The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Annual Cars For Kids show returns Oct. 14
On Sunday, October 14, the Valley Collector Car Club and the Litchfield Hills Historical Automobile Club will collaborate with the Connecticut Junior Republic in presenting the 6th Annual Cars for Kids Automobile Show on Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the school’s Litchfield campus.
Gates open at 8 a.m. for exhibitors The rain date is Oct. 21. Exhibitor bags will be provided for the first 200 show car registrants. The first 100 exhibitors to register will also receive a dashboard plaque. Show car entries are $10 per car. More than 20 trophies and awards will be presented at approximately 2:15 p.m. Spectator admission is $5 per car.
A variety of breakfast items and a luncheon consisting of a choice of a pulled pork or breaded chicken breast sandwich plate will be served in CJR’s D’Assern Dining Room. A Food Court will offer a variety of foods to “eat on the go,” including hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, pretzels and ice cream sandwiches. The Litchfield Aid of CJR will offer home-baked cakes, cookies and other delicious items at its Bake Sale.
Union Savings Bank is the event’s Concours Sponsor and FM 97.3 WZBG is the Media Sponsor. This event is suitable for the entire family and a variety of activities are planned for young children, including face and pumpkin painting, a scavenger hunt, farm tours and hay rides. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Junior Republic.
“Community and partnerships are so important to both Union Savings Bank and the Connecticut Junior Republic. We applaud CJR for all of their efforts in helping the youth in the communities we both serve. The Cars for Kids event is bigger and better every year and a great family event with cool cars and activities for all ages,” said Rick Judd, Executive Vice President for Union Savings Bank and CJR Board member.
Joseph Greco, Chair of the Steering Committee for the Cars for Kids Automobile Show and Treasurer of the CJR Board of Directors, expressed optimism about the success of this year’s benefit. “Last year, with the leadership of some very special friends, including Union Savings Bank and FM 97.3 WZBG, local businesses, and our sponsoring car clubs, we raised approximately $25,000 in net proceeds,” he reported. Mr. Greco noted that
CJR’s 2017 Car Show featured 320 show cars, nearly 650 spectators and the involvement of more than 100 volunteers, including CJR students and staff. “This year we are hoping for even more exhibitors,” he said.
Both the Litchfield Hills Historical Automobile Club and the Valley Collector Car Club are non-profit groups dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of classic automobiles and to supporting charities in the community.
“This show welcomes antiques, muscle cars, trucks, custom cars, exotics and street rods, and we hope to have at least 350 exhibitors this year,” said Glenn Royals, President of the Litchfield Hills Historical Automobile Club.
Richard Dabrowski, President of the Simsbury-based Valley Collector Car Club is optimistic that the 2018 benefit will be a success. “The setting and the amenities make this show a destination event, and one that our Club is very pleased to take a leadership role in supporting,” he noted.
According to CJR Executive Director Daniel Rezende, the Cars for Kids Automobile Show will include the participation of students from several of CJR’s program locations. “Young people from our Litchfield campus and community programs look forward to preparing and serving lunch, assisting with tours and other parts of the show,” he said. “We are very grateful for all the support we receive from the community,” said Mr. Rezende. “This show is an increasingly significant fundraiser and an important vehicle for showcasing the work of the Junior Republic,” he stated.
For information, contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations (860) 567-9423, extension 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org