Driving Towards a Brighter Future: Flint Hills Technical College's Inaugural Benefit Car Show

Flint Hills Technical College (FHTC) recently hosted its first-ever benefit car show, a remarkable event that not only showcased the community's passion for classic and custom vehicles but also served as a platform to support the college's Wrangler Ranch food pantry. The one-day event, organized in collaboration with St. Mark's Lutheran Church and Beacon for Hope Suicide Prevention, was a resounding success, collecting 395 food items and raising $247 in donations to aid students in need.

Revving Up Support for Student Success

Bringing the Community Together

The idea for the car show was born out of a previous collaboration between St. Mark's Lutheran Church and Emporia State University's Corky's Cupboard food pantry. When Melissa Owen of Beacon for Hope Suicide Prevention was contacted by Brenda from FHTC, the opportunity to replicate the successful model and support the college's Wrangler Ranch food pantry was too good to pass up. "They asked if we'd be willing to help them put on a car show," explained St. Mark's pastor Kent Happel, "and the student body here wanted to do a car show, so here we are."The event's organizers were thrilled to see the community's enthusiastic response. "To have folks share their stories and vehicles with us this afternoon, enjoy some time on our campus, and support the Wrangler Ranch is just incredible," said FHTC President Caron Daugherty, reflecting on the day's success.

Showcasing Student Talent

One of the highlights of the car show was the involvement of FHTC students. The awards presented to the winning vehicles were handcrafted by the college's machine tool, welding, and automotive students, showcasing their exceptional skills and creativity. "They made some awesome trophies. I never would have dreamed of doing a trophy like what they did," Happel marveled, describing the unique trophies that featured a carved head design.The student involvement not only added a personal touch to the event but also provided an opportunity for the community to appreciate the talents and hard work of FHTC's learners. "It's been a joy to walk around and see the time and effort that people put into these vehicles," Daugherty said, expressing her admiration for the participants' dedication.

Addressing Student Needs

The Wrangler Ranch food pantry, which opened in 2022, has become a vital resource for FHTC students, providing food and essential items to those in need. Daugherty shared how the pantry is regularly utilized, especially during holiday seasons and long weekends, when students may face additional financial challenges.The car show's success in collecting donations and food items was a testament to the community's willingness to support the college's efforts to address student needs. Happel noted the strong turnout and the substantial contributions made, stating, "For a first-time show, it was a tremendous offering."

Fostering Collaboration and Community Engagement

The car show's organization and execution were a collaborative effort, with St. Mark's Lutheran Church and Beacon for Hope Suicide Prevention joining forces with FHTC to make the event a reality. This partnership not only strengthened the community's support for the Wrangler Ranch food pantry but also demonstrated the power of working together to address the needs of students and the broader community."It's been a joy to walk around and see the time and effort that people put into these vehicles," Daugherty said, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to support the efforts of St. Mark's and Beacon for Hope. The success of the car show has left both organizers and participants hopeful for future events, where the community can continue to rally behind the college's mission of supporting student success.