Revving Up for a Cause: Paws and Pedals Car Show Supports Local Businesses and Animal Welfare

In the heart of Rochester, Minnesota, the Garden & Gasoline organization hosted a car show with a twist – Paws and Pedals. This event, the final one of the year, not only showcased an impressive array of classic and modern vehicles but also raised funds for two local charities, Paws & Claws and Companion Homestead.

Driving Change: Paws and Pedals Brings the Community Together

Fostering Local Connections

The Paws and Pedals car show was more than just a display of automotive excellence. It was an opportunity for local car enthusiasts to come together and connect with one another. According to Garden & Gasoline co-host Kaan Avci, the organization was established last year in collaboration with the Garden Skate Park, with the goal of providing a platform for these enthusiasts to meet up and support local businesses. "We're all here to support local businesses, and that was the main motivation why we started Garden & Gasoline," Avci explained.The event's diverse lineup of vehicles, ranging from classic to modern, attracted a wide range of attendees, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. "It really just touches my heart to see everyone pull together and just have a good time," Avci said. "I like bringing everyone together and catching up. If that involves cars, a good cup of coffee, skateboarding and having a good cause, why not?"

Giving Back to the Community

But Paws and Pedals was more than just a car show – it was a fundraiser for two local charities, Paws & Claws and Companion Homestead. By hosting this event, Garden & Gasoline aimed to support these organizations and their efforts to make a positive impact on the community."We usually wrap up the season with a fundraiser with a beneficiary that we try to change and rotate every year as well, just to keep everyone in fair prospect," Avci explained. This approach ensures that the event's impact is felt across different local causes, fostering a sense of community engagement and social responsibility.

Embracing the Atmosphere

The Paws and Pedals event was not just about the cars – it was about the overall experience. Organizers emphasized that even those who didn't bring a car or were not particularly interested in the fundraiser were encouraged to attend and soak in the atmosphere."Even if you're not bringing the car here or if you're not particularly interested in the fundraiser, we really would like to see more people come out and enjoy, number one, the coffee, but number two, just the atmosphere," Avci said. This inclusive approach helped to create a welcoming and engaging environment for all attendees, whether they were car enthusiasts or simply looking to enjoy a community event.

Continuing the Tradition

The Paws and Pedals car show was the final event of the year for Garden & Gasoline, but the organization has plans to continue this tradition in the future. Organizers said there will not be another car show until March or April of next year, but they encourage the community to stay tuned to the organization's Facebook page for updates on upcoming events.The success of Paws and Pedals demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives that bring people together around shared passions and a desire to make a positive impact. By combining a love for cars with a commitment to supporting local businesses and charitable causes, Garden & Gasoline has created an event that resonates with the Rochester community and beyond.