Car show to help animal shelter

 If you’ve been to a major car show in the country, chances are you’ve seen Rick Mueller or at least one of his Chevy Monte Carlos.

“I have cars showing somewhere in the U.S. every weekend,” Mueller said.

Mueller, who has lived in Freeport for the last 12 years, formed the idea for Sunday’s event with friend Bill Olmstead, who works closely with Friends Forever.

“I thought maybe it was time to give back to the community,” Mueller said. “Bill asked me if we could get together and do something for Friends Forever.”

A committee was formed and volunteers hit the pavement in search of corporate sponsorship. The volunteers and local business community did not disappoint.

“My committee went out and completely knocked my socks off,” Mueller said. “I am humbled by the generosity of the community.”

The number of businesses that answered the call was staggering, according to Mueller. The best part, he said, was that it allows them to give away a lot of show prizes. And it also means that more money can go to the shelter.

All of the money collected at the event will go to Friends Forever, including the entry fee for show cars and motorcycles ($10), the 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and food sales.

Mueller said that throughout the event, he will be “showing” some of Friends Forever’s animals in need of adoption.

“If we can get a few pets adopted, that would just be icing on the cake,” Mueller said.

Mueller said that his “committee decided” that if they raise at least $500 for the 50/50 raffle, he will “take a swim” in the Friends Forever pond. With a chuckle, Mueller said that it is something he is happy to do if it means more money for the shelter.

It’s no coincidence that the Friends Forever event is taking place the day after Freeport’s annual Cruise Night, which draws around 5,000 people and 600 show cars to the downtown each August. Organizers hope to draw from Saturday’s event, and help to make the entire weekend a big draw for car enthusiasts.