HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Don Heeringa’s recent retirement from the company, Trendway Corp. coincides with the company’s 18th and final Cruise-In Benefit from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at the Trendway facility parking lot, 13467 Quincy St.
The event will include food, entertainment, raffles, kids’ activities and more. There is no entry fee for spectators, free parking is available and the event is open to the public.
“It’s been a wonderful 18-year run for the Trendway Cruise-In Benefit event. Hundreds of classic cars and thousands of happy participants have converged on our Quincy Street facility every first Friday after Labor Day to see the exhibit and share the fun,” said Don Heeringa, former chairman of the board at Trendway (Listen to his WHTC interview). “Trendway’s commitment to community service will remain strong as the company continues to extend its charitable activities in new ways.”
Founded in 1968, Trendway was purchased by the Heeringa family in 1973 and has been under Heeringa’s leadership since.
Fellowes Brands, a global leader in business products, acquired Trendway on Aug. 13, 2019. Heeringa is assisting with the transiton.
Over the past 18 years, the Trendway Cruise-In Benefit has raised more than $400,000 for individuals in need due to catastrophic medical costs. The event has become one of the largest car shows in West Michigan.
Proceeds from the 2019 event will help cover medical expenses and home renovations intended to improve the quality of life for Jersei, a 16-year-old sophomore living with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. She uses a power wheelchair as her only means of mobility, and lives with her grandmother — her legal guardian. Their home needs renovations to accommodate Jersei’s physical support aids.
Previous benefit recipients included family members of Trendway employees and other individuals from the greater Holland community.
“I’m particularly proud that 100 percent of all event revenue has gone directly to the beneficiaries,” said Heeringa. “We have been good stewards of the funds, which have gone to cover legitimate expenses related to medical care.”
Heeringa also expressed sincere thanks to the people who helped the show succeed.
“A huge thank you to the hundreds of classic car owners who faithfully displayed their cars year after year and the many volunteers – both our employees and car-loving friends – who helped make the show a success every year,” said Heeringa. “I also want to thank the hundreds of members of Holland’s business community who generously donated raffle items to help ensure the show’s financial success.”
The money is raised both from the $5 car-entry fees and vendor donations.
Heeringa distinguishes three principal volunteers who led the events for many years: Trendway employees Sandy Brunmeier, Ken Harper and Teresa Kouw.
Anyone who wants to exhibit a vehicle can enter for $5 per car. Dash plaques will be given to the first 500 vehicles to register.
For more event information and updates, visit the Cruise-In Benefit Facebook page. For food and raffle questions call Sandy at (616) 994-2066 or Teresa at (616) 994-5335. For car show questions, call Ken at (616) 218-1570.
