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 The classic cars parked by the old railroad station in Royersford were there for more than just to show off.
The Pretzel Depot recently hosted the second annual classic car show organized by Lenny Baranoski. The show was held to raise funds for Project Outreach’s furniture program.
As the gleaming paint jobs sparkled on an unseasonably warm but brilliantly sunny September Sunday afternoon, visitors milled around and voted for their favorite among the 30 vehicles on display. The money they contributed in their votes for the People’s Choice award went to Project Outreach.
According to Baranoski, last year’s first car show raised $737 for Project Outreach. His goal was to reach $1000 this year. In addition to the voting, funds were raised by pretzel days at his place of employment, which brought in $150. St. James United Church of Christ, Limerick, donated $200 and the American Italian Bocce Club, Royersford, contributed $100. Vehicle registrations totaled $310.
The final tally, Baranoski reported, was $1000.14.
Project Outreach is a social service agency supported by 26 Spring-Ford area churches. It provides weekly food pantries in Royersford and Spring City, as well as other services. In 2007, 35 families received rental assistance; 45 received fuel oil, and 135 received food from the weekly pantries. In addition, 407 children received Christmas gifts and 25 were given new shoes.
The furniture program helps donate beds to children who would otherwise sleep on the floor. Coordinators receive a discount on bedding items from Magic Sleeper in Pottstown.
Baranoski said he used to coordinate the furniture program. “I tell you, these people live in dumps, and they have nothing,” he said, stressing the extreme need for the program.
Baranoski, who owns a classic Corvette, said he asked The Pretzel Depot owner John Pellechia, who is a car enthusiast, to host the show to benefit Project Outreach. Local businesses donated gift certificates and other prizes which were awarded throughout the afternoon to the exhibitors.
In addition, every exhibitor received a goody bag and coupon for a half-dozen pretzels from The Pretzel Depot. Six exhibitors received trophies.
Show winners were Roy Thomson, 1969 Charger, People’s Choice; Randy Hofer, 1965 Corvette, Best of Show; Joe DeGralio, 1965 Thunderbird, first place; Bob Ulisny, 1970 GTO, second; Rod Botz, 1967 Corvette, third, and Jack Dobbins, 1959 Corvette, fourth.
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