Events

A Different Kind of Car Show

A Little History

In 2002, Monterey Bay PT Cruisers and PT Cruisers of Silicon Valley joined forces for two quick car shows on Veterans Day: in the morning, at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto; and in the afternoon at the VA Hospital in Menlo Park. The shows were small, the effect was phenomenal.

And…they asked us back. They have been asking us back for the last seven years. In year two, we invited two local Corvette clubs; in year three - Corvettes and mini Coopers (and one Viper); for the last three years, California Customs and Classics joined us. Last year we had over 70 cars from twelve different clubs from Greenfield to Livermore. This year we want to surpass even that - we're shooting 100 cars at least! (Motorcycles, too!)

Every year these guys and gals truly look forward to having us come by - on the weekend before Veterans Day - and share some time. Hey, we're just car nuts, but we make a difference in their lives.

Every Year Has Its Story

We have given a destitute and troubled man back his dignity - for at least a day - when he was able to share the Grand Prize - a radio controlled race car - with his son.

We've given rides in our cars to senior vets and others that remind them of happier times, when they were younger and more vital and their lives were full of promise - and they went off to do their duty. And so we did ours that day. We thanked them.

One year, we gave young Iraq war vet a reason to interact with other brain-injured comrades by getting him interested in radio-controlled cars. Up to that point he was depressed and withdrawn. It's called Recreational Therapy for a reason.

The Really Fun Part

Through our raffle - just for the vets - we have given much-needed socks, hats, clothes, underwear, sweat clothes, jackets, gloves, books, stationery, good food and fun snacks to those who have given so much of their lives for us and our country - and ask so little in return, and often get even less.

So, we're making a personal appeal for participation at this year's event - on November 8th - that we have done now for seven years that transcends the car hobby and serves a much greater need - the Annual Car Show for the Vets Show 'n' Shine at the Veterans Hospital in Menlo Park. This "show" - this day - has always been about the Vets; the cars are incidental.

Fair warning: It's a roller coaster of day emotionally, but we guarantee you that you will come away a changed person - changed for the better for having given back to those who have given so much.

Thank you so much for your consideration of this event (and the others you have supported),

The Board of Directors of Car Show for the Vets

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Here are a few more details and the schedule for the day:

Sunday, November 8, 2009 9 AM to 3 PM

Before 9:15 AM: Arrive at the front lot on Willow Rd. in Menlo Park and detail the cars

9:30 AM: Drivers' meeting and begin parade laps for Nursing Home and Unit 324
               Begin ward visits

10 AM to 10:45 AM: Restage vehicles behind gymnasium for main show
                               (Grand Entrance)

11 AM: All vehicles are staged behind gymnasium
            Blessing of the vehicles

Noon: Lunch begins

1:30 PM: Raffle begins

3:00 PM: (or at conclusion of raffle): Clean up and group departure

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As they have for the last seven years they are counting on us to bring the good stuff that they need so badly.

For the raffle come on out with:

Hats (no beer or liquor brands or logos, please)
Scarves
Gloves
Socks
T-shirts
Sweat suits
Jackets
Stationery
Stamps
Games, cards, toys for big kids
Radio Control cars
Healthful snacks (for lunch AND the raffle)

For the buffet:

Fresh fruit whole or cut up
Chips
Dip
Salsa
Fresh baked goods
*Dietetic and diabetic snacks*
Salads
Pudding cups
Nuts

Anything that makes a good side dish for lunch

Don't forget your radio controlled race cars.

If you have patriotic decorations or flags to bring, those are always welcome.

This is your chance to make a real difference in the lives of those who have given so much and often end up with so little. If you've done this show before, you know how rewarding it is. If you've not done it, please have a heart and come out and join us.

We will be inviting the other cars clubs to come help out as usual; we need all of you to make this work.

"Come show your car and show you care."