The Berks County Mustang Car Club’s fifth annual car show at the Evergreen Club in Fleetwood on Sunday benefited the Salvation Army of Reading.
The Club presented a check for $750 to the Salvation Army that day.
The car show featured 80 entries of Mustangs.
‘It (the car show) benefits the Salvation Army; we have door prizes, a Chinese auction and 50-50s. Evergreen does all the food,’ said BCMCCI President Marty Werner.
‘The club meets here at the Evergreen Club on the third Wednesday of every month. We also meet the first Monday of every month from April to October at Dairy Queen in Kenhorst for a cruise night. Our members are from all over Berks County and beyond.’
According to the group’s website http://www.berkscountymustangcarclub.com, the Berks County Mustang Car Club, Inc. was founded in 2009 and is a member-owned, non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and enjoyment of the Mustang and Ford Motor related products.
The club raises money for a number of charities annually, according to Werner.
‘This year we raised money for Salvation Army and Keystone Wounded Warriors. Last year we did American Red Cross and American Cancer Society. We also donated to Bethany Children’s home for their Christmas Pledge,’ said Werner.
The club has also donated to several other causes.
Some of the members of the club participate in rallies to raise money for their own philanthropic causes. Some of these cars were displayed along with explanatory placards.
Donald Hughmanick of Sinking Spring exhibited a classic Mustang and his rally van, which he recently took from West Virginia to Colorado for a Route 50-themed rally.
‘It’s not a race, it’s more of a multi-state scavenger hunt. You know your starting line, you know where you’re staying that night, but you don’t know how you’re getting there.’
It may not be a race, but the top three finishers with the best daily time win awards, said Hughmanick. In competition with Mustangs, Corvettes and Audis, Hughmanick was proud to have completed the challenge with his wife in their mini-van.
The show itself exhibited Mustangs – both new and classic. The show was all-inclusive – the owners of cars of all makes and models were invited to participate, not just Ford owners or members of the club. Participants made a $10 donation to the Salvation Army of Reading and spectators were allowed to come and view the bevy of cars at no cost. 22 trophies were awarded in a variety of classes. Specialty awards, such as the Evergreen Choice and Kid’s Choice, were also handed out.
Tony Bogovich of Leesport won ‘Best of Show’ award for his 1965 Ford GT-40.
Norm Bradley of Fleetwood won the unique ‘Cool Factor Award’ for his Corvette.
Gary Kauffman won the Evergreen Country Club award for his yellow 1956 Ford Thunderbird.
Paul and Sue Christman of Temple brought two automobiles to the show – a white 1931 Model-A Ford pickup truck and a purple 1964 Corvette.
They aren’t members of the BCMCCI, but had only positive things to say about the show.
‘We’ve been here three times already, and I like the Mustang Show,’ said Paul.
‘It’s a nice place to have a show,’ said Sue. ‘It’s not out in the hot sun.’
‘This is nice, you sort of feel like you’re in a wooded area with all the trees,’ said Paul.
‘Plus the German club, you can get some good German beer later,’ they said in conjunction.
‘We just like to bring the cars up so people can see them,’ said Paul. ‘I’m not looking forward to winning an award for any of the cars, we just like to bring them out so people can see them and enjoy them.’
