Seeking the perfect venue for SOFTIN’s next car show fundraiser

After such a rousing and fun car show fundraiser this year, SOFTIN’s Programs Manager, Capt. Tiffany Vague (tvague@softininc.org) is searching for the perfect venue for our next car show fundraiser. We have the date… Sunday, July 25, 2010, so mark your calendars and please plan to join the fun as a visitor or maybe enter your car. We will have a long list of show categories. Entries can be handled with Capt. Tiffany.

The location will probably be in the tri-counties area (Santa Barbara, Ventura or San Luis Obispo counties of California), but we may find a perfect place elsewhere. We expect more cars, more vendors, more fun things for kids to do and fun things for the adults, too. I’m thinking a dance contest might be fun, with music from the 50’s 60’s 70’s, 80’s 90’s and 2k tunes as well.

I hope you will be there!

Capt. David Bacon
Executive Director,
SOFTIN
dbacon@softininc.org
www.softininc.org

Car show community awareness event a success for SOFTIN

Hundreds of spectators had a blast admiring well over one hundred show cars decked out in stunning details and shining like a noonday sun at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara. There were muscle cars with engine parts poking up above their hoods and every inch of engine compartment in use. There were classic cars which brought back many a wonderful memory for those of us old enough to remember playing in those cars. There were lowriders with amazing paint jobs and innovative modifications. There were custom-built bicycles that stopped spectators in their tracks. There was plenty to see.

There was plenty to do, as well. A live band, RedFish classic rock band, donated their time to play toe-tapping music inside the domed building the whole day and keep our spirits soaring. Two DJs (Mike “the Cholo” DJ performed as a volunteer and also handled the awards ceremony) played in different areas on the grassy areas outside the building. A fine showing of vendors gave car show owners and spectators alike plenty to shop for. A used book sale table offered attractions to avid readers. A silent auction provided a method for folks to support SOFTIN and buy wonderful goods, services and adventures. A kiddy corner – complete with fun and games – gave the little ones plenty of action and honed their game skills.

The show finished with a raffle drawing and trophy awards for the best show vehicles in dozens of classes. A truckload of trophies were awarded. We wished we had planned for one more category… not for show cars, but for the best dancers. One couple in particular, who did win a trophy for their truck, would also have left with a trophy for best dancers. They just couldn’t help but move to the music of RedFish inside and the DJs outside.

A heartwarming act of SOFTIN mission support brought tears to many an eye. Actually, two acts. The gentleman who won the 50/50 raffle (50/50 meaning that the prize was 50% of the raffle ticket sales money) put his winnings into the SOFTIN donation jug. The second act was when the same gentlemen won the other cash prize (donated along with a raffle prize) and also put that money into the donation jug. His name is withheld by request, otherwise we would shout his name from the rooftops. He’s our hero.

SOFTIN thanks our volunteers and the community (especially the car culture community) for their generous outpouring of support. Proceeds from SOFTIN events support our programs to provide at-sea education and skill-building adventures for the disabled, impaired, victims of abuse, frail elderly and youths-at-risk.

Capt. David Bacon
www.softininc.org
http://softininc.blogspot.com

Car Show FUNdraiser countdown

Final days of preparations brought many pleasant surprises for SOFTIN’s car show and silent auction, this Saturday (July 25th) at Santa Barbara’s Earl Warren Showgrounds at Las Positas offramp from the 101 freeway, 10:00am to 4:00pm. We have commitments from many car clubs to bring their gorgeous show cars… hotrods, classics, lowriders, trucks and even custom bicycles. We have good turnout from the vendor community with lots of goods and services represented. Stacks of great used books will be for sale at a special table. We’ll have games and plenty for kids to do. Adults and kids alike will enjoy listening to RedFish classic rock band. We expect two DJ’s to mix music, games, fun and announcements. Take a chance on a valuable raffle. A huge rack of trophies will be awarded to the best show cars, trucks and bicycles. Judging will be done by professionals. Food and drinks are available at the concession stand in the dome.

We’re ready to roll out a great show. All we need now is a solid turnout from the community. Please plan to come and generously support SOFTIN’s programs. If you are unable to attend, please consider supporting SOFTIN by using the Donate Now button here on SOFTIN’s blogspot page.

Capt. David Bacon
www.softininc.org
http://softininc.blogspot.com

PS: More detailed information about the car show/silent auction is at: http://www.softininc.org/SOFTIN/Fundraising_Event.html

Public service announcements for car show

We are getting good publicity for SOFTIN's car show & silent auction, sceduled for Saturday, July 25th at Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara (101 fwy and Los Positas exit).

During the weeks before the event, the following radio stations/shows have agreed to air our Public Service Announcements:
KZSB
Fish Talk
KDB
KMIX
Gold Coast
KVTA
KDAR
KRUZ
Magic

This list is a work-in-progress and we anticipate adding to the list.

Capt. David Bacon
Executive Director,
Seafaring Oppotunities For Those In Need (SOFTIN), Inc.
dbacon@softininc.org
http://www.softininc.org/