Street ‘Rodders’ rev up Toys For Tots donations

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Ever hear the phrase “there’s no such thing as a free lunch?”

That is, people will tell you, the economic theory and also the lay opinion that whatever goods and services are provided, they must be paid for by someone.

Sunday, owners of a record-setting number of 150-plus cars did, in fact, enjoy a free continental breakfast, and noon-time lunch, at Johnston War Memorial Park courtesy of the Rhode Island Street Rodding Association and United States Marine Corps.

The highly-respected Street Rodding Association began its 43rd Annual “Toys for Tots” Fun Run Show when officials checked in 150-plus antiques autos and hot rods of all makes and models and served those respective owners – as well as their guests – free coffee and donuts.

Moreover, each registrant received a voucher for a free lunch consisting of charcoal grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, beans, chips and a drink in exchange for bringing at least one unwrapped new toy for the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” drive as well as two canned goods for the needy.

In addition, each entrant in Sunday’s super special show, as dozens upon dozens of people call the music-filled event, received a decorative event dash plaque.

There was also a special booth, manned by Street Rodder Raymond Denisewich, who is a VFW Department of Rhode Island Service Officer who set up and informational exhibit and assisted veterans with benefits along with Ernestine Vota, Department Secretary, and Ray Caldarone.

Denisewich and his wife Susan also brought along their spiffy 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Gypsy Red and Ivory convertible that received plenty of looks from people of all ages during Sunday’s jam-packed show.

“We are thrilled with the turnout here today,” said Joe Terino, president of the RI Street Rodders Association, as he manned the charcoal grill with long-time car aficionado Dave Lombari, Dick Williams and Bob Spilo. “Just look at this line; this is terrific and the nice thing is that toys keep piling up.”

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jake T. Lindsay and Sgt. Brian Soars graciously received each and every toy they placed inside a truck and the many non-perishable food items that covered almost the entire back end of a pick-up truck.

Likewise Jo-Anne Lombari and her Street Rodding friend Sharon Rafferty manned a huge area opposite the charcoal grilling area where the Ladies Silent Auction Raffle tables that were stocked with a number of quality gift-wrapped items were being sold.

Meanwhile, Terino – a former U.S. Marine – and his fellow RI Street Rodding officials – judged cars in a number of categories for best grill, best paint, best engine, best, dashboard, best truck, best license plate, best headlights, best “old skool”, best wheels, “Betty Boop’s Ladies Choice,” best tail lights, best For in a Ford, best chopped top, beset rear view mirror and best hot rod.

Terino also presided over the awards ceremony that featured winners in the respective categories with handmade trophies. He also issued a huge “Thank You” to everyone that attended, including the Town of Johnston for its support and a reminder annual “Toys for Tots’” Fun Run Show will return to War Memorial Park on Oct. 13, 2019 weather permitting.

The RI Street Rodding Association is a (501 c) non-profit founded in 1973 by a group of hot rod enthusiasts celebrating its 45th year. It’s also a Chapter Club of the National Street Rodding Association, the largest street rodding organization in the world.

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