COBLESKILL — This Saturday, June 20, was the birthday of a young man named Jeffrey Morissette. Jeffrey was celebrated this day by his family, friends, and community. Jeffrey passed nine years ago, this year, and his family has held a fundraiser each year in his honor. The very first year was a dance. Each year after that has been a car show. Jeffrey loved to work on cars. He was an Eagle Scout, who made his scout project the sign at the Schoharie Valley Animal Shelter. Jeffrey also loved FFA; he was a member of the CRCS chapter. Every year his family donates the money raised to Marathon for a Better Life, to help members of our community battling cancer.
I have been honored to know this family for 10 years now. I was able to be a part of the car show last year and this year. This year it was held at the SUNY Cobleskill Campus commuter lot. You were greeted by Kelly Morissette-Albert, Jeffrey's sister, at the entrance to make a donation if you wish. Then Mr. Hotaling would park and show cars and the general public. If you had a show car, you would register it with Brenda Morissette, Jeffrey's mom. Jeffrey's father, Frank Morissette was also there helping and chatting with community members.
There were free activities for families to play with. A local food truck, Waked N Baked Up, serving lunch. Vendors to shop with, and Brian Garreau as a DJ for the day. Marathon for a Better Life was present to talk to patrons and collect the donations from the car show. In four hours just over $3,000.00 was raised! SCCAP also came to show support and talk about their programs.
This car show is not like normal car shows. Children are asked their favorite cars abd then trophies are handed out. Congratulations to the winners: Mike Behtman, Justin Long, Eric Dolan, Steve Smith, Mr. Sperbeck, Joe Micelli, and Herbie Amey! There were many beautiful rides! Thank you to everyone who brought a show car! Next there was a gar card raffle. Congratulations to the winners: Jameson Lawyer, Jeff Malette, Joe Micelli, and Angela Clapper!
A Heartfelt Thank You from the Drive for Hope Car Show!
It may not have been our biggest crowd, but the heart was absolutely there! With so many incredible events happening across the county this past weekend, we know it’s impossible to be in two places at once. We are so grateful to everyone who spread out to support all the local activities, including our Drive for Hope, where all proceeds went directly to Marathon for a Better Life!
We want to extend a massive thank you to the members of the Wheels for Our Community group and everyone who stepped up to make this day special:
Our Incredible Key Contributors
Angel Clapper (Piggy Pop & Pig Out): Instrumental in securing fantastic vendors and a food truck to keep everyone fed and happy!
Daniel (Twist & Flip): Provided wonderful games that kept families entertained and smiling all afternoon.
Jenny Pots: For generously providing the essential porta-potty services!
Our Trophy Sponsors
A special touch was added to the show thanks to the local businesses that stepped up to sponsor our trophies. Thank you to:
The Forget Me Not Soda Shoppe
Kelly Albert OT (Esperance Health and Wellness)
Strong's Towing
Wheels for Our Community
The Mountain Eagle
Morissette’s Tree Service
Raffle & Drawing Donors
Our drawing had some wonderful extra surprises thanks to the generosity of:
Nancy Kruglak
Hay’s Carwash and Lube
To every single person who attended as a participant, brought out a vehicle, or came by as a guest: thank you so much.Your support truly means the world to us. Supporting those who support our neighbors is the absolute best way to celebrate the memory of Jeffrey!
Thank you to everyone who came, who helped, and shared in the memory of Jeffrey.
