.

Cox originally purchased the van as a delivery vehicle for his coffee business, but quickly realized it didn’t meet his operational needs. Rather than letting it sit unused, he saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in his community.

“I love cars, and I’ve always wanted to give a car away,” Cox said. “We had this extra rig, and I thought, well, what am I going to do with it? And that just kind of snowballed from there.”

The transformation of the van became a community effort. Local businesses rallied behind the project, each contributing their expertise. A local artist provided a hand-painted comic book-style design. Soldier and Metalworks created a custom roof rack. Greenies installed a board on top. East to West Mobile Mechanic is performing a complete engine refresh. An antique shop donated retro entertainment components, including a Super Nintendo, VCR, and television that will be mounted inside the van.

Cox’s connection to the veterans community runs deep. Multiple family members are veterans or currently serving in the military, and he grew up understanding the importance of supporting those who have served.

“A lot of my family are veterans or are still currently serving,” Cox said. “I know how important it is that these men and women who get out of the military have a support group, especially those who have seen active duty.”

Rockabilly Roasting Company was already partnering with the Columbia Basin Veterans Center on various initiatives. When Cox decided to launch a giveaway, supporting the veterans center felt like the natural choice.

“We felt like if we were going to give something away, we wanted it to be kind of fun for everybody, and we wanted to do it bigger than just good for the shop,” Cox said. “We thought there was a win-win for everybody.”

How to Enter

The entry process is simple and transparent. Customers purchase a “van bundle” for $55 at Rockabilly Roasting Company, located at 101 W. Kennewick Ave, Ste A, Kennewick, WA 99336. Each bundle includes two bags of coffee, a customized tote bag, a sticker, and a raffle ticket that automatically enters the buyer into the final giveaway drawing in November.

A significant portion of each bundle sale goes directly to the Columbia Basin Veterans Center. Cox estimates the fundraiser will raise between $3,000 and $5,000 by November, when one local winner will be selected via a ticket-based prize drawing.

The timing is strategic. According to Cox, fall is when the veterans center’s funding typically becomes tight, making this fundraiser particularly valuable.

The Columbia Basin Veterans Center uses donations to provide therapy, housing assistance, food, and other essential resources to veterans. The organization also helps connect veterans with support groups and navigates the often lengthy process of obtaining services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Sometimes the VA can take a really long time to get things done,” Cox explained. “This is a group outside of that that helps walk along veterans and get them the resources and help they need while they’re waiting for the VA stuff to go through.”

One unique aspect of the giveaway is that customers must visit the Rockabilly Roasting Company shop in person to enter. This requirement creates multiple benefits: customers get quality coffee, the shop receives foot traffic, and the veterans center receives funding.

“The only way to get entered into this is you have to come down to the shop,” Cox said. “It’s good for us because we’re getting people into our shop. But not only do you get good coffee, but you get an opportunity to help some veterans and hopefully win a van.”

The van has already generated buzz in the community. When Cox brought it to the Benton Franklin County Fair, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The retro aesthetic—combining 1980s and 1990s design elements—resonates with current cultural trends.

Cox is transparent about the van’s condition. It’s an older vehicle with its quirks and imperfections, but that’s precisely what he loves about it.

“Whoever wins it, just understand this doesn’t drive like a new car,” Cox said. “You’re sitting over the front. It’s got its quirks. It’s not perfect. But that’s what I love about it—it’s not perfect, and it’s something that’s just meant to be fun.”

For Cox, giving back to the community isn’t a one-time effort. His philosophy stems from the support he received throughout his life.

“We wouldn’t be where we’re at without the support that we’ve had, not only from our customers but since I was a little kid up till now,” Cox said. “I didn’t get here by myself. I’ve had so many people along the way just pour their heart out into me. As I’ve gotten older, I want to be somebody that’s helpful and kind and encouraging.”

Cox hopes the fundraiser resonates with people looking for positive community action in uncertain times.

“There’s a lot of crazy going on in the world,” Cox said. “I think just something fun that we can all do together. There is good news; good people are doing good things, and you can be a part of that.”

Get Involved

The van giveaway runs through November at Rockabilly Roasting Company. Customers interested in supporting the Columbia Basin Veterans Center while having a chance to win the restored 1985 Toyota van can purchase van bundles at the shop located at 101 W. Kennewick Ave, Ste A, Kennewick, WA 99336. Each $55 bundle includes two bags of coffee, a tote bag, a sticker, and an entry ticket into the final drawing.