College Park Motors’ Holds Community Event Fundraiser
Beautiful, summer-like weather provided the perfect backdrop Thursday evening as College Park Motors welcomed residents to its Customer Appreciation Community event in Vermilion.
Held from 3:30 to 7 p.m. on September 17, the event offered an evening of food, family-friendly activities, classic cars and fellowship, while also raising funds for the Vermilion Elementary School Hot Lunch Program.
The atmosphere around the dealership was buzzing and friendly as those who came out wandered among approximately 20 classic cars, visited with one another and enjoyed the activities set up throughout the grounds.
For the young and young at heart, a petting zoo featuring two cows, two ducks and two baby goats proved to be a popular attraction, with children and adults alike stopping to enjoy the animals. A bouncy castle and glitter tattoos added to the fun for the younger visitors.
Adding to the community atmosphere, Brenda Wyness of Dewberry was on site selling a variety of baked goods, while the Waltz children had fresh corn available for sale. Both offered visitors another reason to stop, browse and visit as they made their way around the event.
There was also plenty of fun around the dunk tank, where new College Park Motors General Manager Sean Blanchette was among those brave enough to take a turn above the water. Young Cash Waltz also climbed into the hot seat and took his chances as participants tried their best to send him splashing into the tank.
Hot dogs, the dunk tank and hockey shot were all available by donation, with proceeds from those activities supporting the Vermilion Elementary School Hot Lunch Program.
For Blanchette, the evening represented much more than simply hosting an event at the dealership.
Coming from a small town himself, Blanchette said he understands the importance of community and the care, commitment and support required to help one thrive.
“The truth is, if you’re not working with your community, you’re working against it,” said Blanchette. “We all need to support one another if we want to see Vermilion continue to thrive.”
He said residents can count on College Park Motors to support the community wherever it is able.
“We are proud to be here, and we want to be more than just a business in the community, we want to be a great partner,” he said.
Blanchette said his personal commitment to both the College Park Motors staff and those who walk through the dealership’s doors is to create a warm, fun, caring and fair environment, a place people want to come to, whether they are working or visiting.
The idea for a Customer Appreciation Community event began almost immediately after Blanchette joined the team and grew through conversations among staff about what was important to Vermilion and the surrounding area.
Agriculture quickly became part of those conversations.
Recognizing the importance of agriculture throughout the region, the team decided a petting zoo would be a fitting addition. They reached out to members of the community, and Blanchette said it wasn’t long before local farmers and community members began calling back, excited to bring animals to the event.
“It was amazing to see,” he said.
Finding something for the children was another priority, leading to the addition of the bouncy castle after College Park Motors Adminstrative Assistant, Taylor happened to know someone who had one.
“Once again — community,” said Blanchette.
That same spirit continued when the dealership began looking for a dunk tank. After learning the Vermilion Fire Department had one, they reached out for help. Firefighters not only brought the dunk tank and a fire truck to fill it, but also brought an antique fire truck for visitors to enjoy during the evening.
Vermilion RCMP Sgt. Ken Shamblaw also stopped by the event with his police cruiser, giving children the opportunity to climb inside and get a closer look at the vehicle.
Another idea came from College Park Motors mechanic Kevin, who suggested inviting classic car owners to participate.
The response from the local car club resulted in approximately 20 classic cars lining the grounds during the event, giving visitors plenty to admire as they made their way around the dealership.
“To have the classic cars on display was something we were extremely proud to be a part of,” Blanchette said.
Looking back at everything that came together for the event, from the animals and children’s activities to the fire department, RCMP, classic cars, local vendors and volunteers, Blanchette said there was one common thread behind it all.
“When I look back at how this event came together, the biggest takeaway for me is that it happened because of the community,” he said. “Every idea, every volunteer, every organization, and every person who contributed played a part in making the day what it was.”
For those who attended, the result was a relaxed September evening spent visiting, laughing and enjoying the activities under weather that felt far more like summer than fall.
And while this may have been the first Customer Appreciation Community event under Blanchette’s leadership, it won’t likely be the last.
“This is definitely something we plan to continue in the future,” he said.
Blanchette said one change he would like to make is holding the event a little earlier in the year, which could make it easier for members of the area’s agricultural community to attend before harvest demands take over.
“I would really like to give our farmers and agricultural community an opportunity to come out and enjoy the day with us as well,” he said.
Blanchette also extended his appreciation to the entire College Park Motors team for the work that went into bringing the event together and making the evening a success.
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