Tehachapi News

Thunder on the Mountain showers cash upon local charities and scholars

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The thunder has faded, the crowds have all gone home. The 11th annual Thunder on the Mountain 2008 Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show is considered by all to be a “roaring” success, raising a total of $16,000 for local charities, scholarships and civic organizations. 

A total of 321 registered vehicles ranging in age from a 1905 Horseless Carriage to PT Cruisers and everything in between to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
With almost 90 trophies awarded, there were a lot of happy entrants. With the registration fees, raffle tickets sold and the $50/50 drawing, proceeds of more than $16,000 was raised for local charities. This year two $3,000 scholarships for students pursuing teaching careers and a $1,000 scholarship for automotive education were awarded to graduating Tehachapi High School students.

Lynne Maize won the 383 Stroker motor from Adams Metalizing buying just one ticket. Clinton and Janet Gareis won the stainless steel BBQ from Home Depot.
As tradition demanded, at noon engines were started and revved to create the show’s name sake, Thunder on the Mountain. Everywhere one looked, there were smiles on every face as the roar took over the city.

The work the car show committee members put in was evident everywhere, from parking to trophies, trash cans to portable comfort stations, every aspect of the show planned in great detail, all coming together to host the greatest car show Tehachapi has ever experienced. Hoods up to the men and women of the Tehachapi Car Club who worked tirelessly for 7 months to put on the car show. When asked why they do it, they just smile and ask, if you had a good time... “that’s why.”


Thunder on the Mountain 2008 proceeds will benefit the following charities and civic organizations:
Relay For Life: $5,000
Eileen McPhee Memorial Scholarship: $4,000
Automotive Industry Scholarship: $1,500
Optimal Hospice: 2,000
Railroad Depot Restoration Fund: $1,500
Open Door Christian Ministry: $500
Tehachapi Humane Society: $500
Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce: $500
Tehachapi City Explorers: $300
Tehachapi Moose Lodge: $200
Checks will be presented Wednesday, Sept. 10, at noon, at Railroad Park.