For the last nine years, Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) locals #233 (Closter, Harrington Park, Northvale, Norwood) and #399 (Alpine) have sponsored a charitable fundraiser by inviting owners of restored cars, trucks and motorcycles to share their finished projects with the public.
On Sunday, June 2, the parking lot at Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest was filled with a wide range of vehicles and their proud owners who were happy to talk about their unique passion for engines, auto bodies, upholstery and history.
During this nine-year span, the two PBA locals that represent Northvale, Norwood, Harrington Park, Closter and Alpine have raised more than $100,000.
Organizer Bill Barbieri explained, “After expenses, all funds are donated to three charities we support: the Semper Fi Fund, Paws of War, and United States War Dogs Association. Everything goes to the soldiers and the dogs.”
This year, the cars remained the big draw, but raffles, food and a DJ made the event even more fun for those attending.
At 10 a.m., the Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County began to play, followed by a group of Nam Vets who stopped at the school’s flagpole for the ceremonial raising of the American flag and the POW-MIA flag. Singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” was led by 11-year-old Olivia Carpenter.
Many who displayed their cars and bikes were happy to talk to those admiring their handiwork. Martin Hirsch, who lived in Bergen County for more than 40 years, explained that he finally moved north into New York State where he could afford to buy enough land to build a barn accommodating his car collection, including the Pontiac Bonneville he drove to the show. He said simply, “I’m living my dream.”
Sharon and Rich Peterson worked as a team restoring their 1996 Ford Mustang GT and decided to change its original white color to a brilliant valencia, also known as gravel orange. Vince Perazzo drove his 1936 Packard from his home in Mahwah and lovingly buffed the car as people started to admire it. Packards were an American luxury car, this one built during the Great Depression when money was tight, but the company thrived nevertheless. An early Norwood police car, looking like a prop from an old Dick Tracey movie, took its place among the hot rods and antique cars.
Under sunny skies despite a grim forecast, the day’s event was a profitable one, both for the charities receiving support and for all those in attendance.
Photos by Susan McTigue
