Page 16 – May 4-5,2013
Community News
The Putnam Standard
Hope Cruises to Local Family By Justin Waybright justin@thecabellstandard.com
BUFFALO - Tricked-out muscle cars and imports shined in the sun during the Cruise-in for Paul Holley Saturday April 20. People across the state with immaculate rides, cruised onto the Buffalo Diner parking lot to provide hope and love for a fellow car enthusiast, who nearly lost his life in February. The sound of tweaked 4-cylinder tuning echoed throughout town while the raw power of V-8 bigblocks shook the pavement at the restaurant. Mustangs, Camaros, Hondas, pick-ups and other custom rides stole the attention and admiration of the crowd. Two months ago, Holley, a Hannan High School student crashed his custom pick-up truck. The accident broke his neck and paralyzed him. Medical bills piled up and put a severe financial strain on his family. But hope came. CL’s Finest and Trojan car clubs hosted the cruise-in to help cover the bills and lift the Holley Family’s spirit.
Cruisin’ for a purpose - Men and women drive their tricked-out cars and trucks to a cruise-in to raise money for Holley’s family. Photo by Justin Waybright Jodi Johnson, remembers the day she got the call that her cousin had been in a serious wreck. “I was heart-broken and shocked,” she said. “It was really sad.” Johnson looked toward the rows of cars and trucks at the cruise-in. She smiled. “It’s amazing how the community came together and helped - it’s incredible,” she said. “It’s great to have churches praying and to receive all the encouraging comments.” Across from Johnson, a man stood by a long row of custom rides. David Withrow, president of CL’s Finest Car Club and owner of a modified S-10, Limo and Brevada was proud to offer a helping hand to
a fellow car enthusiast. “We can help a little bit at least, but we can never ease someone’s mind of what happened,” he said. “We’re always trying to help out the community.” Withrow’s car club holds an annual car show to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. This year’s event is Aug. 24 at CampVirgil Tate. Near Withrow, a young man walked by a shiny Mustang. Steve Winters, president of Trojans Car Club and owner of a 1969 Mustang Mach 1, a 1970 Boss and a 1997 Cobra was happy to have a large turn-out. His club holds charity events often. “We try to choose someone in the
Hope for Paul - Paul Holley stands by his antique pick-up before he wrecked the custom ride in February. The accident paralyzed his body, but his love for cruising was alive Saturday April 20. Courtesy Photo community in a hardship and donate to that person,” Winters said. “It’s great to volunteer and help someone like this.” TheTrojan Car Club holds cruiseins throughout the summer. The next one is 6 p.m. May 18 at Buffalo Diner. For car lovers like Winters and Withrow, cruising is a soulful experience like no other.
“There’s nothing like it,” saidWinters. “It’s a sense of satisfaction.” Withrow agreed. “It’s great,” he said. “Kids see it and you stand out - it’s enjoyable.” The sunset ended the successful event that provided hope and help for Holley. As evening turned to night, the exhaust of custom rides echoed in the distance, a tribute to a fellow cruiser.