Revving Up for a Cause: Der Kobblers Car Club's Annual Labor Day Showcase

Midway State Park was the epicenter of automotive enthusiasm on Labor Day, as the Der Kobblers Car Club hosted its annual car show, attracting a diverse array of vintage and modern vehicles. The event, which has been a fixture in the community for nearly two decades, not only delighted car enthusiasts but also raised funds for worthy local causes.

Driving Passion and Philanthropy

A Showcase of Automotive Artistry

The Der Kobblers Car Club's Labor Day car show was a true celebration of automotive history and craftsmanship. With an impressive turnout of 450 to 500 cars, the event offered a captivating display of restored classics, muscle cars, hot rods, and even modern, sleek automobiles. Each vehicle was a testament to the passion and dedication of its owners, who had poured countless hours into preserving and enhancing these automotive masterpieces.One attendee, 16-year-old Alfonso Mendez-Ruiz, found inspiration in the show's vintage offerings. "I love looking at old cars," he shared. "I go to all the car shows to help me figure out what type of car I want to buy and restore. I'm not interested in any modern cars – I like the '50s, '60s, '70s, and '80s. A person can look under the hood and fix just about anything without having a college degree in engineering."

Driving Philanthropy: Giving Back to the Community

The Der Kobblers Car Club's commitment to philanthropy was evident in the event's purpose. According to Sam Ognibene, the club's treasurer, all the proceeds from the show would be donated to local, area good causes. "We donate all the money we raise from the show to UPMC's Jamestown Diabetes Education program and The Roswell Park Alliance Foundation," he explained.The club's philanthropic efforts were driven by a personal connection. "The club was founded in 1958, and a lot of our older members have passed away because of cancer," Ognibene shared. "The club now takes a two-folded approach to its donating endeavors, supporting both the diabetes education program and the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, which focuses on cancer research and patient support."

A Community Celebration

The Der Kobblers Car Club's Labor Day car show was more than just a display of automotive excellence; it was a community celebration that brought people together. Attendees like Jason Ferraro of Lakewood expressed their enthusiasm, saying, "We get to check out some really cool hot rods and cars, enjoy the weather and support a good cause or two."The event's impact was evident in the overwhelmingly positive feedback shared on the club's official Facebook page. "Great show, as usual, for a good cause, a job well done by a great group of people. Look forward to next year," wrote Stan O'Rourke. "It was a fantastic show, congrats to everyone involved in putting this together," posted Jim Johnson.The Der Kobblers Car Club's Labor Day showcase was a testament to the power of passion, community, and philanthropy. By bringing together car enthusiasts and supporting local causes, the event not only celebrated the rich automotive heritage but also made a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.