The Fifth Annual Currie Motors Ford of Valpo Memorial Day Weekend Event was held on Saturday, May 28. All the proceeds from this car show go to the Folds of Honor, a foundation that provides scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.
“First and foremost, I want to thank everyone that came out to raise money with us for The Folds of Honor Foundation. Since 2007, the Folds of Honor has carried forth this singular, noble mission; To provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America's fallen and disabled service-members. I want to thank my assistant and events Coordinator, Shannon Evans, for planning and executing this event from start to finish. I also want to thank all of our sponsors that donated items for our raffle and our friends and family that have donated their time today to make this event run as smoothly as possible.
Lets not forget what we are really here for today, to honor and remember all of those that have fallen protecting our Freedom.” Frank Herrera, General Manager for Currie Motors Ford of Valpo said.
Veteran Bob Paulsson was seated next to LEONA, a customized personal vehicle that is sponsored and purchased at Currie Motors Ford of ValpoHe spoke about what Leona symbolizes and the importance of Folds of Honor in giving back to the families of those who we’ve lost.
“Being a veteran, I believe it's one of the greatest causes, and I like giving back to our brothers and sisters that we've lost and their families,” Paulsson said. “LEONA is our truck. She is a rolling tribute to the men and women that risk their lives daily and those that we've already lost. It is for the police, the firemen, the military members that are serving now, and for the ones who we've lost.”
The Currie Motors Ford of Valpo Memorial Day Weekend Event serves to give back to these people, bring awareness to Folds of Honor, and bring community members together. Over 110 cars attended the event, and many more community members came to the event.
“It's a great way to honor those who have fallen, and it brings awareness to the cause. Nothing brings out people more than sexy cars, fresh food, and family fun” Herrera said as he placed a hamburger onto an attendee’s plate.
Community members were able to show off their cars and admire the other vehicles while talking with like-minded people. John Schiavone brought his highly customized 1969 Pro-Street Camaro and was able to interact with people that were eager to learn more about the customizations.
“I try to go to, as many shows as I can in the summer, depending on the weather. My favorite parts about coming are meeting new people, having fun, and seeing new cars. It's a good time that way. I try to go to different places, so I don't get to see the same stuff.”
There was a wide variety of vehicles at the show, and the oldest of those cars was Don Obermeyer’s 1908 Buick Model F. Obermeyer’s grandfather purchased the car brand new in Lafayette, Indiana, and the car has been in the family ever since.
“I enjoy it, It's a unique car. There's nobody else that has one this old here and somebody has never had an older car than I did at a show yet,” Obermeyer said.
Car shows bring people together and the Currie Motors Ford of Valpo Memorial Day Weekend Event did exactly that. People were able to support Folds of Honor, admire countless stunning cars, and get to interact with fellow community members. Chris Baltages with his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air emphasized that anyone interested can get involved in events like these.
“I like to get out and get an excuse to drive it somewhere and you get to talk to people about it and it makes me happy that other people enjoy it too. It’s a good time,” Baltages said. “If you're interested, do whatever you can to get into it. It doesn't have to be a high-dollar car, just come out and have fun.”
For more information about Currie Motors Ford of Valpo, please visit www.fordofvalpo.com.
