The Palmerton Cat Project hosted a car cruise Saturday to support one of its founding members, Justin Greenzweig, following his recent pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Despite the threat of rain, the sun was shining and the weather was warm throughout the parade.

The vehicles filled the Palmerton Area High School parking lot to full capacity as well as many spaces at the Palmerton Area Junior High School. With such a large turnout of participants, a total of $3,486 was raised and will be split between the Palmerton Cat Project and Justin’s medical bills.

Heather Ahner, member and fundraising chair of the Palmerton Cat Project, was the one who initially organized the event. The Palmerton Cat Project is a local movement where members work together to spay and neuter stray cats in the area as well as promote cat adoption.

Ahner said, “I’ve known Justin for four years now and when we found out (about his diagnosis) it was heartbreaking. Because of not being able to do car shows cause of social distancing, with a car cruise we could at least stay apart.”

Considering Greenzweig’s passion for cars and car shows, the car cruise event was a perfect way to benefit him and the foundation he loves.

Sandy Benson of Palmerton, longtime friend of Justin and his wife, Barbara, attended with her sister Cindy Kester.

Kester said Barbara helped her to catch a mother cat and four kittens.

“Barbara was able to find a home for all four kittens afterward,” she said.

This is only one of the many Palmerton Cat Project success stories and it shows just how much of a difference the community can make for the local cats.

Not surprising, one of the main attractions of the day was the various motorcycles and cars featured in the parade. Stuart P. Snyder showed off his car, a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door Sedan. Being a fellow car enthusiast, he has seen Greenzweig at a variety of car shows in the past.

“The crew from Palmerton Cat Project would like to extend their most heartfelt thanks to everybody who came out today for the Cruise for Justin,” the organization posted on Facebook.

“Justin clearly enjoyed his front-row view from his porch and all the love that was shown as hundreds of vehicles drove by.”

People interested in donating to Justin Greenzweig or the Palmerton Cat Project can visit the Palmerton Cat Project Facebook page and click the donation link to learn more.