Grand Dominion Car Show Collects $4,500 for Fremont Food Pantry
Grand Dominion's Cruisin' with the Classics car show doubled in fun, fundraising and turnout this year. The event raised a record $4,500 in donations for the Fremont Township Food Pantry. More than 800 people came out for the event, donating three truckloads of food and school supplies. A special exhibit of rare and exotic cars added interest this year.
"The Grand Dominion car show helps the pantry meet the growing needs in our community," Fremont Township Supervisor Diana O'Kelly said. "All donations go directly to help our neighbors, including low-income seniors and those who are unemployed and underemployed."
The car show is one of the largest fundraisers supporting Fremont pantry, which relies solely on local businesses and residents to operate.
"There is no other funding or distributions from large food banks," O'Kelly said.
"We are grateful for the outpouring of generosity from local and area businesses, car owners, visitors, and Grand Dominion residents," said Bob Giles, who heads the volunteer committee that conducts the show. "This year, we had a large increase in business sponsors who offset costs and donors who gave prizes. Almost 150 businesses from Mundelein and surrounding communities joined with us to provide a fun family activity while supporting a great cause."
The 2016 Peoples' Choice Award winners were Nancy and Larry Friend of Libertyville for their 2009 Dodge Viper SRT. From the some 200 cars on display, five additional winners were chosen Best in Class: 1) Joe Gentile, Mundelein, 1934 Ford Deluxe; 2) Bob Forman, Northbrook, 1956 Cadillac; 3) Ray Kracik, Lake Bluff, 1960 Corvette; 4) Tom Runge, Grayslake, 1970 Mustang Boss; and 5) Vern Luebke, Barrington, 1991 Mustang.
The Grand Dominion car show club honored Giles for his service and leadership. He founded the car show in 2008 and has recruited resident volunteers, steadily growing the group to more than 70. Giles' idea for the special exhibit helped make this year such a success.
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