Show and shine car show helps animal shelter

By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     In an effort to raise money for a local non-profit that organizers feel deserves some attention, “Show & Shine Help’n with Hotrods” comes to the Jones County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 16.

     The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will help raise money for the Animal Welfare Friends, an animal shelter in Monticello that adopts out dogs and cats.

     “Our main goal is to help the shelter,” shared co-organizer Dennis “Fish” Fitzsimmons.

     Those organizing the show and shine are Rick and Deb Kerper and Diane and Dennis “Fish” Fitzsimmons.

     “We just love helping people and different organizations,” said Fitzsimmons. He said they had several options of non-profits to donate to, but the AWF topped the list.

     To make their presence known, AWF will have some of the animals on site that are available for adoption.

     Fitzsimmons said he toured the new animal shelter himself to gain some background on the facility and its mission.

     “They are excited for this event and were willing to help us in any way they could,” he said. “I bet half the people in Monticello don’t know they’re out there.”

     AWF doesn’t just house stray dogs and cats from Jones County, but animals from all over the country.

     “I was so impressed,” added Fitzsimmons.

     Wanting to make Show & Shine Help’n with Hotrods an annual event, Fitzsimmons said they would likely designate their funds toward a different organization each year.

     The show and shine is free and open to the public. Rather than call it a car show, Fitzsimmons explained classic car owners pour so much time, effort and money into their classic vehicles that all they really want to do is show them off to the public.

     “We want people to bring their cars, park them and not feel they have to compete,” said Fitzsimmons. “People can come and see cars and talk to people about cars.”

     He said owners of any make, model, or year are welcome to display their vehicles.

     “If you’re proud of it, bring it,” encouraged Fitzsimmons. “We’ll take it!”

     A car show divides those in attendance by class; a show and shine is just as the name suggests.

     Vehicles can start lining up inside the fairgrounds starting at 10 a.m.

     “The fairgrounds is a nice place to display the cars, and provides some shade,” Fitzsimmons said.

     There will be several events throughout the day, all in an effort to raise money for the AWF shelter: a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, a bake sale (sold by volunteers with AWF), a craft and vendor fair, and a food stand.

     “We’ve received lots of donations and items already,” shared Fitzsimmons.

     Live music, provided by Darrell Reyner, will be enjoyed as well. The Monticello Lions Club will be serving lunch from a food stand on the grounds. Ice Cream Island will be serving cold treats.

     The show and shine will come to an end around 3 p.m. Fitzsimmons said people want to get home with their classic cars while it’s still light out.

     Those taking part in the show and shine event will be eligible for door prizes. One of the big door prizes available are two fair concert tickets and gate passes for the Kid Rock and Ted Nugent performance at the Great Jones County Fair.

     “We want to help get their (AWF) name out, and every penny will help,” said Fitzsimmons. “We just hope to do some good.”

 

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