Kane sheriff charity car show cut short by rain
Saturday’s rain, courtesy of the remnants of Hurricane Issac, cut short Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez’s 6th annual Car and Motorcycle Show in Elburn.
Last year, the charity event raised more than $11,000 for Special Olympics, but Perez said this year will fall short of the goal, taking in about $7,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
About 100 cars were entered into the event, and Perez said that when he thanked people for coming, “Their response was: ‘We’re here to support the cause, and this is worthwhile.’”
“If the weather hadn’t been like this, we anticipated 200 (cars),” said Perez, noting that much of the fundraising came from sponsorships and a $1,000 donation from the Martin Family, who allowed organizers to use their scenic Elburn farm. “I want to thank people who came out and supported us in spite of the weather.”
Perez picks a different charity each year, and next year’s will be the Fox Valley United Way.
Spectators and those who brought their show cars out into the rain made the most of it.
“It’s usually way more cars, but (with) the rain the way it is, it’s surprising this many showed up,” said Mike Thorne of Elburn, who has been to previous car shows sponsored by Perez.
Carl Schindlbeck, a North Aurora man who brought his 1969 Chevy Camaro convertible, said the event makes a difference in people’s lives. He said there was never a question about attending Saturday — even with the rain.
“It’s the first time my (car’s) top has been up all summer,” Schindlbeck said.
Schindlbeck paid the $10 entry fee for his car for the past several years, but has yet to win one of the numerous awards.
“That’s not what it’s about,” he said. “It’s always a good time. This is one of the most laid-back car shows there is.”
Perez did announce numerous awards, with the Sheriff’s Choice going to Tim and Chris Lies for their 1956 Ford Fairlane wagon and the People’s Choice going to Don Hinds for his 1963 Chevy C-10 pickup truck.