FREEPORT — Under a bright, sunny summer Sunday, classic car owners and enthusiasts from across the Midwest came together to help raise money for the Lions Club Leader Dogs for the Blind Organization.
More than 100 cars filled the Stephenson County Fairgrounds for the Cedarville Lions Rocky M Dog and Pony Car Show, an annual event held for the ninth straight year.
Ricky Mueller, who works with his wife, Janet, to bring the car show to the community, could not be happier.
“I am humbled by the response we have had this year, especially during these hard times,” Mueller said on Sunday. “I have had people donate large sums of money, and when we count up at the end of the day, I expect to net $5,000 from this event.”
Ricky, who is president of the Cedarville Lions Club, said he is proud to know the small, local active Lions Club is the second-highest club in the state of Illinois with donations to the Lions Club Leader Dogs for the Blind Organization. He added, “We are also in the top 20% in the nation.”
The car show also had a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing, and gave out 75 trophies to classic car owners.
Dale Weber of Freeport brought his 1999 Mazda Miata red convertible car. Weber said he loves the annual car show that is also a fundraiser to help others.
“Classic car owners are like one big family,” Weber said. “This car show is about the music and the sense of community through a love for cars, and in the end, it feels good to know that I can contribute to do something good for others.”
There was no admission charge for the car show. Money raised came from car owners to be on display, and dollars raised through the auction. Ricky said the best part is when people just hand him checks and want to remain anonymous.
Terry and Marilyn Nolan of Lanark spent the afternoon looking at the cars while talking to the owners. Marilyn said, “There just aren’t many car shows anymore and this year has made it extra different, so when we knew we could support something good, and look at cars, we knew we just had to come.
Tim added, “I am a car nut, and something like this is right up my alley.”
Jane Lethlean: [email protected]; @DOGWMN2
