People stroll between classic cars and motorcycles in the First United Methodist Church’s first annual Classic Car and Bike Cruise/Show on July 22. The event raised more than $1,150 for the Backpack program. PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

A severe thunderstorm last week could not crush the hopes of having the first annual Classic Car and Bike Cruise/Show at First United Methodist Church.

On July 22 the sun broke through the clouds just in time for the crusecruise up and down Dakota Avenue.

Fifty-three classic cars and 12 motorcycles were on display for the “Show and Shine” that took place in the parking lot at FUMC.

The event was filled with people of all kinds who came out to see all the classic cars and to help support the local Backpack program in Huron.

The Backpack program is a national organization that has been operating since 1995. They provide underprivileged children with nonperishable food to take home on holidays and weekends to ensure that they have something to eat when school is not in session.

The Rev. Derek Baum, who coordinated the event with Ken Lindblad, said, “We wanted this event to be an outreach to the community. There are a lot of people who love the classic cars and bikes and who love to come out and see them. When we looked at making it a fundraiser, we wanted it to be a fundraiser for the community of Huron.”

Baum said the church has worked with the Backpack program before and felt it was time to support the cause again.

“There is a ton of thanks that need to go out to those who helped make this happen: Performance Radio, the Plainsman, Roger Kasa (the Pay Day), Coca-Cola, Dick Green and the Back Street Cruisers, Huron Chamber, American Bank and Trust and so many others that helped in serving the food,” Baum said. “Your help was greatly appreciated; most importantly we want to thank our Lord, for inspiring and teaching us to put others before ourselves.”

The event raised more than $1,150 for the Backpack program and was such a great success that it is already being planned as an annual event hosted by the church for next summer.

For the complete article see the 07-29-2010 issue.

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