UPDATE: A heartwarming birthday story is trending as James Cortelyou, an autistic boy, celebrated his 5th birthday at a car wash in Hermitage, Tennessee. What started as a unique request for a car wash-themed party has turned into a touching community event, documented in a viral TikTok video.
When his mother, Kate Cortelyou, reached out to various venues for his birthday, she faced rejection after rejection. “I called about a dozen car washes and got turned down every time,” she shared. However, her determination led her to Washtopia, where the owner, Mike Logan, enthusiastically embraced the idea.
Logan, the managing partner at Washtopia, immediately recognized the importance of fulfilling James’s dream. “When we first received Kate’s email, our immediate reaction was, ‘Absolutely, this sounds like a fantastic idea,’” he stated. The team at Washtopia went above and beyond, transforming the venue into a magical experience for James and his friends.
The celebration included a custom giant welcome sign, complimentary car washes for parents, and even a surprise cake from the car wash team, in addition to the one Kate made. “The only question we had was, ‘How can we make this the best day ever for him?’” Logan recalled.
James’s fascination with car washes began as a daily ritual, where he and his mother would sit in awe, watching the vehicles go through the wash. Kate explained, “We started building them—with blocks, LEGOs, stand mixer attachments, and paper towels. We got creative.” This birthday theme was a perfect reflection of his interests.
The party, held earlier this month, left a lasting impact on James, now 11. “He still talks about the party,” Kate said, emphasizing that it was a moment filled with joy and excitement for her son. Logan noted that witnessing James’s happiness was the ultimate reward: “My favorite moment from that day was hearing James say, ‘This is the best day of my life.’ There’s no greater reward than knowing we helped create a memory like that.”
The bond between the Cortelyou family and Washtopia has continued since the event. Logan recently sent T-shirts and goodies to James and his siblings, reinforcing the spirit of community that Washtopia prides itself on. The car wash has even incorporated James’s birthday story into their employee training, highlighting the importance of supporting children and the local community.
This uplifting story is a testament to the power of community support and the joy of fulfilling a child’s dream. As James’s birthday celebration continues to resonate with many, it serves as a reminder of the impact kindness can have on individuals and families.
Stay tuned for more updates and heartfelt stories that inspire joy and community spirit.