School holds car show for a cause

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

Saturday morning brought beautiful weather, perfect to showcase the gorgeous vehicles of all shapes, sizes, makes, and models, the sun glistening off hoods while cool breezes kept participants comfortable as they checked out the various vehicles and perused booths offering goodies at Williams/Ledger Elementary School.
The campus held its annual United Way Car Show, featuring not only a car show, but various vendors including two food vendors, music, bounce house slide, raffles, and more. Registration for the car show started at 9 a.m. with many of the vendors also setting up early. The event ended at 2 p.m. with awards presented at the end for car show winners. Money raised at the event will go towards supporting United Way.
“This is one of the fun ways we decided to try to raise money for United Way. It’s something different,” said Terri Jernigan, J.L. Williams PE teacher and the campus’ United Way Coordinator. “Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. They’re walking around, spending a little money.”
Jernigan said that they are always happy to raise money for United Way. She said that the United Way really helps the children, especially with Communities in School and the YMCA as well as many other programs.
Jernigan said that their annual car show usually raises about $1,500 for United Way and she hoped that this year’s event would get close to that. This year, they added categories to the car show for kids to enter their own vehicles.
Sheyenne Defriese (8), did exactly that, entering her 70cc dirt bike.
“This would be my 1st trophy ever!” said Sheyenne who attended the event with her mother, Lisa Defriese, and her brother, Brayden Defriese (9). Sheyenne was even more excited, when, by the end of the competition, she took home the first-place trophy in her category.
The family enjoyed checking out the vendors as well as the other vehicles in the competition.
“I love seeing all the cars,” said Sheyenne. “My favorite is the black Charger.”
Lisa Defriese was excited that they gave her children the opportunity to enter the car show as well and was even more excited that the money raised will be going to a good cause.
“I like helping support the community,” said Defriese. “And it’s just nice seeing the community out after being trapped inside for a year.”
Savanah Wilkins helped run a Scentsy booth at the car show. She also brought her son, Hunter Wilkins (5) to the event.
“It’s been good. More cars are showing up too,” said Wilkins. “Everyone has good stuff and I’m glad they have this for the kids.”
Terry Russell entered his 1970 Dodge Charger SE into the competition which he and his wife have affectionately dubbed “Mistress”. 
Russell said that he first had a Charger in high school which he unfortunately wrecked and was determined to get one ever since. He searched high and low, before eventually finding his dream car, the black Charger. Russell said that he drives it as much as he can.
“I enter it in every show that I can enter it in. I’m that proud of it,” said Russell adding that he only competes in car shows that are raising money for charity events. “If it’s for a good cause, I’m all for it. I love it.”
Russell said that his Charger’s first car show was last year’s Williams/Ledger United Way Car show, and his car won the coveted title of Best in Show. Since then, the metallic beauty has won several trophies in several competitions. This year’s United Way Car Show awarded him with not one, but three trophies—1st in Mopar, 3rd in Muscle, and Principal’s Choice.
Those who want to find out more about donating to United Way can contact Terri Jernigan at Terri@ccisd.com
Winners of the Williams/Ledger United Way Car Show
Best of Show Male – Dustin Williams
Best of Show Female – Kayla Witick
Principal’s Choice – Terry Russell
Kid’s Choice – Shawn Jerdon
Kid’s 4-Wheel Category – Liam McMullen
Kid’s 2-Wheel Category – Sheyenne Defriese
1st Motorcycle – Andrew Branson
1st Mopar – Terry Russell
1st Ford – Dustin Williams
1st Muscle – Sully
1st Custom – Dustin Williams
1st Classic Car – Ted and Savannah Taylor
1st 4x4 – Shawn Jerdon
1st Soccer Mom Category – Megan Kent