Because Cole is 6-foot-8, the van needs a large door opening, said his mother, Debby Bellon.
Cole, a baseball and basketball player in school, was partially paralyzed in a car crash on Dec. 29, 2006.
He was a passenger in a Toyota Echo that went off Marsh Pike and struck a utility pole, according to an accident report. Court records show that the driver pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence and was given probation before judgment.
The upper part of Cole's spinal cord was injured, Dr. Daniel Sullivan of Parkway Neuroscience and Spine Institute has said.
Cole can move his arms and has some use of his hands, but Sullivan said it's unlikely he'll walk again.
That's not how Cole thinks, said Arthur Claybon, a friend since sixth grade.
"He's seriously determined," Claybon said. "He's not accepting anything but the best. If you say sorry, he'll say, 'Sorry for what? This is just a phase.'
"He's a very strong, strong man."
Claybon was there Saturday, along with Kendall Stoner, Brian Huguenin, Sid Huguenin and many other friends from the schools Cole attended - North High, Hagerstown Community College and Salisbury (Md.) University.
Matt's friend Scott Goldstein came up from Jacksonville, Fla.
"I'm overwhelmed by the support of my friends and the community," Cole said.
Debby Bellon said the van will mean more freedom for Cole, who usually leaves the house only for physical therapy.
Dave Watters, who owns Beef 'O' Brady's with his wife, Linda, said he and Cole decided that the van will be black with purple ghost flames.
The Watterses contributed much to Saturday's event.
"You just want to do the right thing for the people you love," Dave Watters said.
ColeFest started with Van Lear - Matt Bellon, Chris Boggs and Josh Miller - and Dave Watters' son, Sam.
"We just decided it'll be nice to raise a little money and put on a nice show," said Matt, 24. "It snowballed."
