Car And Bike Show Benefits 9/11 First Responder Survivors

By Sharon Mager

In honor of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, Chesapeake Christian Center in Pasadena will host a car and bike show this Sunday, September 11. Sherlie Hale, Chesapeake Christian Center administrative assistant, said when the church began planning the event, they realized the date they picked was the anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the church wanted to do something to demonstrate their support to the heroes of that day. After prayerful consideration, they decided to donate funds to “Save Our Survivors” (SOS), an organization dedicated to providing air purification units to first responders living with illnesses as a result of their heroic responses during the attack.

Though many responders died on September 11, 2001, many are still dying from a result of their experience and exposure. Save Our Survivors strives to provide air purification units to help those victims breathe clean air, avoid secondary infections and avoid suffering.

“We thought this would be a way to give back a little to the community,” said Lynn Hall, the church’s outreach director. Hall noted that 100 percent of all registration donations will go towards SOS.

The event begins at 10:00am with special music, opening prayer and a presentation by John Long, Jr., chaplain for Anne Arundel County Volunteer Fire Fighters Association and chief chaplain for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.

Long will share about the special call some people have to be able to give of themselves to save others, knowing that their own lives may be sacrificed in the process.

He applauded the church’s efforts. “It’s just great what they’re doing,” he commented.

Long said though he did not personally respond during the 9/11 disaster, he knows people who did and were exposed to the toxic dust.

Lynn Hall said the church hopes the 9/11 emphasis will draw an even bigger crowd than last year’s event. Members were thrilled when they had over 70 car and bikes displayed and over 400 attendees.

“It turned out really well last year, especially for it being our first time having a show like that,” Hale said. “The parking lot was full with bikes and cars. We also had an old ice cream truck that was really unique. It was fun. I enjoyed it.”

Church members will serve pulled pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, soft drinks and desserts. Lynn Hall said the church has a kitchen committee full of “excellent cooks who do a phenomenal job.”

There will also be games, including a moon bounce, for children.

The first 75 registrants will receive a participation dash plaque and all registrants receive a free lunch. Prizes and trophies will be awarded in various categories. There will also be a registration card drawing for a $100 prize.

Chesapeake Christian Center is located at 206 Weston Woods Drive in Pasadena. Registration is available online at http://www.ccc-cog.org or by calling 410-255-3168. For information about Save Our Survivors, see http://www.ffcancer.org/index.cfm.