Pam Cunningham, chair of the World of Wheels organizing committee, presents a $3,500 cheque to Judy Bedford of the Peachland Food Bank Thursday while the rest of the committee looks on.. Shown left to right is Russ Paul, Ashley Schultz, Cunningham, Rob Wilkes, Bedford and Glenn Hoff. (Dave Preston photo)
Contributed
With 550 antique and classic car entries and more than 10,000 spectators packing downtown Peachland on the May long weekend, the 15th annual World of Wheels Show and Shine was a resounding success.
The World of Wheels organizing committee worked hard to increase fun and decrease expenses this year and the move paid off. One question that is asked often of committee members is, “Where does the money go?”
“I hear it all the time,” said Pam Cunningham, committee chair.
World of Wheels is a non-profit, community centered organization, according to Cunningham.
“Whatever money we make, we want to give back to the community,” said Cunningham. “We do this for the good of the community.”
Ashley Schults presents a $1,500 cheque to Doris Muhs, Peachland Wellness Centre director, while Russ Paul, Pam Cunningham, Rob Wilkes and Glenn Hoff look on. (Dave Preston photo)
In recent years, the total cost of putting on World of Wheels has been about $12,000, according to Cunningham. Cost savings for the 2012 car show brought the expense total down to just $7,200.
“We had some incredible sponsors this year and many in-kind donations,” said Cunningham.
This year the Peachland Wellness Centre will benefit from a $1,500 donation and the Peachland Food Bank will have $3,500 more in its bank account because of World of Wheels.
There are just five organizers on the World of Wheels committee (Pam Cunningham, Russ Paul, Ashley Schultz, Glenn Hoff, Rob Wilkes) and Cunningham said they received the same benefit as the many volunteers who helped out during the show… A free T-shirt and lunch during the car show.
“Obviously the car show can’t get any bigger,” said Cunningham. It can, however, get better.
“We’re always looking for more help,” Cunningham said, adding that the committee likes new ideas but it’s people who put ideas into action that are really being sought.
A misconception that Cunningham wants to correct is the belief by some that the municipality doesn’t support World of Wheels to any great degree.
“The district is our biggest sponsor,” said Cunningham, adding the value of what the district contributes is about $3,500.
World of Wheels benefits from having two district staff members for the entire day of the car show. The district picks up the tab for porta potties and supplies barricades and other materials. Cunningham said town staff, including staff at the community centre, bend over backwards to help the group.
The biggest event in Peachland would not have happened if not for an idea that Al Wiebe had 15 years ago to display cool cars in downtown Peachland. That year about 75 cars were on display and World of Wheels has grown to be a phenomenon because of Wiebe’s vision.
Volunteers and sponsors are at the core of World of Wheels. Without either the show would not take place.
“Our volunteers were terrific. They give up their time on the long weekend to make sure that thousands of people enjoy the day,” said Cunningham. “Our sponsors were truly awesome. They contributed in countless ways, making sure World of Wheels #15 was a memorable one.”
Cunningham gave a big thank you to the proud owners of the 550 entries that graced Beach Avenue on May 20 and the thousands of people who packed downtown Peachland as spectators.
“Without the antique and classic car owners and the people who came to see them, there would not be a World of Wheels,” said Cunningham.
Lastly, Cunningham gives credit to the citizens of Peachland, especially those who live downtown and in Bluewaters, for giving up Beach Avenue that so many can enjoy the cars, a fun day and the beautiful scenery that Peachlanders call home.
World of Wheels Show and Shine 2012 Sponsors
- District of Peachland
- Roger W. Cyr Kelowna/Westside ReMax
- Johnston Meier Insurance Agencies Group
- Boyd Autobody and Glass
- Canadian Image Customs
- Don Folk Chevrolet
- KMS Tools and Equipment Ltd.
- Turner Volkswagen Audi
- All Safe Traffic Control
- A & W Peachland
- Effective Printing Inc.
- PeachlandNews.com
- TNI The Network Inc.
- Cycle Logic
- Napa Auto Parts West Kelowna
- Music by the Regals Kelowna
- Music by 6 Gun Romeo Vancouver
- Sublime Photography & Design
- Collectors Auto Supply Inc.
- Peachland Chamber of Commerce
- Rocky J’s Beach Hut
- Serendipity Salon & Day Spa
- TreeGroup
- Integra Tire
- Mr. Lube West Kelowna
- Valley Moto Sport Ltd.
- MADD
- On Beach Boutique & Gift
- Peachland Dental Centre
- Petro-Canada Peachland
- Sunnyside Market Peachland
- Postnet West Kelowna
- Excited
- Informed
- Amused
- Bored
- Sad
- Angry
