M. Park cheerleaders have drive for money

With most school systems facing across-the-board budget cuts, organizations within the schools are feeling the cost tightening measures and are going outside the facilities to raise funds.

One such organization is the Manassas Park High School cheerleaders, who came up with the unique idea of hosting a car show to pull in some cash.

Sixty-four cars, trucks and motorcycles showed up on Saturday to participate in the fund raiser at the high school, the inaugural 2008 Manassas Park High School Car, Truck and Bike Show

"We expect to raise about $3,000 to be used for the girls going to camp, attending competition and purchasing more uniforms," said varsity coach Alicia Sowers, who had about 15 of her cheerleaders help out with various chores. Her squad was 2006-2007 Bull Run District and Region B champions and 2007-2008 district runners-up.

The classic and antique cars, spread out on the school parking lot, ranged from a 1923 Ford T Bucket to a 2007 Dodge Magnum.

Among the participants was Debbie Edenhart of Manassas, who was showing her 1966 Chevy II Nova that she purchased

in 2003 and had restored.

"I really enjoy going to car shows. You meet a lot of nice and kind people who always try to help one another, such as helping me when I was getting my car done over. It's like a nostalgic homecoming when we get together for shows that run from April to October," said Edenhart.

Edenhart said she particularly made a point to come to this show since it benefits a school function.

"It's a shame that school boards don't properly fund such organizations and they have to put on fund drives to survive," she said.

Edenhart said she heard about the show through a flier she received at the weekly gathering of classic and antique cars at the Burger King, south of Manassas on Va.  28. She also hears about other shows through the Web site http://www.capitalcruisins.com.

"Attending such shows is a relief hobby for me away from my work as owner of Security Title Insurance, " she said. She is also an active member of the Bull Run Rotary Club.

A replica of a 1941Willys Coupe drew a lot of attention at the show. It was entered by Jason Flis of Gainesville, who said the car was a national winner at the National Street Rod Association show in York, Pa.

"I was really proud that it was one of only 50 cars in the show out of 6,000 cars to win an award," he said. The car was cited for its detail.

Like Edenhart, Flis said he was at the show both to compete and help the cheerleaders raise funding. Flis, 35, said he has been working on cars since he was 12 and is currently rebuilding a 1937 Ford pickup.

"I like coming to such shows because you meet up with a lot of people who have a common interest—talking about their cars," he said.

Each entry received a dash plaque and competed for such trophies as Best of Show, People's, Teacher's and Student's Choice Trophies, Best Engine, Paint and Interior Trophies.

The cheerleaders were operating a food booth to raise funds. Vendors were also present, such as the Manassas Park Pigtail Ponytail Softball League, City of Manassas Park Parks and Recreation Department and the Manassas Park Youth Football and Cheerleading League. Children's activities were also provided.

The cheerleaders raised funding through the vehicle registrations, ad sales in a program and as well as the conces-sion stand.

"I think things went very well for a first time show … and I'm sure we will do it again next year," said Sowers.

Sowers said she and her husband, George, are avid car show fans and have planned on hosting such an event for years.

"When the need for money came up, we decided this was the time to do it," she concluded.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.