Community Corner
Car Show Helps Kids' Dreams
In its 15th year, the "Dream Cars for Kids' Dreams" is a big fundraiser for the Connecticut Children's Place.
Whether you are a fan of antique cars or hot rods, “Dream Cars for Kids’ Dreams” will have something for everyone. Now in its 15th year, the popular car show held at the is the center’s biggest annual fundraiser.
People can register their cars up until the day of, from 9 a.m. to noon. Usually more than 300 cars of all types, from hot rods to antique cars, register for the event. Registration prior to the show is $8 per car, on the day of the show the registration fee is $10.
To attend the event, admission is $2 for adults and free for children. Voting will be from noon to 1:30 p.m., trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m.
Mike Daugherty, a volunteer who helps organize the event, said usually between $6,000 and $8,000 is raised for the Connecticut Children’s Place.
The Connecticut Children's Place is a facility of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. It provides brief treatment, residential care and educational instruction for abused and neglected children between the ages of 13 and 17 from all across the state. Formerly known as the State Receiving Home, it began as an orphanage in the 1800s. The center now has 38 beds.
Carlos Bonilla, Director of Residential Care, said the event usually has a good turnout.
“It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day, so we are looking forward to a successful event,” Bonilla said. “We have a lot of people who have a history of supporting us year after year.”
He said the money raised is put into a general welfare account for the children at the center. Money is used throughout the year for activities for the kids, such as going to the movies, tickets for the Big E and other recreational events.
On Sunday, there will be food made by the facility available, including hot dogs and hamburgers, French fries and strawberry shortcake. There will be children’s activities and a silent auction.
Platinum sponsors of the event, which have made a donation of $500 or more, include the Nutmeg Chapter of the Pontiac Oakland Club, AMICA Mutual Insurance, CT Chapter of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters, Tony’s Automotive, T-shirts Etc., Sprague Energy, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of CT, Charter Oak Firebird Club and Taylor Rental of Manchester.
The Connecticut Children’s Place is at the intersection of Route 140 and Gardner Street in East Windsor. For more information, call 860-688-9328 or e-mail mikenjune@sbcglobal.net
