Thanks to many

 Above, you're looking at the Mayberry Diner in Moneta, Virginia, with three contestants set in front. This was a very few minutes after a series of thunderstorms rolled through. There's a downhill slope here, as the diner roof shows, but I chose to show the vehicles level. The Mayberry Diner & Drive-in again proved a wonderful spot to hold a car show.

Thanks go out to many. Our show was weather struck--though the storms held off until we were about 80% done. Some strong willed entrants and a few good volunteers made possible an event that produced a decent profit, one that will improve Christmas for numerous children who might otherwise have gotten left off Santa's list.

In a couple of days, when I get everything calibrated, I'll list our sponsors, and by this time next month,we'll have figured out when we'll be holding the next show. At the moment, we're looking at April 30, 2011, with a May 7 rain date. We will be actively searching for sponsors once the date is set, so anyone who wishes to help can get in touch with me at any time. We're also going to search for more volunteers. The show is more fun for more people when a few don't have to work too hard.

For now, my thanks, and the Bedford Marine Corps League's thanks, to all those who helped or attended in any capacity.  Add to that my promise that we'll not make my mistakes over again, and will correct any other glitches that show up.

Sponsors needed!

Our July 17 car show to benefit Toys for Tots and the detachment is moving along. We've gotten several sponsors, but need more to help provide the kind of trophies that do much to ensure a show's success.

We've also gotten a raffle object, a power supply, that is currently one of two items being raffled at the show. The other item is an 11" x 14" photograph of the winner's car--the raffle winner, not the show winner! I'll do a short photo session and provide a top quality 11x14 print of one of the shots for the winner.

Sponsors, those who have a business that deals with automobiles or any peripheral part of the auto business, might consider emailing me about the $35 sponsorship.

Sponsorship brings an 8-1/2" x 11" white card stock version of the sponsor's business card (or logo, or other information that is available for scanning ($10 extra will see the information printed on photo stock for better looking data that is heavy on graphics). That is then placed on an easel at the beginning or end of the car class, where it is seen by all viewers.

 Sponsors might operate new car dealerships, independent garages, motorcycle dealers, used car dealerships, auto parts stores, insurance agencies, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, service stations, building contractors (put up any garages lately?), HVAC companies, convenience stores and similar businesses. Sponsors may also operate bakeries, DVD rental stores, really almost any kind of retail store and have a strong desire to help kids have a decent Christmas. Last year--2009--we were able to improve 1,256 Christmas packages in the Bedford area. For 2010, we want to do better.

The card above shows the result of using a full spread for my business card, which is solid black and pretty has to have photo paper stock to look good. The classification above can be changed to cover any of the listed classes in the show.

I know the economy isn't great, but for $35, the fiscal pain shouldn't be too intense. We can also use more items for raffles.With the sag in my magazine article markets, and a drop off in book sales, over the past three years, if I can offer an item for a raffle, most businesses can do the same.

Reach me at chazphotos@charlieselfonline.com.