Car show fundraiser breaks its own record, donates money to veterans

May 23—The annual Spring Fling & Hot Rod Machine car show returned to Highland Park on Saturday. Now in its third year, the fundraiser brought in more money over the weekend than any of its previous events.

A total of $4,000 was brought in by the car show, according to a press release from Andrea Delph, who organizes the event.

The money was donated to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 28 on Tuesday.

Rex Ritchie, commander of the local DAV, explained the funds will go toward purchasing vehicles that will take veterans to and from doctor appointments.

In the mid-80s, Ritchie explained, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs stopped offering rides for veterans visiting their doctors. Nationally, DAV chapters decided to take on the task.

The organization recently received a new Ford Explorer, Ritchie said. He added the local chapter usually gets about two years out of each car; the VA doesn't want vehicles in service after they reach 100,000 miles.

Depending on a decommissioned car's condition, the DAV can sell it and put money from the sale toward purchasing a new vehicle. Ritchie said he usually has to hold a special fundraiser when it's time to purchase a new vehicle, though.

Delph said she was surprised by this year's fundraiser. Although there were fewer cars registered at the show — 86 were entered — it was still able to top previous years' fundraising. She attributed the extra funds to a larger crowd turnout and $800 sold in door prize tickets.

"We're pretty pleased with the outcome this year," she said in a phone call with the Tribune.

Over all three years, the fundraiser has brought in $11,262 for DAV Chapter 28.

"Every year, they raise the bar," Ritchie said. "This is great, what they do for us. I can't say enough about it."

For more information on next year's show, visit the Spring Fling & Hot Rod Machines Facebook page.

James Bennett III can be reached at 765-454-8580 or james.bennett@kokomotribune.com.