PEEKSKILL, N.Y. -- The parking lots of First Hebrew Congregation were filled with the sounds of '50s rock like the Big Bopper and the glow of sun-kissed chrome Sunday for the first ever Friend Helping Friends Car Show.
Show organizer Vinny Gagliardi said the idea was to raise money for the center's daycare program. "It's hard for single mothers to work, so we're trying to raise money for the daycare center," Gagliardi said.
Organizers had trophies for the approximately 40 participating car owners, and the judges were the car owners themselves.
"The guys who know their cars go out and look at other people's cars and judge and then we add up the score and they are awarded trophies," he said. "They can't vote for their own car to keep it fair and honest."
Gagliardi brought his own car, a 1969 Dodge Superbee, to the show and Tony Merendino, of Cortlandt Manor, said it was a great day to show off his 1970 Corvette coupe.
"I've had it for 10 years," Meredino said. "I do about one show a month or so. I just love driving it and it's easy to work on."
Another show entrant, Richie Canedo, of Mahopac, displayed his restored 1957 Chevy Bell Air four-door wagon. "It came from California," Canedo said. "I bought it approximately six years ago unfinished. I bought it on Ebay and shipped it across the country."
Like many classic cars collectors, Canedo's vehicle had just as much sentimental value as monetary value. "I had one as a high school senior and at a high school dance in 1973 I got mad and sold it for $500 because it wouldn't start. I took the plates off and rode the bus home to Queens. When I got home my father wanted to kill me."
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