Hagerty Blog: October 2010

Hagerty Insurance Agency teamed up with the Presbyterian Children’s Hospital, Tach Twisters car club, and the Rolling Thunder dealership to offer the young patients the first annual “Cruisin’ for Kids.” The event was held on the lawn of the Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina and featured an intimate gathering of thirty-five collectors. Their twenty-five cars ranged from a 1957 Austin-Healey to a 1968 Chevy Camaro.

It was an excellent combination of collectors, volunteers, and families coming together for a common cause: the kids. The children interacted with collectors and their cars. They were also able to sit in the judge’s seat and pick their favorite car. Darren Frank’s 1969 Iso Grifo was the lucky recipient of the Kid’s Choice Award.

The event could not have been a success without the help and support of the Hospital itself. Key figures such as Michael Vaccaro, the Senior Director of Women’s and Children’s Services, say such events “make kids feel like kids even in the hospital” and “creates memories, which give them something to carry through the tough times."

Eveie Hatley, a member of the Tach Twisters, was present with her 1968 Camaro. Hartley stressed the importance of getting kids involved in the hobby and said she would choose an event for the benefit of others “over a drag race any day!”

Although Walt Hollifield, part of the Foundation Board at the Hospital, was unable to attend due to a prior obligation, he received report of the event and felt “everything about it was a success.” He saw it as an opportunity to “bring the outside world in” for the kids, while raising awareness for the Children’s Hospital.

It was an extraordinary inaugural event that could not have been possible without all the hands on board. It was another example of how the collector car community not only enjoys their cars, but also uses them for the benefit of others.