Cars Changing Lives Car Show Returns November 7 as Organization Nears 100th Vehicle Giveaway

Cars Changing Lives is gearing up for another big car show at the Warren County Fairgrounds on Saturday, November 7, and organizers are hoping to build on last year’s success while moving closer to a major milestone: giving away their 100th vehicle to someone in need.

The annual fundraiser will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with vehicle registration beginning at 10 a.m. Admission is free, and there is no registration fee for anyone bringing a vehicle to display. No advance registration is required.

Barbara Way, executive director of Cars Changing Lives, and Liz Coffey, the organization’s vice president, recently discussed the upcoming car show and shared updates on the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide reliable transportation to individuals and families throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

Last year’s show attracted more than 100 vehicles, and organizers are hearing plenty of excitement from car enthusiasts who attended. Some even say this year’s turnout could approach 200 vehicles.

Coffey said the response from people attending other car shows has been encouraging.

“Apparently, people loved our car show,” she said.

Part of that success came from the fairgrounds’ spacious layout, which gave participants plenty of room to display their vehicles while letting visitors walk comfortably between them.

This year, organizers are making some changes to accommodate additional vehicles and vendors while keeping the relaxed atmosphere that made last year’s event popular.

The show will feature everything from older classics and muscle cars to modern vehicles and everyday drivers. Organizers want to make sure anyone with an interesting vehicle feels welcome.

“Well, there’s a lot to look at. There’s a variety,” Way said.

The organization is also expanding its award categories after participants asked for newer vehicles to compete in categories separate from antiques and older classics.

Participants will select some awards, and organizers are working to bring in a celebrity judge for other categories. The event will also include a People’s Choice award and some lighthearted categories.

There will be plenty to enjoy beyond the vehicles.

The event will include vendors, a bake sale, an auction, door prizes, and food. Many vendors are expected to have automotive connections, although other businesses and community organizations will also participate.

Organizers also hope to have an ice cream truck if the weather cooperates.

Those bringing vehicles to the show will receive complimentary coffee and donuts when they arrive for registration.

Although admission and vehicle registration are free, visitors can support Cars Changing Lives by buying food and baked goods, participating in the auction, shopping with vendors, or donating.

The Auto Care Clinic, Warren County Fairgrounds, and the Ruritans are supporting the event.

Closing in on 100 Vehicles Given Away

While the car show promises a fun afternoon, its purpose is much bigger than displaying automobiles.

Cars Changing Lives donates vehicles to individuals and families who need reliable transportation but may not have the financial resources to buy one.

Coffey shared some exciting news about the organization’s progress.

“Well, the big news is we just gave away Car 94, so we are planning to do Car 100 before the end of the year,” she said.

That means the organization is just six vehicles away from reaching its 100th giveaway.

Organizers would love to reach that milestone in time for the car show, although Coffey emphasized that nothing is guaranteed.

The possibility of presenting the 100th vehicle at the event has already sparked ideas about making the occasion special, including a large red bow for the vehicle.

Whether that happens on November 7 or later in the year, the milestone matters to the organization and the people it has helped.

Each donated car represents someone gaining the ability to get to work, take children to school, attend medical appointments, shop for groceries, or simply handle everyday responsibilities.

For people without dependable transportation, those basic activities can become major challenges.

Coffey explained that Cars Changing Lives serves a broad area, including Warren, Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke, and Page counties, as well as Winchester.

The organization accepts vehicle donations from throughout the region and tries to keep them close to home.

For example, if someone donates a car from Shenandoah County, organizers try to place it with someone in Shenandoah County who needs transportation.

“The nice thing about us is that we do the exact same thing, but your car goes to somebody in our community,” Coffey said, comparing the program to larger organizations that accept donated vehicles.

How Donated Cars Find New Owners

The process begins when someone offers to donate a vehicle.

Cars Changing Lives accepts cars in various conditions, including vehicles that aren’t currently running.

JPG Towing supports the organization by donating towing services, allowing the organization to collect and transport vehicles for evaluation.

Once a vehicle arrives, the organization determines whether it can be repaired and made safe for another driver.

The organization repairs and prepares cars that can be restored for their new owners. Vehicles that cannot reasonably be repaired may be sold or scrapped, with the proceeds helping cover repairs on other donated vehicles.

Finding the right recipient requires just as much attention as preparing the car.

The organization works with caseworkers, pastors, and other community contacts who know individuals and families facing transportation challenges.

Those contacts help identify people whose lives could improve significantly with access to a reliable vehicle.

But receiving a car isn’t simply a matter of being nominated.

Coffey explained that recipients are carefully evaluated to ensure they can handle the responsibilities that come with owning a vehicle.

That includes being able to pay for insurance, taxes, gasoline, maintenance, and repairs.

The organization also matches each vehicle to its recipient’s needs.

For example, a family with several children may need a larger vehicle, while a single person may be better served by something smaller and more economical.

Coffey credited Lisa Villagran, who works at the Auto Care Clinic and volunteers with Cars Changing Lives, with helping coordinate the process between caseworkers and vehicle recipients.

She explained that matching vehicles to the right people requires considerable behind-the-scenes work.

Recipients have described how transportation changed their lives, giving them opportunities and independence they previously lacked.

Way agreed that many people take a dependable vehicle for granted until they no longer have one.

“Well, yeah, because you really are hindered if you do not have your vehicle,” she said.

Community Support Keeps the Program Moving

Cars Changing Lives depends heavily on local businesses, volunteers, donors, and community organizations to accomplish its mission.

Way said that community support has been especially encouraging, including the response to the organization’s recent murder mystery dinner fundraiser.

The organization relies on vehicle donors, businesses that contribute services, and volunteers who give their time to help with fundraising events and daily operations.

The upcoming car show is another opportunity for residents to become involved.

Those who cannot donate a vehicle can still help by attending the show, making a financial contribution, or volunteering.

Coffey said volunteers are always welcome, especially as the organization prepares for large events.

Help is needed with everything from parking vehicles and assisting participants to supporting the many activities planned throughout the day.

As the organization approaches its 100th vehicle giveaway, organizers hope the car show will not only raise money but also introduce more residents to the work being done in their communities.

Someone attending to admire a classic car might discover that an unused vehicle sitting in their driveway could help a neighbor get back to work, or a family regain its independence.

And with the possibility of reaching 200 show vehicles, organizers are preparing for a busy afternoon.

The invitation is simple: Bring a car, bring the family, enjoy the show, and help an organization put donated vehicles back on the road for people who need them most.

Town Talk, sponsored by National Media Services, Inc., is a Royal Examiner series that introduces you to local entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and public officials who help shape Warren County. Conversations cover a wide range of topics about our community and the people making a difference.