‘Cruisin’ for Kids’ a success at N.C. hospital
Hagerty Insurance Agency teamed up with the Presbyterian Children’s Hospital, Tach Twisters car club and the Rolling Thunder dealership to offer young patients the first annual “Cruisin’ for Kids.” The event was held on the lawn of the Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., and featured 35 collectors and cars ranging from a 1957 Austin-Healey to a 1968 Chevy Camaro.
The collectors, volunteers and families came together for a common cause: the kids. The children interacted with collectors and their cars, and were able to sit in the judge’s seat and pick their favorite car. Darren Frank’s 1969 ISO Grifo was the lucky recipient of the Kid’s Choice Award.
Events like this “make kids feel like kids – even in the hospital,” said Michael Vaccaro, the senior director of Women’s and Children’s Services. “It creates memories, which give them something to carry them through” the tough times.
Eveie Hatley, a member of the Tach Twisters, showed off her 1968 Camaro and stressed the importance of getting kids involved in the hobby. She said she would choose an event for the benefit of others “over a drag race any day!”
Walt Hollifield, part of the Foundation Board at the hospital, saw the event as an opportunity to “bring the outside world in” for the kids, while raising awareness for the Children’s Hospital.
This extraordinary inaugural event was another example of how the car community not only enjoys its cars, but knows how to use them for the benefit of others.
