What do Motorcycles and Classic Cars have in common? How about the Fallen Warrior Memorial Car and Motorcycle Fundraiser held Sunday, August 23rd this year at Briggs Ranch Center in Folsom. One hundred forty three car registrations brought out some of the most beautiful automobiles this side of the Sierras and provided needed funding for high school scholarships set up in the names of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Scholarships are currently in place at Oakridge and Ponderosa High Schools and the Fallen Warriors Memorial Organization is also working with Folsom High School to set up a new scholarship there. Each of these schools has lost graduates to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As the board of Fallen Warriors Memorial believes, “Our job is to make sure these heroes are never forgotten and this is an honorable way to do that.”

As part of the event, a motorcycle poker run with 80 motorcyclists left Briggs Ranch Center meandering through 107 miles of Sierra foothills. The run returned to Briggs Ranch for the afternoon’s activities and one lucky rider won $500.00 for the best poker hand. Trophies were also handed out for the classic car show. Decorated veterans from each of the wars, WWII, Korean, Viet Nam, Iraq and Afghanistan were the judges for best of show. Attendees also included Silver Star recipient and six time wounded committee member Dick Grinnell.

Starting off the morning brought coffee generously donated by It’s a Grind in Folsom and what seemed like a limitless amount of donated muffins, cookies, cakes and breads by Costco. The activities began with an opening ceremony including military display of colors. Various vendors and non-profit groups from Blue Star Moms to Beef Jerky lined the event site offering a multitude of wares, displays and presentations. Local food vendors provided delicious offerings throughout the day. Military vehicles were also on display as well as a CHP booth displaying their vehicles. John Cordova, owner of Sierra Financial Services in El Dorado Hills and part of the Fallen Warriors Organization, offered to have his long locks shaved “Military High and Tight” if a minimum of $250.00 was donated to the cause. This would not have been such an unusual offering but John had been growing his hair out for some time to sport a ponytail. El Dorado Hill’s own Barber John did the deed in front of hundreds of people, generously donating funds himself and daring others to match. As a result, $500 was raised in a matter of minutes before his lovely locks were shorn. Additional donations for raffle prizes came from across the community and a large raffle was held with the welcome assistance of the Marine Cadets and Oakridge High students, giving away almost 90 prizes. All in all, over $6,000 was raised for this year’s scholarships.

John Cordova reports “We’re considering the month of June for 2010. We were fortunate to have great weather this year but August can be extremely hot. We’d like to make it a little more comfortable for our many participants.” Already hard at work planning next year’s event, the board, made up of veterans from various branches of the military, are actively seeking a new venue for 2010 to accommodate the event’s huge growth. In addition, more great news for 2010… fallenwarriorsmemorial.org has received a full sponsorship commitment, ensuring an even greater event.

If you own a sweet classic car or chrome dripping motorcycle, watch for next year’s event news. If you are interested in contributing to this important cause or participate in next year’s event, check out fallenwarriorsmemorial.org for more information.