Car Show Charity Event to benefit the Rhode Island Young Marines

CMA Restorations hosted another successful Car Show Charity Event on Sunday, October 8, 2023, raising $5,000 for the benefit of the Rhode Island Young Marines, a National Non-profit 501c(3) Award-winning, Youth Education and Service Program for boys and girls, aged eight through high school graduation. The event, held at 310 Bourne Ave. in Rumford, RI (Phillipsdale Landing Complex), was the largest in its 3-year history, with 150 show cars in attendance, doubling the non-profit donations than in previous years.

Highlights of the event included an appearance by celebrity guest star Christopher Hensel (known as Jeb Stuart Duke of the Dukes of Hazzard) along with the General Lee and Daisy Duke Jeep Movie Cars. Mr. Hensel signed autographs, took pictures with spectators alongside the movie vehicles, and had an array of Dukes of Hazzard movie memorabilia. Additional movie vehicles in attendance included the Mystery Machine, Smokey and the Bandit, and Knight Rider. Also present was the East Providence Police Department with the beautiful Camouflage Cruiser and Breast Cancer Awareness Cruiser. Further highlights included special guests, Marine Corps League, Bucci-Atwood Detachment, and the New England Division National Vice Commandant of the Marine Corps League, Mr. Patrick Maguire.

The event included a ceremony featuring the presentation of the flags by the Rhode Island Young Marine Colorguard, the singing of the National Anthem by Mr. Jamal Wheeler of His Providence Church, the Pledge of Allegiance by Mr. Patrick Maguire of the Marine Corps League, benediction by Mr. Wally Wildes of His Providence Church, and concluding with, a medley by saxophonist, Mr. Chris Eaton of Restoration Church of RI. Trophy awards given to the top twenty-five show vehicles. Numerous raffle prizes and giveaways donated from local businesses and sponsors, were awarded to show attendees. New in 2023 was live entertainment by Tama Girard & Company, who performed the best of the 70s, 80s, 90s, Country, and Rock music. Also new to the event this year was Joe’s Snack Shack. Joe and his team served up some delicious food for spectators and drivers.

CMA Restorations would like to thank the following sponsors for their support to the Rhode Island Young Marines and to the local community: Retro Auto Sales of Warwick, SBerry RV Camper Restoration of North Kingston, BayCoast Bank of Seekonk, A-1 Custom Auto Body of East Providence, DeVine + Associates of Bristol, GEM Air Services of Pawtucket, DC Automotive of Cranston, Q’s Pressure Washing & Paint of Pawtucket, Steve’s Auto Repair of East Providence, and two anonymous sponsors. CMA would also like to thank the many partnering businesses for their generosity in donating gift cards and items for the raffle prizes. Thank you to the Patriot Riders of America Rhode Island Chapter 1 for assisting with pre-show preparations, spectator parking, and donating to the Rhode Island Young Marines. Another special thank you to the East Providence Police Department for their support and assistance with photos and video. Also, thank you to East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva for coming out to support the event faithfully, as he has done for the past three years. CMA would like to thank all the volunteers who gave up of their time to see that the show went off without a hitch. And finally, CMA would like to sincerely thank the car show drivers and spectators for making the show the best charity event yet. CMA extends their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all who participated in the event, and for their support to the Rhode Island Young Marines.

For information regarding the Rhode Island Young Marines, please visit https://youngmarines.org/unit/rhodeisland/page.