Tedder’s Christmas for Kids car show Nov. 9
By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Tedders Auto Repair will present for the third straight year its benefit car show to raise money for the company’s Christmas for Kids program, which provides toys and gifts to children who might otherwise suffer through a bleak Yule holiday.
This year’s fundraiser will take place on Saturday, November 9, starting at 10 a.m. Already semi-unique in that the people who attend the free event get to choose the top three entries, Bubba and Cindy Tedder have added another wrinkle.
“The entry fee is $25 for each vehicle that you enter,” said Bubba, who pointed out that there is no charge to come view the cars, enjoy free barbecue sandwiches and cold drinks, then vote on the vehicles. “It doesn’t cost anything to come, but the entry fee for the cars, trucks or whatever that are being considered for prizes is $25. It can be in cash or it can be $25 worth of toys, it doesn’t matter. It’s all for the kids, and that’s all that really matters to me.”
Cindy Tedder reinforced her husband’s statement about the cost of admission and said anyone who wishes to may make a donation to the cause, whether he or she enters a vehicle in the show or not.
“We had barbecue sandwiches and drinks last year, so I think we might do that again,” she said. “I want people to remember that the entry fee is for the cars in the contest, not for the person coming to see the cars. Plus, if anybody wanted to just donate, they’re welcome to.”
The car show was initiated three years ago after two years of the Tedders donating all the money from brake jobs and oil changes to fund the fledgling program, which now provides Christmas cheer for five to seven local children each year.
“We changed it up to this, and it gives some other people a chance to be involved in it,” Bubba said. “People like to show their cars off, and every donation counts; it doesn’t matter whether it’s for your car or you just want to be good of heart and put some (money) in there. As long as we can get some kids taken care of for Christmas, that’s all that matters to me.”
The show usually features an array of entries ranging from waxed and shiny classic cars, to sleek newer models, rusted-out “rat rods,” and anything even remotely automotive.
“I don’t care if it’s a bicycle,” said Bubba, recalling that two years ago his granddaughter, Israel, was voted Best in Show for her tiny child’s car. “That year, a kid won it for the kids.”
For more information on the car show or the Christmas for Kids program, or to nominate a family for consideration, call 228-265-4903.