For more information on Georgia Cool Cruisers’ Toys for Tots Drive, go to www.georgiacoolcruisers.org/
Sharon Ellis and her husband, Rick, hosted a car cruise-in at Galaxy Diner on Nov. 16 in Chamblee and collected new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. The event kicked off the holiday season and collection drive for the nonprofit organization.
“We have been so fortunate,” said Sharon. “To see everyone come out for this event, have fun, and collect toys for kids in need, it’s just a great way to spend your day.”
The Tucker-based couple loves their classic, collectible cars. In 2000, when Sharon purchased her PT Cruiser, Rick joined in and bought a 2001 Chrysler Prowler. “She was having too much fun, and I decided to join in,” said Rick. “I like to say it’s my ‘hobby gone wild’.”
To spread the love of their hobby and entice others to join in on the fun, Rick hosted the first PT Cruiser/Prowler show at Galaxy Diner seven years ago. And, it grew into a popular neighborhood event.
“We open the event to all cars. Any year, make and model is welcome, and people come to have fun, and just be a part of the community,” said Rick, who is a retired law enforcement official.
The monthly cruise-in added a value of giving back and started raising money for various charities. “Every month, we raise money and awareness for a different cause,” he added.
From April to October, the cruise-ins have collected money for a local family who needed help paying medical bills, JDRF, USO Georgia, Toys for Tots and more. Then, this past June, they founded Georgia Cool Cruisers Car Club, and have continually dedicated the monthly cruise-ins to not only display classic cars, but also give back to community causes.
When Roy Jones, owner of Galaxy Diner, was approached by the Ellis’ to host this event, he couldn’t say no. “(Rick and Sharon) are regular customers, and when they brought this idea to me, it seemed like such a fun idea,” said Jones. “We are an extended family here and it’s all about supporting each other. These monthly events have helped different causes and people and it’s about making the community around you a better place.”
At the kickoff event, the Georgia Cool Cruisers cruise-in raised over $2,000 and collected over 750 toys for Toys for Tots. The collection drive will continue until Dec. 18 at Galaxy Diner and other locations.
In other news: State Farm Youth Advisory Board presented Trees Atlanta with a $35,000 grant on Oct.18 for the organization’s youth education program, Urban Tree Trackers. The program promotes art, environmental science, leadership, and volunteerism to K-12 students in Atlanta public schools through student-led projects. Trees Atlanta is a citizens group that protects and improves Atlanta’s urban forest by planting, conserving and educating.
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