DALLAS TWP. — The future occupational therapists at Misericordia University organized their third annual Classic Car Show on Saturday afternoon to raise funds for the local chapter of the National Occupational Therapy Honor Society and promote public awareness about the importance of the work done in the occupational therapy field.
Allison Hausman, president of the Occupational Therapy Society at the university, said more than 100 car enthusiasts visited the show to eye the more than 20 classic cars, including a 1923 Ford Model T, another Ford from 1937, a 1956 Austin Healy, a 1947 Chrysler coupe and a 1948 Cadillac Lowrider Custom.
Local classic auto owners brought other shiny models dating from the 1930s to 2011, each with its own special style.
There were family sedans, such as the 1963 Ford Galaxie and the 1966 Buick Gran Sport, to sportier rides, such as the 1970 Boss 302 Mustang, a 1969 Camaro and Trans Am and 1970 Dodge Superbee.
Even some fancier trucks were represented with a 1947 Willys Jeep and a 1973 Ford Explorer.
Judges voted for 11 awards, including the best in show. There was music, grilled food and 15 raffle prizes donated by local businesses, including Sun Tan CIty, Pizza Bella, the Checkerboard Inn, Dominoes Pizza and more.
Hausman said the car show is not only a “good community event,” but also a way for the upperclassmen of the university’s occupational therapy departments to interact with the community and discuss what occupational therapists do.
Jen Snyder, vice president of the occupational therapy society, said she got involved in occupational therapy because it gives her a way to help people “improve their lives.”
“You can really make a difference in someone’s quality of life,” she added.
Lexi Campbell, the group’s treasurer, added about 20 members of the group made everything possible. They set up the displays, cooked the food, managed the traffic and cleaned up. She hoped the event would raise about $1,000.
University professor and club advisor Joe Cipriani said the occupational therapy program at Misericordia is very well respected and has been operating for three decades. He added the enrollment is continually full and the demand for qualified candidates from the university is expected to grow into the foreseeable future.
