EVERETT, Wash., July 3, 2023—Despite a cold and rainy Father’s Day Sunday, the 9th Annual Dream Builders Car Show brought in $92,000 to support Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Snohomish County’s youth mentorship programs. The terrible weather reduced show participation by nearly 50 percent, but it was still the second-highest grossing event in the Dream Builder Car Show’s history.
“We consider the show a huge success, despite lower participation due to the weather. We had tons of support from the YMCA and the greater community,” said Kim Gaffney, Executive Director of Youth Leadership, YMCA of Snohomish County. “We thank our dedicated supporters for coming out and braving the rain. We look forward to some sunshine next year and raising even more money for our BBBS programs.”
Funds raised at the car show go directly to support BBBS adult-child matches, as well as other programs like Mentor U and Kids Book Club which serves kids in local schools. The event is quickly becoming one of the largest car show’s in the county, building awareness and support for BBBS.
“We appreciate the visibility in the community and how many people we’re reaching at a fun event,” said Gaffney. “Participants and attendees get to see who we are and hear about our impact through our event founder, Steve Myers, and his Big Brother sharing their story year after year.”
Myers benefitted from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in his youth and uses the car show to give back to the organization that provided so much to him.
“I was matched with my Big Brother in 1994 and he is still a part of my life today,” said Steve Myers. “Over the years, we’ve done everything together. He’s been the closest thing to a father figure that I’ve ever had.”
Due to his work schedule, Myers hasn’t had the availability to volunteer as a Big Brother, but wanted to contribute in some way. He tried fundraising in other ways before hosting his first car show in 2014. The first show surpassed its goal of $10,000 and the event has kept growing and raising money throughout the years. Over its nine-year history, the car show has raised nearly $600,000.
“People come back year after year because it’s a fun day, but they also see my passion for BBBS and want to contribute and support an organization that means so much to me,” said Myers. “Rich, my Big Brother, stands behind me during the awards ceremony, so attendees see the positive, lasting impact of mentorship relationships first-hand.”
Supporting youth in the community is beneficial for both the adult and the child. There are dozens of children waiting for a match and BBBS is actively looking for “Bigs.”
“Many volunteers think they are just changing the life of youth, but there are two lives being changed,” said Gaffney. “A mentoring relationship is life-changing, and much more impactful than just community service. You may be positively changing the trajectory of a child’s life.”
For more information about next year’s Dream Builders Car Show, please visit dreambuilderscarshow.com. To volunteer or learn more about BBBS of Snohomish County, please visit bbbs-snoco.org.
FEATURED PHOTO: Photo Courtesy of Randall G Smith via Dream Builders Car Show.
SOURCE: YMCA of Snohomish County press release
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
