San Jose Car & Truck Show benefits Bishop Snyder Center for seniors

San Jose Car & Truck Show benefits Bishop Snyder Center for seniors
Pam and Steve Kerlins’ 1957 Chevrolet Nomad wins Best of Show at the Seventh Annual San Jose Car & Truck Show

This year marks the seventh year of the San Jose Car & Truck Show which benefits the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center at nearby San Jose Apartments for seniors. The event was held on April 2 at Dupont Station Shopping Center and presented by Key Buick GMC Hyundai Genesis and North Florida Lincoln.

The car show, which had its second-largest field with 75 vehicles competing in 11 classes, raised $8,508. The show has now generated a total of $49,124 for the Bishop Snyder Center.

The community center, located between HUD-assisted San Jose Apartments I and II on Galicia Road, was named in honor of the late Bishop Snyder, who served the Diocese of St. Augustine from 1979 to 2000. Many of the activities and services for the senior residents are held at the center. The complex is managed by Family Housing Management Company for the Diocese of St. Augustine.

“Words cannot express the excitement and gratitude for the community’s support,’’ said Alma Ballard, executive director/management agent of Family Housing Management Company. “The funds raised will help support the operations of the Snyder Community Center and provide, wellness and nourishment for the most vulnerable — our seniors.”

With San Jose Apartments board member and car show founder Joe DeSalvo retiring after last year’s event, Jacksonville Car Culture — the group that produces the Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville cruise-in at The Avenues mall — agreed to donate its time to support the event.

“Being able to do what you love while helping others is the definition of a perfect day,” said Chris Brewer, president of Jacksonville Car Culture. “We also want to thank chief judge Dan Scanlan for guiding the team in selecting the winners. The judges did not have an easy job.’’

DeSalvo, former managing editor of specialty audience and Drive editor at the Florida Times Union, was recognized by Ballard at the awards presentation and named honorary chairman.

Joe DeSalvo, San Jose Car & Truck Show founder and San Jose Apartments board member; Chris Brewer, Jacksonville Car Culture president; and Alma Ballard, executive director/management agent of Family Housing Management Company
Joe DeSalvo, San Jose Car & Truck Show founder and San Jose Apartments board member; Chris Brewer, Jacksonville Car Culture president; and Alma Ballard, executive director/management agent of Family Housing Management Company

“The overall field of cars was great — so much variety, from a Japanese kei micro-pickup truck to a 1950’s Chevrolet COE (cab over engine) wrecker that still works,” said Scanlon. The lineup of Corvettes, from 1956 to now, was great. The British contingent, including a perfect Austin-Healey Sprite and a swatch of TR6s, was great as well.”

The Kerlins, who have resided in Switzerland for the past 14 years after moving to the Jacksonville area in 1974, won the top award, Best of Show, sponsored by A-Coin & Stamp Gallery, for their Nomad, which they call “Nellie.” Nellie also took second place in the Krispy Kreme People’s Choice balloting.

Kerlin bought the Nomad in 1969 for $900 when he was stationed in Memphis with the Navy. It was eventually put in storage in 1976 and stayed there until 2008 when Kerlin’s friend, Pete Dobrie of Mandarin, who has done a lot of old-car restorations, agreed to take Nellie on as a project. It lasted from May of that year to December 2012.

“He did a beautiful job for us,’’ Kerlin said. “It looks 100% original except for the over-the-shoulder harnesses for the two front-seat outboard passengers, and the third-row brake light.’’

Alexander Watkins, of Ponte Vedra Beach, and his 1945 Ford GPW (General Purpose Willys) have attended five of the seven shows.

“I and my fellow (First Florida chapter) Military Vehicles Preservation Association members have been privileged to participate for a few years now. This year, three of our seven participants were awarded ribbons in what was a diverse and prestigious group of vehicles.’’

For those showgoers in the market for a new vehicle, Eric Thompson, a sales manager with the Key group, once again coordinated an onsite collection for folks to check.

“The show has something for everyone, vintage and specialty models, car clubs of various makes, one-of-a-kinds, to a military display,’’ Thompson said. “We also bring out some of our latest models from Buick, GMC, Hyundai, Genesis, and Lincoln. The entrants are a special group of people who are generous of their time, friendly to talk to, and deeply committed to this charity.’’

By Karen Rieley
Resident Community News

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