Many hours of organizing, planning, and promoting the first annual "Cruise Against Hunger" Car Show held recently at Cross Roads Farm and Craft Market, resulted in a completely successful event, enjoyed by classic car owners and enthusiasts, and the general public.
The car show and related events accomplished the goal of generating monetary profits and collecting non-perishable food donations to assist Food Bank of WNY's Chautauqua County operation.
The organizers of the "Cruise Against Hunger" presented a check in the amount of $1,800 to Polla Milligan, grant director and representative of Food Bank of WNY.
Article Photos
Pictured, from left, are Mark Pouthier, Cross Roads market manager; Gerry Vacanti, Cross Roads event coordinator; Polla Milligan, Food Bank of WNY grant director; Michael Ceci of Westfield, volunteer event coordinator; and Dan Crandall, general manager for Shults of Westfield Auto Group, a co-sponsor of the show.
The presentation occurred at Cross Roads, and represented the final tally of profits raised through the joint efforts of many who began to organize the event last March.
Funds were generated from "show-car" registration fees, donation containers, and the Cross Roads Vendors' "Chinese Auction." Since the opening of the 2012 season in May, food barrels were set up and maintained by the vendors, and were filled through the generosity of customers, staff, and visitors.
More than 75 classic cars and their owners began to congregate within the 23 acres of Cross Roads. The wide selection of automobiles represented each decade of the past 100 years, and ranged from flaming "rod & custom" to vintage "stock original" beauties.
"Oldies" were performed by WNY band, "The Untouchables." Westfield's own "Whiskers, the Balloon Man," delighted both young and old with his balloon creations of animals and objects.
The event concluded with a trophy presentation. In addition to first, second and third winners in 13 "classes," Best of Show, People's Choice, Vendors Choice, Oldest Vehicle, and Furthest Distance Traveled to Show were honored.
The Southern Tier Classic Chevy Club, Food Bank of WNY staff and volunteers, along with Cross Roads volunteers, provided assistance with the show.
Plans have commenced for the 2013 "Cruise Against Hunger," to be held Aug. 10, 2013, at Cross Roads Market.