Hot Rod Rally Raises Thousands for Local Heroes

If this is what Pat and Bill McGarry can do with just three weeks notice, one can only imagine what year two of the Local Heroes hot rod rally will look like with a full year to prepare.

The Wilmington brothers, both , raised several thousand dollars on Sunday with the first annual event as 50 cars and about 100 people came to to support what the pair hopes will become an annual tradition.

“We had a great turnout, and it wasn’t just people from Wilmington. People came from all over the place. There was a lot of support for us,” said Pat. “We’ll be doing it again next year, and hopefully it’ll be even bigger. Every year it’ll get bigger, I know it.”

Pat and Bill each work at AAA Tire in Wilmington, one of the sponsors of Sunday’s event. Citing Veterans’ Agent Lou Cimaglia as a source of inspiration, the pair found a way to hold a fundraiser and also get involved with something they’re passionate about as well.

“We work on cars, and we love hot rods anyway, so we thought it’d be a great idea to put on the show,” said Bill. “Wilmington always does a great job supporting veterans, and a lot of that is from Lou and how hard he works to help veterans coming home. Local Heroes spends a lot of money sending those packages overseas, so any little bit will help.”

Echoing his brother’s sentiment, Pat said Cimaglia’s efforts continue to motivate him.

“Lou is always helping people, often paying out of pocket to help the organization. I feel like everyone can do something,” said Pat. “People forget that people are over there without electricity, without running water. They’re getting shot at every day. It’s people like Lou who help our country and remember that there are people who are still fighting for us.”

After earlier this year, is now reading to send package number 16,0000.

It’s prime fundraising season for the non-profit organization, which has its golf tournament on August 6 and poker run on August 25. Local Heroes for their efforts in the community.

Pat McGarry recalled his time serving overseas, he returned just over a year ago from Afghanistan, and said there was no better feeling than seeing a package from Local Heroes.

“You feel special, you feel remembered,” he said. “I had zero electricity and didn’t shower for seven months. But I received packages up until the day I left and it helps you get through. You can’t really beat it. There were people who never got anything in the mail, so I would get these packages and share with them. They appreciated it, and I appreciated it.”

T-shirts remain for sale from the hot rod rally, with proceeds to benefit Local Heroes. Residents can purchase the shirts at AAA Tire or through Cimaglia’s office.

The McGarry brothers were excited following their first ever fundraising event, and it won’t take them long to start planning the next one.

“We’re looking forward to next year already,” said Bill.