Wreckollect fundraiser draws cars for a cause
Mayleigh Stele, 6, chucks a ball at a dunk tank during the car show fundraiser at Wreckollect Auto Body LLC. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Dozens of cars filled the lawn at Wreckollect Auto Body LLC for a fundraiser for Operation Christmas Child Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Mayleigh Stele, 6, chucks a ball at a dunk tank during the car show fundraiser at Wreckollect Auto Body LLC. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Dozens of cars filled the lawn at Wreckollect Auto Body LLC for a fundraiser for Operation Christmas Child Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
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PARKERSBURG - Wreckollect Auto Body LLC raised more than $2,000 for Operation Christmas Child during a community car show at the business Saturday.
The event featured cars, trucks, Jeeps and motorcycles, along with a silent auction, 50/50 drawing, dunk tank and hair braiding. Local participants donated their time, helping the small business turn the show into a fundraiser for the international Christmas gift program.
"It was a huge success for a small local business just getting started," co-owner and organizer Bree Carpenter said. "The community all came together and made it happen."
The business had previously included a car show as part of its annual Christmas celebration. After holding the show in December last year, organizers decided warmer weather would make a summer event a better fit.
"We know we'd never get as lucky as we did last year," Carpenter said of the December weather. "So we just thought, let's separate it into two separate events and do a car show in the summer, and then our Christmas event in December."
Six awards were presented during Saturday's show, with categories ranging from Best in Show and People's Choice to more lighthearted honors such as Most Likely to Get Pulled Over.
Mike Butz received the People's Choice award for his 1993 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. Austin Vincent won Best in Show for his 2026 Chevrolet Corvette.
Stan Miller's 1987 Chevrolet R10 received the Diamond in the Rust award, while Bobbie Sheppard's 1950 Dodge truck was named Most Likely to Get Pulled Over.
Amy Campbell earned the Duckin' Awesome Award, the show's Jeep category, for her 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Brian Heckert received the Bad to the Bone motorcycle award for his Harley-Davidson.
Carpenter said the event was possible because community members volunteered their time and supported the fundraising activities.