Cruise for Critters: A Celebration of Classic Cars and Furry Friends

Monson, Massachusetts is gearing up for the annual Cruise for Critters car show, a beloved event that combines the passions of car enthusiasts and animal lovers. This 12th edition of the event promises a day filled with classic cars, fall festivities, and the opportunity to meet and potentially adopt pets in need of a forever home.

Revving Up for a Cause: Cruise for Critters Drives Compassion

A Tradition of Giving Back

Cruise for Critters has grown into a cherished tradition since its inception by Al Wildlan, the owner of Service Connection. Over the years, this event has become a hub for car enthusiasts and animal lovers alike, drawing in the community to celebrate their shared passions while supporting a worthy cause. The event's primary focus is to raise crucial funds for Second Chance Animal Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing care and services for animals in need.

A Packed Lineup of Excitement

This year's Cruise for Critters promises to be a day packed with activities and entertainment. Attendees can look forward to a vendor fair featuring over 45 local sellers, offering a diverse array of products and services. The event will also include a raffle with enticing prizes, adding an element of excitement and anticipation. The highlight of the day, however, will be the special appearance of Second Chance's mobile adoption unit, which will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing visitors to meet and potentially adopt pets in search of their forever homes.

Celebrating the Community's Unwavering Support

Lindsay Doray, the Chief Development Officer of Second Chance Animal Services, expressed her gratitude for the community's continued support for Cruise for Critters. "It's inspiring to see how the community continues to come together for this event," she said. "The support we receive from Cruise for Critters helps us continue our mission of providing critical care and services to pets in need, especially in a year where the demand for our programs has surged."

A Day of Fall Fun and Furry Companions

In addition to the car show and vendor fair, Cruise for Critters will offer a variety of family-friendly fall activities. Attendees can enjoy Halloween-themed games, pumpkin picking, and live performances by the Barberic Band. Westview Farms Creamery, the event's host, will also be serving its signature food and ice cream throughout the day, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Accessibility and Rescheduling

The Cruise for Critters event is free for spectators, while car owners can enter the show for a $20 fee. All proceeds from the event will support Second Chance's animal welfare programs. In the event of rain, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, September 28, ensuring that the community can still come together to celebrate and support this worthy cause.

A Destination for Car Enthusiasts and Animal Lovers

Cruise for Critters has become a must-attend event for both car enthusiasts and animal lovers in the region. The combination of classic cars, fall festivities, and the opportunity to support a local animal welfare organization makes this event a unique and meaningful experience for all who attend. Whether you're a car aficionado, an animal lover, or simply seeking a day of family-friendly fun, Cruise for Critters is the perfect destination to indulge your passions and make a difference in the lives of furry friends in need.

Driving Compassion: Monument Health's Cardiac Car Show Fuels Patient Support

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Monument Health's Rapid City hospital hosted the 2024 Pulses & Pistons Cardiac Car Show, a unique event that combined the passion for automobiles with the mission of supporting patients in need. This annual gathering not only raised funds but also fostered a sense of connection and understanding between healthcare providers and the local community.

Revving Up Support for Patients in Need

Bridging the Gap for Distant Patients

Monument Health's Rapid City hospital recognized the challenges faced by patients who travel long distances to receive the care they need. "So we had lot of patients that come from 200 miles away, 800 miles away," said Dr. Alex Schabauer of Monument Health. "And many times they have difficulty getting here, finding a place to stay." The Cardiac Car Show aimed to alleviate these burdens by providing resources and support to ensure patients could access the care they required without additional financial or logistical obstacles.

Addressing Everyday Essentials

The event's focus extended beyond just transportation and accommodation. Dr. Schabauer emphasized the importance of addressing the everyday needs of patients, stating, "There's certainly things that as simple as a bathroom scale that have an impact on their care. Blood pressure cuffs, all these things that some people just really can't afford, where they don't have access to." By raising funds through the Cardiac Car Show, Monument Health aimed to bridge the gap and provide patients with the essential medical equipment and supplies they needed to manage their conditions effectively.

Engaging a Unique Audience

The decision to host a car show was a strategic one, as Monument Health recognized the need to reach a different demographic. "These are people that don't go on runs, they don't do walks, they don't do our normal banquet, you know," said a nurse at Monument Health. "So then I approached Doctor Schabauer and said, 'why can't we do something like this here?'" By tapping into the passion of car enthusiasts, the event was able to attract a new audience and generate support from individuals who might not have otherwise engaged with traditional healthcare fundraising initiatives.

Fostering a Sense of Community

The Cardiac Car Show went beyond just raising funds; it also served as a platform to foster a sense of community and understanding between healthcare providers and the local community. "Our job is to help them get the care they need and not have so many impediments," emphasized Dr. Schabauer. By creating an event that brought together diverse groups, Monument Health was able to bridge the gap and strengthen the bond between the hospital and the people it serves.

Establishing an Annual Tradition

The success of the 2024 Pulses & Pistons Cardiac Car Show has inspired Monument Health to make it an annual event. "Monument Health told us they plan to do this as an annual event, so be sure to keep your eye out for next year's Pulses & Pistons Cardiac Car Show," the article noted. This commitment to an ongoing tradition not only ensures the continued support for patients in need but also demonstrates the hospital's dedication to the community it serves.In conclusion, the Pulses & Pistons Cardiac Car Show organized by Monument Health's Rapid City hospital is a shining example of how healthcare institutions can leverage unique and engaging events to support their patients and foster a stronger connection with the community. By addressing the practical and financial needs of patients, while also creating a platform for community engagement, this annual event has become a beacon of compassion and innovation in the healthcare landscape.