11th Annual Charity Benefit Car Show

The 11^th Annual Charity Benefit Car Show in downtown Simsbury will take place on Sunday, July 8^th. Over 425 Classics, both original and restored, along with Hot Rods, Custom Cars and Trucks will be on display in the commuter lots commonly known as Iron Horse Blvd.

This year’s event features the Austin Healey as its celebrated marque. Austin Healey’s from all over New England will be attending the acclaimed Car Show, hosted by The Valley Collector Car Club.

The Mercedes Benz Club of America will also have a hand in the show, as the CT/Westchester Section of that club is showing a varied sampling of that automotive marque at the Sunday event, which runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. A rain date of the next Sunday is reserved just in case, but The Valley Collectors have been blessed with ten consecutive years of great show car weather.

Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase, along with vendors of automotive-related wares and collectibles. Ice-cold water sales will be orchestrated by Simsbury’s Crossroads Teen Center.

The Club is pleased to have Life-Choice Donor Services returning to the show. They will be bringing along heart-transplant recipient and long-time morning radio co-host Beth Bradley with them. Beth was instrumental in getting the car club’s message out to Connecticut when the Valley Collectors were in their infancy. The Club is so happy to have her back on the field, this time, informing everyone about the need to register your decision about organ and tissue donation – the gift of life.

Lime Rock Pace Car Driver and founder of Survive The Drive Bob Green will also have a station at the show. The program focuses the students on the detrimental activity of texting, reading, drinking, phoning and any other activities that remove conscious understanding of the ever-present operational hazards of heavy, moving equipment. The VCCC is a strong supporter of the series that is currently available for schools and organizations in Connecticut and beyond.

The Valley Collector Car Club is a 501 [c] (3) recognized charitable organization that continues to support local charities. Last years show enabled the club to donate over nine thousand dollars to the following 18 groups: Open Hearth Mission, New England Auto Museum, Connecticut Junior Republic, American Cancer Society, Shriner’s Hospital Burn Center, Susan G. Komen For the Cure of Breast Cancer, Connecticut Civil Air Patrol, Leukemia & Lymphoma Association, Avon’s Gifts of Love, Simsbury Light Opera Company, ABC House in Simsbury, Kids In Limos, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Crossroads of Simsbury, Fidelco Guide Dogs, The Salvation Army and Foodshare.

For the past decade, The Club takes over the commuter parking lots on Iron Horse from Drake Hill to Phelps Lane – a total of 5 blocks – and plays host to not only the over 425 collector vehicles but also an estimated 2,100 spectators.

This car show continues to be one of the top rated car shows in our area. Classic originals, customs, hot rods and vintage vehicles of all kinds fill the lots on the second Sunday in July. The Club is based on service to the community and the encouragement of the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of the automobile through education and camaraderie. To find out more about The Valley Collector Car Club, Inc, log onto their web site at www.ValleyCollectorCarClub.Org.