Car Show
Community Rallies to Support Beloved Diner Cook's Road to Recovery
2024-11-06
In a heartwarming display of community solidarity, the town of Social Circle, Georgia, has come together to support one of their own – Eli Cavender, the beloved grill cook at the local Hot Rods Diner. Eli, the 25-year-old son of the diner's owners, Greg and Lisa Cavender, recently suffered a life-threatening cerebral aneurysm and brain bleed, leaving him in need of extensive medical care and recovery time.

Rallying Behind a Cherished Community Member

The community has rallied around the Cavender family, recognizing the vital role Eli plays in the diner's operations and the impact his absence will have on the family's financial well-being. With Eli unable to return to work for several months, the community has stepped up to organize a series of fundraising events to help alleviate the financial burden of his medical expenses and other bills.

Benefit Car Show and Live Entertainment

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the Barrow County Cruisers will be hosting a benefit car show for Eli, featuring a wide array of classic cars, trucks, and live entertainment. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., promises to be a day filled with excitement and community spirit.The car show will feature a variety of categories, including Top Ten, Best in Show, Best in Class, People's Choice, and Eli's Choice. Registration for the event is $20, with all proceeds going directly to support Eli and his family during this challenging time.In addition to the car show, the event will also feature live entertainment from Elvis impersonator Doug Jones, as well as delicious barbecue from Hootie Q Barbecue. The Hot Rods Diner will be open from 11 a.m., offering attendees the opportunity to enjoy the diner's renowned cuisine while supporting the Cavender family.

Ongoing Medical Challenges and Community Support

Eli's medical journey has been a rollercoaster, with the family having to shut down the diner on multiple occasions due to his ongoing condition. The community's unwavering support has been a source of strength for the Cavenders, as they navigate the challenges of Eli's recovery and the financial implications.The successful craniotomy surgery to remove the aneurysm was a significant milestone, but Eli's recovery is expected to take several months. During this time, the community's continued support will be crucial in helping the Cavender family manage the mounting medical bills and other expenses.

A Tight-Knit Community Comes Together

The outpouring of support from the Social Circle community is a testament to the strong bonds that exist within the town. Neighbors, friends, and even strangers have rallied behind the Cavender family, recognizing the important role they play in the local community.The Hot Rods Diner is more than just a restaurant – it's a gathering place where locals come together to share a meal, catch up on the latest news, and enjoy each other's company. Eli's presence as the grill cook has been a constant in the lives of many, and his absence has been deeply felt.As the community comes together to support the Cavender family, it serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of looking out for one another in times of need. The upcoming benefit car show and other fundraising efforts are a testament to the resilience and generosity of the people of Social Circle, who are determined to ensure that Eli and his family have the resources they need to focus on his recovery and return to the diner they all hold dear.
Empowering Communities: How One Retailer is Transforming Lives Through Charitable Initiatives
2024-11-08
Kris Johnson, the founder and CEO of Purpose-Built Trade Co. in Oakley, has made it his mission to not only provide quality clothing and accessories for blue-collar workers and their families, but also to make a lasting impact on his local community. Through a series of quarterly fundraising events, Johnson and his team are dedicated to supporting various causes, with a particular focus on the fight against cancer.

Fueling Hope and Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Honoring Personal Connections and Inspiring Change

Johnson's inspiration to support the fight against cancer stems from his own personal experiences. His mother, a 16-year leukemia survivor who has been in remission for 15 years, and his grandmother, who is currently battling stage 4 colon cancer, have both deeply impacted his drive to make a difference. Johnson recognizes that the fight against cancer is a cause that hits close to home for his entire team, and they are committed to doing everything in their power to support those affected by this devastating disease.

Diversifying Charitable Efforts to Uplift the Community

While the fight against cancer remains a central focus, Johnson and his team at Purpose-Built Trade Co. have also dedicated their efforts to supporting other important causes. Throughout the year, they host a variety of fundraising events, including car shows, golf tournaments, and Toy for Tots drives. These initiatives have allowed them to surpass their annual goal of $25,000, ultimately reaching $27,000 in donations.

Fostering Meaningful Partnerships and Amplifying Impact

The success of Purpose-Built Trade Co.'s charitable initiatives is largely due to the strong partnerships they have forged with local businesses and organizations. Companies like Keen Utility, Gregory Construction Equipment, and Antioch LineX have all played a crucial role in supporting the store's fundraising efforts, whether through sponsorships, in-kind donations, or active participation in the events.

