Every year for the past decade, Kim Sauers and his staff at Sauers Buick-GMC have hosted a family fun fair and car show as a way of giving back to the surrounding community and one of its largest non-profit organizations, the American Red Cross.
One and all were invited this sunny morning and afternoon, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to take part in the festivities, including a classic car show, family oriented games and activities, and numerous raffles with prizes galore! Local vendors lined the dealership parking lot, offering their goods, while classic car owners and gawkers made their way from colorful car to colorful car.
Sporting a 1977 Chevy Vega, Jeff Moore of La Porte, who’s been attending the Sauers Car Show for years, couldn’t help but show off his yellow and black hatchback to passer-bys, describing the style of the vehicle, the mirrors, the interior. Pride beamed from his face as he recollected the years of work he had invested in bringing the car into its vibrancy. Unique in tone and shape, blue flames racing up the hood, the Vega, short lived in its production, stood out among the other classics. But in reality, each car offered its own retro idealism, something of style and whimsy.
Throughout the morning, visitors purchased tickets for raffle items such as patio furniture, benches, and power tools, as well as numerous cash prizes. But most coveted was the grand prize, a 2008 Pontiac Solstice, silver and sleek, donated by Sauers and his organization.
Said Jennifer Laux of the American Red Cross, La Porte County Chapter, “We sold a great number of raffle tickets this year. All proceeds from the ticket sales will go directly to the Red Cross, 100%. Kim Sauers has been a tremendous supporter of the Red Cross for many years now and we’re thrilled that he was able to donate the vehicle in order to help our cause. The staff here has been great and the whole event has made for an excellent day!”
Bobbi Petru, also of the American Red Cross, La Porte County Chapter, further explained, “A large part of the benefits that we raise today are designated to the Red Cross for their disaster relief program. This means money for food, for clothing, and for safe lodging for folks who have endured disasters.”
With so many storms and other natural disasters becoming commonplace in Northwest Indiana, it’s not hard to imagine that the American Red Cross will be putting their funds to good use.
Successful in their fundraising, the non-profit organization, recognizable in their red shirts and friendly faces, weren’t the only winners of the day. Promptly at 2 p.m., Sauers and his staff beckoned all onlookers and ticket holders to gather inside for the big drawing. In official raffle fashion, with auditor on hand, tickets were pulled from a spinning, glass case…the grand prize winner, Todd Waberge, of Michigan City! Followed by runners-up, Roxann Zoborosky and Fred Martin, who were awarded other fantastic prizes.
Even though the grand prize winner was not on hand to collect his new ride, participants in the day’s activities cheered and applauded, happy to be part of such an exciting event and worthy cause. Members of the Red Cross thanked everyone for coming, while also highlighting their forthcoming ventures.
“This is our busy time of year,” stated Jennifer. "We love that we get to be a part of so many things and now we get to look forward to the upcoming Sunflower Fair and our 5K Run & Fun Walk in September. It’s amazing how much people give, the way they support us. We have a really supportive community.”