UPPER SANDUSKY – A local automotive and truck supply company is bringing in the big-wheelers for its second annual classic truck show and open house.
McGuire Wholesale, Inc., is hosting the event Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its facility, 215 Commerce Way. Proceeds will benefit Awareness 22, an organization that helps active U.S. military members and veterans struggling with PTSD.
“We thought that was a good local charity that we could do a benefit for and just wanted to shed light on that, especially on veterans who want to take their own lives,” McGuire Wholesale owner Virgil Jennings said of the non-profit group.
The $22 registration fee for every truck entered is going to support Awareness 22. In addition, proceeds from the raffles, 50-50 drawings, and 10 percent of McGuire’s retail sales that day are all being given to the charity, he said.
Awareness 22, founded by Kevin and Tammy Van Hoosier of nearby Sycamore, got its name because 22 is the number of veterans who commit suicide in this country every day. Their motto is “Saving Those Who Risk Their Lives for Ours.”
Lunch, which is being catered by the Corner Inn in Upper Sandusky, will be provided to the first 250 truck owners and their families, courtesy of McGuire Wholesale. The T-Town Baggers will also hold a cornhole tournament during the event.
As in last year’s inaugural event, trophies will again be awarded in four categories – Kids’ Choice, Awareness 22 Choice, Owner’s Choice, and Best of Show. A check presentation to the Van Hoosiers will take place at 3 p.m., Jennings said.
There is no age range on trucks that can be entered. Registrations will be accepted until noon on Saturday. They are also available online, in person, or by calling McGuire Wholesale, at 1-800-860-3744.
“We hope to just have the biggest crowd we can imagine to help out with the charity here,” Jennings said. “We’re just hoping to generate some interest and do the best job we can for them.”