Kiwanis Rocks car show rocks Amvets Post 18 in East Islip

Car show and pancake breakfast has hot rides and hot food

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Car enthusiasts gathered at Amvets Post 18 on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the annual Kiwanis Rocks car show and pancake breakfast.

Car enthusiasts enjoyed a beautiful sunny day of mingling and sharing their passion for automobiles. A delicious pancake breakfast was served at a cost of $10 each, or free for veterans. Local rock band Camelot Punks kept the energy high with live music throughout the morning, and with an assortment of about 30 beautiful raffle baskets and a 50/50, there was something for everyone.

The annual fundraiser is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Kiwanis Club of the Islips and Bay Shore. The club distributed awards for cars on a “people’s choice” basis; attendees voted on the cars that they liked, and awards were given based on who received the most votes. This year, the winner was John Flandina, owner of a sky-blue 1957 Chevy Bel Air.

While the fundraiser took place in the parking lot outside of Islip Town Hall last year, this year’s event was held at Amvets Post 18 in East Islip, located at 141 Carleton Avenue, to emphasize a focus on veteran support.

James Parrimo, a member of Amvets Post 18, takes his Pontiac 1969 Firebird to a few shows a year and was happy to participate in a show so close to home.

“I have owned this car for 40 years, and now that I have retired, I joined the Amvets post,” said Parrimo. “I really like being a part of the veteran community, and I am excited to bring my car out today to have veterans help veterans.”

Proceeds from the Kiwanis Rocks car show will go toward veteran outreach, including a monetary donation to local VFWs and Cooking for Long Island Veterans. The organization supplies hot meals for veterans, delivered to their homes at no charge. Meanwhile, Amvets Post 18 hosts breakfast every third Sunday of the month, free for veterans and the homeless.

Keeping with the veteran outreach, local organization America’s VetDogs had a booth at the car show to provide resources to local veterans.  By placing highly skilled service and guide dogs at no cost to the handler, America’s VetDogs helps veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities once again live with pride and renewed independence.

If you are passionate about community service, consider becoming a member of the Kiwanis Club of the Islips and Bay Shore and contact Sandy Flandina at (631)882-4994 or sandyflandina@hotmail.com. 

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