Wheels for Kids rides away with top prize in Charity Challenge

Wheels for Kids, a nonprofit group founded by a Palm Beach business owner, took home the $150,000 top prize Saturday night at the 2011 FTI Great Charity Challenge.

Denise Jungbert, owner of Coconut Palm Cleaners, founded the charity, which provides customized wheelchairs to children with special needs who cannot afford them. Jungbert founded the organization in 2003 in honor of her daughter, Ashlee, who has cerebral palsy.

Jungbert said she would have been happy getting the lowest prize money of $10,000. But to come away with the top prize was beyond exciting, she said.

“My heart is stopping,” she said. “I’m just overwhelmed with the joy of being able to take care of my waiting list of customized wheelchairs for children in Palm Beach County. We’re hoping to give out at least 15 wheelchairs at $10,000 apiece.”

Horses N’ Heroes finished second for $125,000 and YMCA of the Palm Beaches took third for $100,000.