CCHO is celebrating 50 years of ministry! Throughout 2019, we will be sharing stories of the lives that have been forever changed by the work God has done through our family of ministries (CCHO, Encourage Foster Care and Encompass Christian Counseling). For the last 10 years, the Mid-Ohio Corvette Club (MOCC) has blessed our young residents with a memorable day filled with yummy food, outdoor fun and rides around campus in some of the coolest cars you’ve ever seen. In story #27 of our 50 Stories for 50 Years of Ministry series, Jim Morrison and Regi Muich from MOCC share the history behind their annual Cruisin’ for the Kids event, which just drew 162 Corvettes to the CCHO campus this past Saturday, August 10. We are so grateful for this 10-year partnership with MOCC!
During the early months of 2010, the Mid-Ohio Corvette Club (MOCC) met to discuss our largest endeavor of the year. We had always chosen our yearly fundraiser on the basis of the recipient’s overall need. After learning that Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO) was focused on nurturing young girls and boys who may never have received warmth from a home environment otherwise, we were excited to pick CCHO.
Members quickly worked as a team to organize committees for everything needed to create a successful, fun and financially rewarding day for CCHO. Flyers were printed and mailed to anyone and everyone we knew who owned a Corvette so they could mark their calendars for August 14. From April through early August, the Corvette Club members canvassed an area consisting of at least three counties practically going door-to-door to both individuals and companies asking for contributions for CCHO.
The big day arrived with terrific weather and excitement, as well as butterflies. The gathered enthusiasts enjoyed visiting with one another during a pastry, bagel and fruit breakfast at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wooster. They were also treated to the local FM radio station WQKT playing music and asking trivia questions for prizes.
Shortly after, 110 Corvettes were on their way to CCHO on roads chosen to show off some of the Wooster area’s natural beauty. Upon arrival, they were parked in a large grassy area near a pavilion set up for all the activities at the home.
My wife Darlene and I are proud to be members of an organization with fellow members who are willing to do what must be done. It doesn’t really seem like work when we have the opportunity to show a few children love and kindness. It warms our hearts when we as a club can create a smile on a child’s face from something we have done.
-Jim
This Cruisin’ for the Kids event has grown over the past 10 years, and the kids and staff now choose the car show winners. One year, the children chose as their favorite a particularly beautiful car that had won multiple trophies at other shows. The owner later told me that this was the best trophy he had ever received and that it meant more to him than any other.
We now give rides to the children and staff as well, a tradition that started when one of the Buckeye Corvette Club members showed up with a banner for the girls to wear that said, “Buckeye Princess.” The girls who wanted a ride were allowed to sit as Princess of the Day while riding around the campus waving to everyone. When it was discovered that the boys felt left out, all the kids (and staff too) were given rides.
It is heartwarming to see the kids enjoy the cars and attention each year. After getting into a convertible, one little girl looked up and squealed, “This car doesn’t have a roof!” Two years ago, we sang happy birthday to one of the residents. I have never heard a more sincere rendition of the song.
We wish CCHO a very happy 50th anniversary! MOCC and other Corvette enthusiasts are honored to share the day with the kids at CCHO.
-Regi
