Pontiacs of Central California Show
Pontiacs of Central California makes its largest ever donation!
This past September, after two years of planning, Pontiacs of Central California (POCC) hosted the 2014 Pontiac/Oakland Western Regional Convention, at Bass Lake, California. This was the third time POCC has hosted the convention, the two previous being in 2005 and 2008. The club voted then to donate 100% of the net proceeds to charity. Both of those efforts resulted in significant donations. Between those two, a total of $14,000.00 was donated to Wish Upon A Star, an organization that grants wishes to children with catastrophic illnesses.
For 2014 the club voted to again donate 100% of the net proceeds to charity. It was decided to split the donation between two charities; Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central California, and Honor Flight. Honor Flight sends WWII veterans to Washington DC to visit their memorial.
On Thursday December 11
th, the club made its largest ever donation, $16,000.00! Our Title Sponsor, Larry Kitahara, owner of Kitahara Buick, Cadillac, GMC of Fresno, generously opened his showroom for the event. He even had it cleared of cars so we could park four classic Pontiacs inside during the ceremony. Also present were our two Co-Title Sponsors; Don Bonander representing Bonander Truck and Trailer Sales of Turlock, and Jerry Fahrney representing The Fahrney Automotive Group of Selma. POCC is extremely fortunate to have three local dealers that are so supportive of us, and their local communities.The ceremony was opened with remarks by Craig Hansen. Mr. Hansen is the host of Auto Shop Talk, a local radio show, and he generously donated his time to support us. After the opening remarks, POCC was very pleased to present a check for $8,000.00 to Honor Flight. The check was accepted by Mr. Alan Perry, Central Valley Honor Flight Chairman of the Board. The second check for $8,000.00 was accepted by Mrs. Diane Phakonekam, Executive Director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central California.
Along with our title sponsors, many of our club members took time off work so they could attend the ceremony. We were pleased that several local TV channels sent their news teams to cover the presentation, and that we made the evening news!
Besides these large donations, over the years POCC has dipped into its treasury to make smaller donations to local groups and events that we could help. All members are very proud of the fact that this brings Pontiacs of Central California's total charitable donations to well over $30,000.00!
Please visit our website, www.pontiacsofcentralcalifornia.org for more photos and information.
Once again, as in 2010 and 2012, Pontiacs from throughout the Northeast U.S gathered at the Warwick, Rhode Island Crowne Plaza for A Pontiac Celebration, proving that although our favorite car is gone, our love and enthusiasm for them is not.
But even more than a celebration of our favorite car, hobbyists again showed their generosity as they gave their time, energy and money to support our two children's cancer charitiesand#8211; the main reason for the event. . . Pontiacs with a Purpose! From the 2010 and 2012 shows, we have donated nearly $16,000 to Alex's Lemonade Stand foundation for childhood cancer and The Tomorrow Fund helping children and families affected by cancerand#8211; and we are happy to announce that 2014 did even better!
Beautiful Pontiacs were rolling in as early as Thursday afternoon, with many more arriving on Friday to participate in our Teddy Bear Cruise where all cars of the surrounding area are invited to a party with music, food, and plenty of great carsand#8211; nearly 150 strong for a beautiful Fall evening.
Saturday's show day was full of every type of Pontiac you could wish, with numbers climbing to 220 by the end of registration. We thank all the many Pontiac Clubs from throughout the area for spreading the word about the Celebration, and coming out to show their support. Pontiac people are Great!
The evening brought over 150 people together to visit and enjoy a tasty BBQ dinner followed by awards. There were many fine Pontiacs earning rewards for their hard working ownersand#8211; congratulations to all. Top honors for capturing the Peoples' Choice, as well as the Celebration Committee Choice, awards was Jeff Goldstein with a fantastic 1961 Ventura.
For more information and news about A Pontiac Celebration 2016, visit www.PontiacRegistry.com .
