Dirty cars needing to be washed are often a chore, but during all of September, cleaning a vehicle can be a gift to charity.

Todd’s Car Wash is teaming with the mother of a deceased University of Louisiana at Lafayette kinesiology student to benefit a scholarship fund in his honor.

Carol Trosclair Lamson’s son, David Trosclair, died while he was a UL senior. He accidently took a fatal combination of prescription and over-the-counter medicines while trying to overcome a sickness.

Trosclair studied kinesiology at UL, and his professors recognized great potential in the young man.

"He was one of the best students I ever had," said Brian Campbell, an assistant professor of biomechanics at UL. "He was smart, and he was humble."

That potential spurred the Kinesiology Department to launch a

scholarship in his name to benefit future students following in his footsteps.

"I was so blown away," Lamson said. "They just knew David, and they knew he was worthy of a memorial scholarship."

The David Trosclair Memorial Scholarship in Kinesiology was first awarded this past April through a $2,000 scholarship given to an outstanding kinesiology student.

Now, Lamson is trying to raise money for the scholarship fund by working with Todd’s Car Wash.

She said she first had the idea of recruiting a business to help with her endeavor after seeing UL’s campaign to raise

$4.5 million for various scholarships. The school has already raised about

$3 million.

She then went to Todd’s Car Wash, where she explained her efforts to owner Todd Lemaire.

Though Lamson and Lemaire didn’t know each other previously, Lemaire jumped on the opportunity to help fund UL scholarships.

"My kids are in college, and I know how hard it is to do that," Lemaire said. "It’s just a good thing. I felt compelled to help."

Lamson first asked Lemaire to host the benefit one day in September, but he quickly gave her a mile when she asked for only an inch.

"All I asked for was one day, but he gave me the whole month," Lamson said.

To take part in the fundraiser, people must buy a ticket from either Lamson or the Kinesiology Department.

For a $10 ticket, donors will get a $20 car wash from Todd’s that includes a vehicle wash and wipe down, interior vacuuming and dusting, tire dressing and a no rain guarantee.

"We figure most people wash their car once a month," Lamson said. "In the month of September, could you wash it at Todd’s? Do what you’re already doing, just do it at Todd’s."

Lemaire said half of each $10 ticket will be given to the David Trosclair Memorial Scholarship in Kinesiology while his business will keep the other half to cover operating costs.

"Future students now can carry on what David was going to do," Campbell said. "It’s a win-win-win. The person who is buying the car wash gets half off, Todd’s gets the business, and David’s scholarship is funded."

Lamson said she hopes Lemaire’s generosity will spur other Lafayette businesses to host fundraisers to help UL collect the $

4.5 million it is seeking for scholarships.

"As a town, we could raise the rest of the money UL needs," Lamson said.

To buy tickets for the $10 car wash benefit, you may contact either Carol Trosclair Lamson or UL’s Department of Kinesiology. Lamson may be reached at (337) 255-8155 or at carol8155@cox-internet.com. The Kinesiology Department may be reached at (337) 482-6615 or at 225 Cajundome Blvd.

The tickets may be used at any of Todd’s Car Wash’s three locations — 5505 Johnston St. and 2309 W. Pinhook Road in Lafayette and 811 S. Lewis St. in New Iberia.