Mrs. Bush’s Personal Care Homes held its annual Car Cruise and Community Day on Saturday in Kunkletown, a special event that brought classic car enthusiasts out to support the Camp Papillon Pet Adoption and Rescue.

This year’s event featured gift baskets, a bake sale, prizes, a chili cook-off and giveaways to engage everyone who values community involvement. It was an opportunity for classic car lovers to connect while making a difference in the lives of rescued dogs.

The winner of the chili cook-off was 12-year-old Joseph Shafer of Palmerton by a landslide. The event showed the spirit of family as a young person out-cooked adults who celebrated his victory with grace. “What’s the secret ingredient?” the other participants of the cook-off asked.

Carrie Shafer, community life director at Mrs. Bush’s, explained how each year they select a local charity to support through the event. This year, they chose Camp Papillon, highlighting a commitment to community service. The day was filled with lively music and an impressive display of vehicles, allowing classic car aficionados to reconnect and make new friends.

The winner of the People’s Choice award for the best classic car was the teal blue and white 1958 Ford Skyliner with a retractable hardtop. Wanda Evans, an employee of Mrs. Bush’s Personal Care Homes, had recently purchased the car with her husband and enjoyed the chance to meet fellow car enthusiasts.

“The unique part of it is that it has a retractable roof, so it can become a convertible,” she said.

Evans also expressed her appreciation for Mrs. Bush’s, saying: “It’s family-owned and operated. They do a lot of activities for the residents, and it’s just a great place.”

Another contender, a 1957 Chevy Bel Air owned by the late Justin Greenzweig, was presented by his friend Art Grammes. Grammes spoke fondly of the car’s significance, noting that each classic car has its own history and story. The Bel Air was entrusted to Grammes to keep Greenzweig’s legacy alive after his passing, and his wife had encouraged Grammes to take it to car shows.

“Justin was like a brother to me,” said Grammes, recalling memories of his friend and the Palmerton Cat Project started by Justin’s wife in Palmerton.

The event Saturday not only helped raise funds for the Papillon Animal Shelter but also allowed the community to share the stories behind their cherished cars.

Stephanie Grammes, Art’s wife, highlighted the importance of her vehicle in raising awareness for breast cancer and in honoring loved ones lost. She presented a 2025 black Chevy Colorado adorned with breast cancer ribbons, symbolizing hope and support for survivors.

Earl and Lorraine Wright of Effort brought their 1958 Chevrolet Apache truck, an heirloom that has been in the family since 1960.

“It was originally my grandmother’s truck, and we’ve had it ever since,” said Earl Wright, proudly noting that they recently restored it with their son. The truck has won several awards, showcasing its significance in the Wright family’s history.

Camp Papillon Pet Adoption and Rescue is a foster-based network dedicated to saving animals in need and is supported by the efforts of Monroe County and surrounding communities. The event successfully encouraged donations to improve the sanctuary and support various programs, including dog training and veterinary care for animals with special needs.

With community support, Camp Papillon believes it can continue its mission to rescue, rehabilitate and find loving homes for animals in Monroe County. Donations, whether monetary or in-kind, have a profound impact on the lives of these animals.

Every registrant received a swag bag, a dash plaque and a chance to win door prizes.

The Car Cruise and Community Day is held annually on the third Saturday of September. Interested people register their classic cars by emailing Shafer at carrie@mrsbushcares.com.

Details about Camp Papillon can be found at www.camppapillon.org.