Classic Cars and Scholarships: Rathdrum's Successful Fundraiser

In a vibrant celebration of automotive history and community spirit, the Queen Esther No. 12 Order of the Eastern Star in Rathdrum recently hosted a car show to support scholarships for local students. Held on May 3, this event attracted sixty entrants showcasing their prized vehicles from various eras. Beyond the spectacle of classic cars, over two thousand dollars' worth of donated items were raffled off as part of the fundraising efforts. The funds raised resulted in seven $500 scholarships being awarded to deserving high school seniors within Kootenai County.
A Celebration of Vintage Vehicles and Generosity
On a picturesque day in early spring, Rathdrum became the hub of nostalgia and generosity as enthusiasts gathered for an extraordinary car exhibition. This event not only highlighted the beauty of vintage automobiles but also underscored the importance of educational support within the community. Among the winners was Paul Brock, whose stunning 1936 Ford Coupe took home top honors by clinching both "Best 1930 and Older" and "Best of Show." Other notable mentions included Tom Dickerson's sleek 1946 Ford Coupe for the '40s category, Mike Miller's iconic 1955 Ford Fairlane representing the '50s, and many more across different decades.
The farthest traveler award went to Randy Strawn, who journeyed an impressive 168 miles from Waterville, Washington, just to participate in this remarkable gathering. Community engagement reached new heights when attendees voted Sven Roaldson's 1974 Chevy Corvette as the People’s Choice winner, while Dave Harris captured Ladies’ Choice with his 1966 Ford Falcon.
Ultimately, these efforts translated into meaningful financial aid for seven graduating seniors from schools such as Coeur d’Alene High School, Lake City High School, Lakeland High School, and Timberlake High School.
One memorable moment came when Paul Brock stood alongside Marchella Layton and Chuck Rose after claiming not one but two prestigious trophies at the Rathdrum car show.
From a journalistic perspective, this story serves as a powerful reminder of how communities can unite around shared interests like classic cars to foster education and opportunity. It demonstrates that even small towns possess immense potential to make significant impacts through collective action. As readers, we are inspired by such initiatives that blend passion with purpose, creating lasting legacies beyond mere events. Such endeavors highlight the strength found in collaboration and serve as models for other communities seeking similar outcomes.