The idea came about as a way to do something for a local charity. Since employees at the dealership love animals, it was decided to raise money for the animal shelter in Marble, which serves Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties. Plans for the car show started in February.
Murphy – Cars outside of the normal vehicle inventory sat on the lot at Valley River Chevrolet on July 15 as part of a project to raise money for the Valley River Humane Society.
The idea came about as a way to do something for a local charity. Since employees at the dealership love animals, it was decided to raise money for the animal shelter in Marble, which serves Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties. Plans for the car show started in February.
Bryan Tiller has been owner of the local Chevy dealership since last year and has done similar shows in the past. They were successful, so he decided to put on another one, hoping for the same results.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. folks stopped by to admire the 86 cars on display, including hot rods, muscle cars, exotics and vehicles like an Austin Martin and Porsche.
"There was something for everyone,” Tiller said. HIs dealership also offered free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and soda for all who came out.
There was a raffle for a four-wheeler and a go-cart, each valued at about $1,700. All proceeds from the event, including the entry fees, any collected donations and money raised from the raffles went to the Valley River Humane Society.
On July 18, a check in the amount of $3,925 was presented by Valley River Chevrolet to the vice president of the humane society, Jeff Manson, who was elated that that much was raised to help the animals.
"It just means so much to us,” he said.
"Usually, I'm working with the animals, but this time I was able to interact with the people. We need that to lift our spirits, to know that there's support in the community for what we do,” said Jim Gerke, president of the Valley River Humane Society.
"I hope the participation continues,” said Tiller, who wants to make it an annual event. “We'll have to move our regular inventory off the lot and store it elsewhere next year so we'll have the room.
“I want to thank everyone – not just those who came to show their cars, but also those who came out to look at the cars and help the Valley River Humane Society. It was a great success."
The weather, although hot, was dry. Tiller's own rescue dog, Pickles, was happily walking about the lot, more than willing to contribute to the cause.