Dozens of car enthusiasts braved the heat Saturday to check out the car show at Richmond Hill’s Independence Day celebration in J.F. Gregory Park.
The show, which was organized by the Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) of Richmond Hill and Long Time Comin’ car club, featured 25 custom cars, ranging from ‘70s classics to brand new models with aftermarket modifications and custom paint jobs.
“This is a great event because it brings people to see these nice vehicles, and it helps bring them to the city’s celebrations as well,” said WBA vice president Shirley Heagerty. “It’s a fun for everybody, and it’s for a good cause.”
Members from several area car clubs, like Exclusive Whips, Flawlezz Ryderz and 3MC, lined up their vehicles to be judged by spectators. At the end of the event, the WBA presented certificates to winners in 15 categories, including best in show, best truck and best sound system.
One spectator, 5-year-old Raekwon Jones, was especially impressed with the 2003 Hummer H2 that won first place in both the truck and woman-owned category.
“It’s my favorite. I like it because it’s big and a monster,” he said.
The Hummer’s owner, Jennifer Frei, owns Personal Touch Collision in Richmond Hill and is a member of the WBA. She said the truck’s “monster” status is attributed to a 12-inch lift and 20-inch tires.
Raekwon’s sister, 9-year old Niya Jones, also enjoyed the show but was more liberal in her praise.
“Today is awesome. I like all the cars. They’re all nice and really pretty,” she said. “I wish there was a purple one though. That would be my favorite.”
The show raised $304 in entry fees and donations, and all proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), a charitable organization dedicated to funding Type 1 diabetes research.
“The participating car clubs are generously donating all the money raised to the foundation, which is our charity of the year,” said WBA member Bonnie Proctor. “We’re grateful for all their help and generosity.”
Antony “Money” Walthour, founder of Long Time Comin’ car club, said the fundraiser was in line with his club’s mission statement.
“Our club, we try to do all kinds of fundraising that we can get involved with. We want to do all we can to help support families and kids throughout the community. It’s what we’re about,” he said.
The WBA has raised $3,500 for JDRF this year through events like Saturday’s car show, and Heagerty says she’s confident the club will reach its $5,000 fundraising goal by the end of the year.