Chrome City fundraiser revs up Benedictine's Ridgely campus

RIDGELY — On July 27, Benedictine School held its 22nd annual Chrome City Fundraiser. The event drew hundreds of car and motorcycle enthusiasts. There were many Chevys and Harleys all polished up.

Spectators paid $35 to take in the custom cars, classic cars, hot rods and motorcycles, and event proceeds went to support the school and its mission. Each person who registered got a Chrome City t-shirt.

There was live music by the “Stoneflies,” a Paul Reed Smith employee band, and a guitar signed by Mark Tremonti of Creed to be raffled off.

Megan Efland, director of supply chain for Paul Reed Smith said, “We are here to support Benedictine School. Our COO has a son who is a student here. It is a great cause.”

PRS had a few entries, including a vintage Rolls Royce and a BMW motorcycle, in the competition too.

There were many food trucks serving up delicious offerings including lobsters, shaved ice and barbecue.

Scott Evans, Benedictine’s executive director said, “We can’t hold these events without sponsorship and the support of other community members. We also can’t hold this event without volunteers.”

He noted the success of the event, saying it raised over $100,000 last year to support the non-sectarian service provider that cares for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism.

“The support for this event continues to grow,” Evans said. “New people learn about Benedictine. We have people who come out that don’t know anything about our mission or what we do, but it is important to get them on campus, because we are so remote.

“They can see the people we support and interact with our students,” Evans said. “My favorite part is walking around and seeing the cars and bikes. It is like I am a little kid.”

The judges of the car and motorcycle show were Jack and William Higginbottom.

Best in Show winners were awarded a gold statue. The Best in Show motorcycle was a 1949 Vindian Replica Chief prototype owned by Bill and Debra Bugaj. The Best in Show car was a 1938 Packard Model Eight owned by Craig and Diane Postlewait of St. Michaels.

Sponsors of the event included: A.H. Hatcher, Acruise, Blue Ruin, Bullocks Deli, Choptank, Coast Country Cares with Spicer Bros, Fresh Air Concepts, The Jetty, Koons Easton Toyota, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, PRS Guitars, Queenstown Bank, Red Knights Motorcycle Club, South Corrosion, Dukes-Moore Insurance Agency, Torchio Architects, and PepUp.