VetsRoll receives support from Mopar car enthusiasts in Belvidere

BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO) — The 33rd Mopar Happening Car Show brought enthusiasts from around the area to the Boone County Fairgrounds to see some hot rods while supporting vets in the process.

“[There’s] a lot of history behind the show, and one of the big reasons we do this is not just for the love of the cars, it’s for all of our local charities that we support,” said Event Organizer Roger Schmeling.

Schmeling said since the event started, they have raised over $100,000 for nonprofits like the veteran service organization, VetsRoll.

“Especially when some extra funding is hard to come by, our small support adds up to big dollars,” Schmeling continued.

One car mechanic and enthusiast who supports the show said the culture brings him back every year.

“It’s just the camaraderie of all the people,” Greg Gordon explained. “Basically, you bring the car out and people get to enjoy it.”

Schmeling agreed wholeheartedly.

“The friends you make over the years, the appreciation for the old cars and getting young people involved in the new cars and bringing them into the fold is what this is all about.”