The Great Bodies 2021 Car Show and Swap Meet raised $8,000 for Families in Crisis.
“It was a great show,” said organizer Blaine Wilcher. “There were approximately 100 vehicles and between 300 and 400 visitors. The day was overcast. The clouds kept it cooler. In the past, it has been so hot you can’t stand it. Between the weather and people wanting to show off their vehicles for a good cause, it was definitely a success.”
Wilcher was quick to thank Champion Chevrolet for allowing the event to be held at its dealership on Sparta Street.
Named Best of Show and presented with the Top Gun Award was Steve Holder with his 1955 Chevy.
Along with numerous awards to vehicle owners, there were two memorial awards.
The Greg McBride Memorial Award is given to a local person who goes above and beyond to help others.
“This year’s recipient was Gary Prater,” said Wilcher. “He donates barbecue to the event every year. He hates the recognition because he doesn’t do it for the acknowledgment. But, he deserves it. He donates to a lot of events and never wants anything in return, which is why he deserves the Greg McBride Memorial Award.”
The Best Mustang Award in memory of Jordan Stevens was added as a new accolade. Stevens was murdered in September 2020 in a carjacking incident.
“Jordan was real big into Mustangs,” said Wilcher. “I know Jordan’s father and I told him I would like to honor Jordan by naming this award in his memory. He agreed.”
This year’s Jordan Stevens Memorial Award for Best Mustang went to James Zahn, perhaps best known for his speed in footraces.
Great Bodies events are fundraisers for Families in Crisis. FIC has a 24-hour emergency shelter for victims fleeing domestic violence or sexual assault. It operates a 24-hour hotline for domestic violence and sexual assault assistance, provides court advocacy, and offers hospital accompaniment for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
According to Families in Crisis executive director Kristy Stubblefield, the organization served a total of 617 victims in 2020.
“Families in Crisis provided 529 with non-shelter and 88 with shelter,” said Stubblefield. “We also provided 2,249 bed nights in 2020 and answered 2,697 crisis calls.”
Families in Crisis has a 24-hour hotline. Anyone needing help or assistance regarding domestic violence and or sexual assault is urged to call 931-473-6221.
