NEWS STORY

LOCAL BUSINESSMEN PUT “FEET TO THEIR FEELINGS”

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     Rod Perkins, owner of Factory Direct Furniture on Panama City Beach Parkway, in 2019 was introduced to a child fighting the deadly disease of cancer. “It touched me in such a way I knew right there I had to do something to help out.” “You see I have a little girl about the same age.” Rod being a car enthusiast came up with the idea of having a car show and donate the proceeds of the show to the Optimist Club of the Beaches “childhood cancer program.” The Causeway Car Show put on in February of 2020 in St Andrews was so successful the idea of a nonprofit 501 C3 corporation was born.

     Bill Nieland, a local businessman, became just as enthusiastic about the idea as Rod, so between the two a vision was created. A non-profit raising money to help children in need, making their lives better just like the little girl Rod first met. Rod brought along his friends Nate Shelton, two-time chairman of the board and hall of fame, of SEMA and Russ Deane retired general councils and hall of fame member of SEMA, both as directors of the newly formed “The 850 Crew Car Club.” Bill said we will be taking part at the Panama City Beach “Emerald Coast Car Show” November 11,12, and 13th, doing our thing, like auctioning a real cool arachnid spider “ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE” plus other goodies and help with parking. Bill says to look for our tent and stop by to enjoy a cold bottle of water. We would love to tell you our story and share our vision/passion for kids with you.

     Rod said to be sure you remember the “Causeway Car Show” in St Andrews February 26, 2022. The show is the club’s primer event and there is time to secure your place as a sponsor for the event. If you have a Street Rod, Muscle Car or Vintage Car you will want to enter it and be part of THIS VERY worthy and fun event.