By Michael Bennett
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Ridgetown Independent
The East Kent Hot Rods for Hospice’s move to the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus proved a wise choice.
The feedback has been very positive after the second annual fundraiser for the Chatham-Kent Hospice, held in late September.
“It seems that the planning committee made a good decision,” event organizer Emily Vollans said. “The comments have been really, really positive.”
The Ridge Runners East Kent Car Club, hosts of the Hot Rods for Hospice, moved the event from the fairgrounds to the college campus this year for safety reasons and to facilitate mobility for participants and visitors on the paved parking lots.
“People said it was a lot easier to get around on the even ground, especially if they were on mobility devices or our older guests with walkers and canes,” said Vollans.
More than 300 vehicles were on display in the car and truck show, and vendors inside the Rudy Brown building reported good sales days. On a hot day, patrons and visitors welcomed the air conditioning.
Guests enjoyed entertainment by the Southwind Buoys and the GTOs, several hands-on activities, food and beverages, and the return of the Soap Box Derby to Ridgetown.
The event’s primary purpose was to raise funds for the Chatham-Kent Hospice. This year, $29,229.69 was collected – a little less than last year’s tally – raising the two-year total to $61,779.56.
Entry to the Hot Rods for Hospice was by donation for visitors, while vendors, car and truck show participants paid entry fees.
A portion of the Soap Box Derby entry fee also went to the hospice, along with proceeds from a 50/50, quilt and guitar sales, and portions of sales by the food vendors.
The Highgate Lions Club donated 100 percent of the proceeds – $3,001.53 – from its food truck sales. Donna and Garth Vollans of Pain Court won the 50/50 draw, as their winner’s share was $9,062.50.
Ingrid McTavish won the quilt made and donated by Crystal McTavish, while Kevin Pelley won a custom-built, hand-made guitar by Larry Morden.
With the limited parking at the college grounds, visitors used a free shuttle provided by Blenheim Bus Lines to and from downtown.
“It was pretty well received and used,” Vollans said, adding they will use the service again next year but will try to arrange for a fully accessible bus.
The East Kent Vintage Equipment Club hosted a tractor and motorcycle show at the fairgrounds in conjunction with the Hot Rods for Hospice.
Vollans said the organizing committee is already looking ahead to make the 2025 Hot Rods for Hospice even more successful.
“There a few little things to sort out for next year, including better signage for the vendors,” Vollans said.
The Ridge Runners extend their sincere gratitude to the community for their tremendous support of the Hot Rods for Hospice.
“We have an incredible community,” stated Vollans.
The organizers also thank all of the businesses, organizations, and individuals who sponsored the event, the car and truck show participants, Wright’s Towing for donating the engine blow car, the Highgate Lions Club for their generous donation, and the Homebuilt Soapbox Racing Association, which hosted the derby.
“We want to thank all of our volunteers; we couldn’t make this happen without you,” Vollans said. “And thank you to the amazing team that supported us at the College.”
The Ridge Runners East Kent Car Club is an all-inclusive car club that meets for cars and coffee every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the East Kent Memorial Arena.
