Driving Towards a Brighter Future: Beacon For Hope's Successful Car Show Fundraiser at Flint Hills Technical College

Flint Hills Technical College (FHTC) recently played host to a remarkable car show fundraiser organized by Beacon For Hope, a local non-profit organization. The event, which took place on a Sunday afternoon, was the third in a series of car shows aimed at supporting various community initiatives, including the FHTC food pantry and raising awareness for men's mental health and veteran suicide prevention services.

Empowering the Community, One Car Show at a Time

Revving Up Support for the FHTC Food Pantry

The first annual car show benefiting the FHTC food pantry was a resounding success, nearly filling the college's parking lot with an impressive turnout. FHTC's Dean of Enrollment Management, Brenda Carmichael, explained that the college had reached out to Beacon For Hope and St. Mark's Lutheran Church to organize the event, building upon the success of a similar show that had taken place the previous year, benefiting Emporia State University's food pantry, Corky's Cupboard.Pastor Kent Happel of St. Mark's Lutheran Church emphasized the church's and Beacon For Hope's commitment to always lending a helping hand whenever someone in the community is in need. This collaborative spirit was evident in the planning and execution of the car show, which not only showcased an array of stunning vehicles but also featured exciting HotWheels races and awards for the top cars in various categories.

Hands-On Learning and Community Impact

The car show event proved to be a win-win for FHTC, as the Computerized Machine Tool Engineering program students were tasked with creating the trophies for the awards. This hands-on experience not only allowed the students to showcase their skills but also contributed to the overall success of the event.Brenda Carmichael, the FHTC Dean, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating that the combination of providing assistance to the food pantry and the valuable learning opportunity for the students made the car show a resounding success for the college.

Beacon For Hope's Expanding Reach

Sunday's car show was the third such event organized by Beacon For Hope in as many weeks. The list of events included the first annual "Rage Against the Stigma" event on September 29, aimed at raising awareness for men's mental health, and the second annual "Hope With Horsepower" event on October 5, which benefited veteran suicide prevention services.Brady Kurtenbach, a representative from Beacon For Hope, shared his observations from the recent events, noting that the car shows have had a tremendous impact within the community. He had the opportunity to engage with many individuals and was encouraged by the positive feedback and the sense of hope that these events have fostered.While the final fundraising totals from the FHTC car show are still pending, the event's success is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the impact that such initiatives can have in addressing pressing social and humanitarian issues. Flint Hills Technical College's role as the host site, the involvement of Beacon For Hope and St. Mark's Lutheran Church, and the enthusiastic participation of the community have all contributed to the ongoing efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.