SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

Automobile aficionados rallied together last month to raise more than $3,000 for Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH). Every Tuesday in August, car lovers of all kinds gathered at the iconic Webers burger joint on Highway 11 to celebrate a mutual interest and raise money for a good cause.

Self-proclaimed extreme car enthusiasts and organizers of the event, Jim and Pauline Pearsall, said the choice to support the Hospital with their weekly car cruise was an easy one. “Having had a few health issues myself, fundraising for the hospital seemed like the logical choice,” said Pauline. This is the third year Soldiers’ has been the beneficiary of the event.

The pair is relatively new to the Orillia area but said they have been warmly welcomed into the community since their arrival three years ago. “The support is astounding,” said Pauline. “There are so many people to thank for helping with this event year after year and it’s just great to see everyone so happy.”

Now in its fourth year, the Hot August Nights Car Cruise is put on with the help of volunteers, 48 local businesses (that donate prizes and services), and with the support of Webers Manager, Brian Clarke, and his staff. Between 300 and 400 cars participate each Tuesday, taking up the lawn on the southbound side of Highway 11.

A car buff herself, Sandy Davis, Development Coordinator with the OSMH Foundation, was overwhelmed by the turnout each week. “With so many makes and models on display, it’s a fun way to support the Hospital and see some cool vehicles,” she said. “The Hospital Foundation is so grateful to have been chosen as the recipient of the money raised during Hot August Nights again this year.”

According to the organizers, Hot August Nights Car Cruise will be back again next year. “It keeps us active and we enjoy it,” Pauline said. “As long as we can, we’re going to keep doing it.