Driving Change: How a Community Car Show is Fueling a Food Truck Initiative

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the "Help Feed the Community Car Show" is set to take place on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Country Pickens Flea Market in Poplar Bluff. The event aims to raise funds to purchase a food truck from the SEMO Area Food Bank, which will be used to provide nourishment to 200 families in the local community.

Revving Up for a Cause: Fueling Community Connections through Automotive Passion

The "Help Feed the Community Car Show" is more than just a showcase of automotive excellence; it's a testament to the power of community collaboration. The event's organizer, Chris VanLear, the manager of the local flea market and a sponsor of the Junior Order of Eagles, has been the driving force behind this initiative. When VanLear shared her experience of conducting a successful food drive with the JOE, the store owner, Brandon Norman, and the vendors at the flea market were eager to get involved and make a difference."We want the community to know, yes, we're a business, but we absolutely care about our community," VanLear expressed. "We want to do whatever we can to help." This sentiment has resonated with the entire team, and they have set their sights on a lofty goal: to raise enough funds to purchase a food truck that can feed 200 families in the local community.

Revving Up the Fundraising: A Penny-by-Penny Approach to Community Empowerment

To achieve this ambitious target, the organizers have devised a creative fundraising strategy. VanLear has set up donation areas in each of the five Country Pickens Flea Market locations, challenging the community to collectively contribute 75,000 pennies – the equivalent of $750. This amount will be used to acquire the food truck from the SEMO Area Food Bank, ensuring that the community's needs are met.The response from the vendors and customers has been overwhelming. VanLear shared, "We've already met $450 of our goal. We're very confident the car show on Saturday will send us over the top to be able to get the $750." The organizers' confidence is palpable, as they have already placed the order for the food truck, which will be delivered to the Poplar Bluff store on October 29th, ready to begin distributing food to the community at 10 a.m.

Driving a Domino Effect of Generosity: Spreading the Wealth Across Communities

The community-driven initiative doesn't stop at the Poplar Bluff location. The Country Pickens Flea Market stores in Bloomfield, Sikeston, Piedmont, and Doniphan have all joined the cause, each working to raise funds for their own food truck. VanLear explained, "Any extra we make over the $750, we're going to move that over to Sikeston to help give them a boost. Then whatever event they do to raise their money, they're going to give to the next store. We're going to keep the domino effect, so that way all five stores can help their community."This collaborative approach ensures that the impact of the "Help Feed the Community Car Show" extends far beyond the Poplar Bluff event. By creating a ripple effect of generosity, the organizers are empowering each community to take ownership of their own food security initiatives, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

Revving Up the Community Spirit: A Car Show with a Cause

The "Help Feed the Community Car Show" promises to be a day filled with automotive enthusiasts, live music, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Trophies will be awarded for first, second, and third place, as well as a coveted people's choice award, adding an element of friendly competition to the event. Hot dogs will be sold, and various vendors will be on-site, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.But the true heart of the event lies in its purpose: to raise funds for a food truck that will provide nourishment to 200 families in the community. This initiative is a testament to the power of community collaboration, where businesses, organizations, and individuals come together to address the pressing issue of food insecurity.As the engines roar and the trophies are handed out, the real victory will be the sense of unity and empowerment that the "Help Feed the Community Car Show" inspires. By harnessing the passion of car enthusiasts and the generosity of the community, this event is driving change and making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.