Dueling Disco Fundraiser to Help Two Local Families Receive Donated Cars

The 2nd Annual Dueling Disco fundraiser is growing this year, with two vehicles set to be given to local families through a partnership between the Hike Kidz Foundation and Cars Changing Lives.

Amber Veithenthal, president of the Hike Kidz Foundation, said this year’s event has expanded beyond last year’s effort.

“We are partnering with Cars Changing Lives again this year, and it’s only gotten bigger and better,” Veithenthal said. “Instead of the Dance Hero who wins giving away one car through the Cars Changing Lives partnership, this year we have two cars that are going to go to local families in need.”

One of those vehicles is being donated by Ryan Rutherford, Sports Director at The River 95.3 radio station in Front Royal. Rutherford said he wanted to make a bigger impact after speaking with Harmony about the event and the work being done in the community.

“When I was talking to Harmony about this and first getting involved, I was like, obviously, if I’m gonna do this, we’ve got to do it big,” Rutherford said. “What way to do it bigger than adding a whole second car?”

The car, a Toyota Scion, belonged to Rutherford’s late uncle, Tim. Rutherford said his uncle was a longtime listener of River 95.3 and someone who would have supported the cause.

“This was my Uncle Tim’s car,” Rutherford said. “He listened to our station a lot, and I know he would like to support our cause in this way. He has since passed away, and now his car will be going to someone who truly needs it.”

A second vehicle, a Ford Focus, was donated by another local family. Sandy Long of Cars Changing Lives said both cars will go to families who have gone through the organization’s review process.

“These will be cars number 86 and 87,” Long said. “We’re on our way to giving away the 100th car this year.”

Cars Changing Lives accepts donated vehicles, repairs them when possible, and gives them back to families who need reliable transportation. Organizers said vehicles do not have to be running when donated, and local partners help with towing, repairs, and inspections.

Barbara Way, executive director of Cars Changing Lives, said grants from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and Valley Health are helping cover major repair costs. Auto Care Clinic also provides repair work as an in-kind donation to help get vehicles road-ready.

Veithenthal said the Dueling Disco reflects the kind of teamwork the Hike Kidz Foundation has valued from the beginning.

“Since day one of the foundation, we’ve said there’s power in partnership,” she said. “Not reinventing the wheel, but coming together and putting all of our resources together to help the children in need and the families in need.”

The fundraiser also supports the Hike Kidz Foundation’s back-to-school efforts. Organizers said the work to clothe local children for school will begin shortly after the event.

This year’s Dueling Disco will be held Saturday, June 27, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club. Tickets are available at DuelingDisco.com.