A record total of $11,500 was collected to benefit five local organizations: Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels, the Chautauqua County Veterans Endowment Fund, Lakeshore Humane Society, Spoke Folk of Dunkirk, and the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County. Dale Davis, President of the Lake Shore Street Rod Association, was joined by fellow members Dan Salerno, Jeff Salerno, Keith Ossman, and Tom Kwiatkowski as the donations were recently presented to representatives of all five organizations.

Approximately $10,000 was raised for various causes a year ago, including Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels, the Chautauqua County Veterans Endowment Fund. The event is free of charge each year, while guests are encouraged to make donations to benefit the various causes the Association supports each summer.

The support of the community in recent years prompted Davis to tell the OBSERVER, “For as poor of an area as we’re in, it’s amazing how generous people are.” Just a few weeks after his comments, the event set a new record for turnout and funds raised.

The Lake Shore Street Rod Association was founded more than five decades ago by a group of seven individuals who shared their love of automobiles. The group now maintains more than 50 active members. The Harbor Cruise is one of many fundraisers the group holds each year.

Receiving the donations were Stephanie Wright and Carol Oliveira of Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels; Kim Salerno of Lakeshore Humane Society; Lori Dispenza on behalf of Chautauqua County Veterans; Richard Goodman representing Spoke Folk; and Jody Falkner, Jim Enser, and Willow, a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County.

From live music to food vendors, the event puts an emphasis on benefiting local organizations, businesses and performers. “Everything we do, we try to use vendors within the county. We try to do it to benefit Chautauqua County in general,” Davis said.

Davis has been affiliated with the Street Rods for approximately a decade, with time as an event coordinator, as well. He thanked the City of Dunkirk for being “a really good partner” each year.

Receiving the Lake Shore Street Rod Association’s donations from the Harbor Cruise were Stephanie Wright and Carol Oliveira of Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels; Kim Salerno of Lakeshore Humane Society; Lori Dispenza on behalf of Chautauqua County Veterans; Richard Goodman representing Spoke Folk; and Jody Falkner, Jim Enser, and Willow, a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County.