The Route 70 Cruisers, a nonprofit car club based in Old Fort, have once again shifted their love of classic cars into meaningful support for McDowell County students.
The club has donated $1,500 through the McDowell Technical Community College Foundation, Inc. to support scholarships and student assistance in Automotive Systems Technology and Basic Law Enforcement Training at McDowell Technical Community College.
For students in the Basic Law Enforcement Training program, the donation provides more than financial support—it can provide stability at a critical moment. According to Alan Moore, Director of the Law Enforcement Training Center at McDowell Tech, funding from the Route 70 Cruisers has been used in recent years as emergency assistance for BLET students facing financial hardship while preparing for careers in law enforcement.
Those funds may help with everyday but essential needs such as gas, food, class supplies and bills, easing some of the pressure students face as they complete an intensive training program.
Donnie McCraw, instructor in Automotive Systems Technology, said several students would have struggled to continue their training in his program without scholarship support made possible by the Route 70 Cruisers.
“Classic cars remind us that what lasts is built with care, commitment and a strong community behind it,” said Dr. J.W. Kelley, President of McDowell Tech. “The Route 70 Cruisers bring that same spirit to their support of our students. Their generosity helps keep students moving forward when life puts obstacles in the road, and it helps prepare the next generation of automotive professionals and law enforcement officers to serve McDowell County and beyond. We are deeply grateful for their friendship and continued investment in McDowell Tech.”
The Route 70 Cruisers’ support extends well beyond McDowell Tech. Over the years, the club has supported organizations such as the American Legion, Foothills Food Hub, Freedom Life Ministries, McDowell County Department of Social Services, Mission Ministries Alliance, Loving Hearts for Christ BEAR Closet and the McDowell Pregnancy Care Center, among others. Since 2009, the club’s charitable giving has grown to well over $100,000.
Mountain Thunder Car Show Set for September 12
The Route 70 Cruisers’ next major fundraiser, the Mountain Thunder Car Show, will be held Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Universal Advanced Manufacturing Center on the McDowell Tech campus, located at 634 College Drive in Marion.
The family-friendly event will feature music, food, vendors, door prizes, raffles and a wide variety of vehicles. Visitors may see restored Mustangs, Corvettes, Dodge Chargers, vintage trucks, street cars, muscle cars, sports cars and other classic automobiles. In past shows, club member Phillip Poe brought his Ford Coupe, nicknamed “Green Goblin,” and Buzz Moody brought his 1972 Monte Carlo.
Proceeds from the show help the Route 70 Cruisers continue supporting scholarships, local nonprofits and community needs throughout McDowell County.
To donate money or door prizes in support of the show and the causes it benefits, please contact:
Steve Chapman, Jr. – 828-460-8873
Jeff Fawcett – 704-577-1226
Janet Spake – 828-317-9563
Scholarships at McDowell Tech
For more information about scholarship criteria and applications, contact the Financial Aid Office in the Cedar Building on the main campus of McDowell Tech, or email Hannah Golding, Director of Financial Aid, at hegolding81@go.mcdowelltech.edu, Alan Moore at bamoore43@go.mcdowelltech.edu or Donnie McCraw at demccraw29@go.mcdowelltech.edu.
If you would like to join the Route 70 Cruisers in supporting the BLET or Automotive Systems Technology programs, visit https://mcdowelltech.networkforgood.com/projects/129947-give-to-the-mcdowell-tech-foundation .