Bringing the Community Together for a Cause

The recent "Fast & Furious to Fight Cancer" car and truck show, held at the store's Oakley location, was a testament to the power of community engagement. Attracting over 150 classic car and truck owners, the event not only raised funds for the Hey There Delilah Foundation but also provided an opportunity for attendees to come together, share their passion for vintage vehicles, and support a meaningful cause.

Fostering a Culture of Compassion and Resilience

For the Purpose-Built Trade Co. team, the fight against cancer is deeply personal. Assistant manager Madison Clark and general manager Eddie Soper have both experienced the impact of the disease within their own families, further fueling their commitment to the cause. By sharing their stories and actively participating in the fundraising efforts, they inspire others to join the fight and create a sense of unity and purpose within the community.

Empowering Families and Igniting Hope

The donations raised through Purpose-Built Trade Co.'s charitable initiatives have a direct impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. The $3,000 raised during the "Fast & Furious to Fight Cancer" event will help the Hey There Delilah Foundation to fund a new website and provide crucial support to families navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. By focusing on the unseen aspects of the cancer journey, such as financial assistance and creating more comfortable hospital environments, the foundation is able to make a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.As Kris Johnson and his team at Purpose-Built Trade Co. continue to expand their charitable efforts, they remain steadfast in their mission to strengthen their local community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve. Through their unwavering dedication and the support of their partners and customers, they are truly transforming lives and inspiring hope in the face of adversity.
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Unearthing a Rare Gem: The 1967 Plymouth Satellite with a Hemi Heart
2024-11-08
In the world of classic car enthusiasts, the discovery of a rare and well-preserved gem can be a true treasure trove. Such was the case when a 1967 Plymouth Satellite, often overlooked in the shadow of its more prestigious counterparts, arrived at a Florida car show with a jaw-dropping secret hidden beneath its hood.

Uncovering a Forgotten Gem's Hidden Potential

The Satellite's Surprising Pedigree

The Plymouth Satellite, initially introduced in 1965, was once considered a high-end offering in the brand's lineup. However, its status quickly shifted to a mid-range model as the more prestigious GTX took center stage. This transition meant that the Satellite often fell into the realm of forgotten classics, with collectors and enthusiasts gravitating towards the more desirable models.

A Rare and Remarkable Discovery

When this particular 1967 Plymouth Satellite arrived at the car show in Florida, it immediately caught the attention of the attendees. Outwardly, the car appeared to be in pristine condition, with a gleaming exterior, shiny chrome, and a factory-fresh interior. But the real surprise lay beneath the surface, as this Satellite was hiding an incredibly rare and exciting secret – a 426 cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Hemi V8 engine.

The Hemi-Powered Satellite's Significance

The Hemi engine was a rare sight in the 1967 Plymouth lineup, with only a handful of Satellites receiving this powerful powerplant. In fact, this particular Satellite was one of just seven Hemi-equipped models produced that year. This rarity, combined with the car's well-preserved condition, made it a true gem among Mopar enthusiasts.

Preserving the Satellite's Authenticity

What sets this 1967 Plymouth Satellite apart is the fact that the owner has not tampered with its originality. Instead of modifying the car or creating a replica, the owner has opted for a factory-correct restoration, ensuring that the Satellite's rare Hemi engine and other original features remain intact. This level of preservation is a testament to the owner's dedication to preserving the car's historical significance.

The Satellite's Overlooked Potential

In the world of classic car collecting, the Plymouth Satellite is often overshadowed by its more prestigious counterparts, such as the GTX and the Road Runner. However, this rare Hemi-powered example serves as a reminder that even the most overlooked models can harbor hidden gems. For true Mopar enthusiasts, this Satellite represents a unique and valuable piece of automotive history that deserves to be celebrated.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

Opportunities to acquire a well-preserved, Hemi-powered 1967 Plymouth Satellite are few and far between. This particular example, with its factory-correct restoration and untouched originality, represents a rare chance for collectors and enthusiasts to own a truly remarkable piece of automotive history. Its rarity and significance make it a highly sought-after find in the classic car market.

The Enduring Appeal of the Hemi Engine

The Hemi engine has long been revered for its raw power and legendary performance. The fact that this 1967 Plymouth Satellite is equipped with this iconic powerplant only adds to its appeal and desirability among Mopar enthusiasts. The Hemi's enduring legacy and the Satellite's unexpected pairing create a unique and captivating combination that is sure to turn heads at any car show or event.
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