LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — After nearly two decades of raising funds for area organizations, the annual Charity Car Show continued its tradition of giving back. On Wednesday, event organizers presented $8,000 in donations to eight local non-profit groups during the event’s official Donation Day.
Despite sweltering temperatures the day of the show, organizers say 170 vehicles turned out to support the cause. They emphasized that many attendees may not realize the lasting impact their presence and participation have on the charities that receive the funds.
“This year’s show was another great success,” said one organizer. “Even with the heat, the community came out strong, and we’re proud to support these groups doing meaningful work.”
Among the non-profits receiving funds was the Veterans Food Pantry of Northwest Ohio, whose director, Betsy Potts, says the donation is timely and critical.
“For the Veterans Food Pantry, this is really important to us—especially now, since our building has been sold and I have to go out and find a new building,” Potts said. “Any donations are going to help us find a new location and settle in.”
David Bates, founder of Warriors Way, said the donation will help further their mission of supporting veterans, first responders, youth, and mental health initiatives.
“Donations like this from organizations that help raise funds locally are great for us,” Bates said. “It helps fuel our mission and the services we provide to the community.”
Laurie Camper, program director for Spread the Love, a non-profit affectionately known as the "Peanut Butter and Jelly Group," said the money will help keep their pantry stocked for the children they serve.
“We’ve only been in operation for about a year, so we’re still building up our pantry,” Camper said. “We spend approximately $600 a month if we have to buy all the items ourselves, just to feed 100 to 120 kids per week. Any donation helps us keep our shelves stocked.”
Other organizations receiving donations include The Love Luggage Project, Westgate Angels, All Star Pet Rescue, Soldiers of Honor, and The Arc of Lima.
Organizers say they’re already planning for next year’s event, hoping to grow the turnout—and the impact—even more.
