Burt Cleaver/The Alpine Sun Motorcycle enthusiasts are also welcome in the car club.

     The group boldly defies definition and limitations. Who runs the group? No one does. Jim Payne, the event coordinator and DJ/announcer, proudly exclaims, “In our club, everyone is president.” What kinds of cars do you have to have? “Any make, model, or year qualifies you for this club. A couple of members don’t even have cars, and even a motorcycle will qualify,” he laughs.
     Further, there are no dues or fees. New members are made to feel like one of the gang on their very first visit.
     The new Run to the Hills Car Show, now in its third year, has a philanthropic goal. It is the group’s fund-raiser and largest event of the year. All proceeds are used to benefit the Men’s Club Mountain Empire Scholarship Fund and the VFW Lakeside Christmas for Kids fund.
     Additionally, a raffle with $10,000 worth of prizes and 65 trophies are awarded at the annual event. The club was able to incorporate and has a non-profit, tax exempt status since 2001. “Few other car clubs, if any, can make this claim,” said Burt Cleaver, vice chairman.
     It costs only $10 to register for the spectacular show. This year’s event was blessed with around 300 sponsors, which help make the event a reality. Registration is open to anyone who wants to show his or her car or motorcycle. Each registrant receives a free T-shirt, dash plaque, and a large goody bag from mostly local sponsors. Cleaver said “Saturday’s event was attended by 2,000 spectators. There were 273 cars and motorcycles registered for the show. We will be able to donate at least $3,000 to the Men’s Club Mountain Empire Scholarship Fund and at least $1,000 to the Christmas for Kids Program.” 

Burt Cleaver/The Alpine Sun This 1951 Henry J, owned by Dennis Doyle was one of the artists’ choice winners.

     The top 65 picks receive the trophies provided by numerous sponsors. This year was a double header with two top artist’s picks, one for a motorcycle and the other an all black, 1951 Henry J, owned by Dennis Doyle. The artist’s pick winners will have their pictures printed on the next T-shirt. Any and all cars are eligible to enter the Run to the Hills event, which is a large display of 300 classic, hot rods, motorcycles and much more. For more club information, one may contact Burt Cleaver at 857-0576 or visit the club’s site.
     One of the club’s fondest memories is to have recently been mentioned on the Jay Leno Show. The group jokingly chimes in that they got 10 seconds of TV fame at 3 a.m., when Leno read a quick blurb from an index card: “Monday Nite Car Club meets on Tuesdays. No wonder no one shows up!”
     There is only one lingering question. Why doesn’t the club meet on Mondays?
     Apparently, some questions are better left alone.

Donna Preston/The Alpine Sun Members of the Monday Night Car Club wave as they show off their vehicles prior to the Run to the Hills car show held in Pine Valley on Aug. 20.