By MEGAN HUSSEY
A monster car show that features costumed monsters–along with flashy and classic rides? That’s the whole idea behind the 2nd Annual Monster Car Show to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hernando County 6-10 p.m. Oct. 24 at Lead Foot City, 17109 Old Ayers Rd, Brooksville.
A 3D Haunted House and Trunk or Treat session also will highlight this popular event, which will feature more cars than last year’s event, food, and vendors.
“We had 1200 guests last year,” said Jennifer Harpin, Director of Development, Boys & Girls Club of Hernando County. “This year, we plan to have 50 cars.”
Something else will be different about this year’s event–for while only a year has passed since last year’s monster car show, the world is now a different place.
“The entire event will take place outside, with everything done in accordance with COVID guidelines,” said Harpin. “We’ll have social distancing and sanitation stations.”
The 3D Haunted House will take the form of an illuminated graveyard with a haunted house backdrop; and as families roam the grounds, kids will delight in meeting classic movie monsters like Frankenstein. While adults will delight equally at the sight of model cars drifting, as well as performing donuts and burnouts–also popping their trunks to supply candies and goodies to kids, who can attend in costumes if they wish, as part of a fun and stylish Trunk or Treat event.
“Cars on display will include classic cars, exotic cars, muscle cars, and hot rods,” said Achilles Thomas, founder of Lead Foot City.
And it’s all for a good cause.
“The show will benefit all of our sites and programs at all 11 Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Hernando,” said Harpin. “We have everything from summer camps to before and after school programs, guiding these kids toward academic success, health and wellness, and social and emotional well-being.”
One day at a Boys & Girls Club could find children participating in leadership and education programs like Smart Moves, Smart Girls, Passport to Manhood, Triple Play Healthy Habits, Money Matters financial management, and the Cyber Clubhouse virtual mentoring and homework helping. And in these times, Harpin says that the club also offers support to kids struggling with the issues and stresses of COVID-19.
Thomas said that charitable events like Monster Car Show form a cornerstone of the mission and show schedule at Lead Foot City.
“We have hosted countless charity functions here,” he said. “We’ve had events to benefit Boys & Girls Club, Dawn Center, Jericho Road, and others.”
“We’re a family company with family values,” he said. “We love to give back.”
Community members who wish to give back are encouraged now to support the 2nd Annual Monster Car Show to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hernando County.
Sponsorships, volunteers, and vendors are needed. For more information, please contact Jennifer Harpin, Director of Development at [email protected] or (352) 666-0068 ext. 124 or Noreen St. Jean, Director of Community Outreach and Donor Relations at [email protected] or (352) 666-0068 ext. 108.
All of those who help the Boys & Girls Club of Hernando County will help further the organizational mission that–in turn–furthers the lives of Hernando young people.
“Boys & Girls Clubs of Hernando County exists to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, caring citizens. All Boys & Girls Clubs of Hernando County programs are based on a youth development strategy that builds self-confidence and self-esteem while fostering a sense of belonging, competence, usefulness, and influence,” read a club mission statement (https://bgchernando.org/who-we-are/).
“The Boys & Girls Club of Hernando County will continue to grow by providing a world-class “Club Experience” that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through the doors. Our trained and qualified staff of mentors will assist all members to stay on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future; demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.”
