News
Spring Fever Charity Classic Car Show Breaks All Records - BELVIDERE
The third annual Doc's Spring Fever Charity Classic Car Show took place on May 20 and netted record-breaking funds for the four charities it benefits. The show is organized by Kraig "Doc" Bryan, owner of Doc's Upholstery in Belvidere. "We set a goal for this year to raise over $10,000 and hoped to come at least close to it," said Doc. In the middle of the show, a quick tally indicated that they had exceeded that goal by taking in $12,820. After expenses, the Helping Hands Network and His Glory Christian Outreach Center each received $5,000 and $1,000 to the Illinois Special Olympics in memory of Gary Reints. Checks from the proceeds were presented to Rev. Don Norek of His Glory Mission, Pat Smith of the Helping Hands Network, Barry Tillema for Special Olympics last Wednesday. During the show, the Grace Family Church Food Pantry sold Schwan's Ice Cream and collected non-perishable food items and monetary donations. They collected more than $900 that they will use to stock the food pantry for the needy in Boone County.
This year 60 sponsors supported the show and 169 registered and approximately 20 non-registered cars entered. Looking back The first year of the charity show, 35 sponsors and 125 registered cars entered. It started without a set registration fee and organizers asked participants to donate non-perishable food items or money. After expenses, they were able to give Helping Hands Network and His Glory Christian Outreach Center each a check for $1,400. The second year, 49 sponsors participated and 144 registered and approximately 30 non-registered cars were entered in the show, which grossed $7,500. After expenses, they were able to give Helping Hands Network and His Glory Christian Outreach Center each a check for $3,000 and the Illinois Special Olympics $1,000 in memory of Gary Reints. "We dedicated the show in memory of Gary Reints," said Doc. "He was an avid car enthusiast and was a coach for the Illinois Special Olympics. Our first show was Gary's first chance of the season to show his Corvette - Gary passed away the next day." Bryan extends special thanks to this year's sponsors and exhibitors.
"It may say Doc's Spring Fever Charity Classic Car Show but it's not my show," he said. "It's our car show, whether you sponsored a trophy, registered a car, made a donation or volunteered your time. "It is because of you that Doc's Annual Spring Fever Charity Classic Car Show is such a success, and we are able to support these worthy charities. "By doing so you are supporting these charities that do so much for our community. We can only imagine the impact that they have on the lives of those less fortunate than you and me."
Doc's "Spring Fever" Car Show to Benefit Local Charities - April 21, 2004
Area businessmen and classic car owners will team up to help local charities by participating in the first "Doc's Annual Invitational Spring Fever Charity Classic Car Show" on Saturday, April 24 at Doc's Upholstery in Belvidere. Kraig "Doc" Bryan, owner of Doc's Upholstery, is organizing the event, with about 35 area businesses sponsoring trophies and other activities. Proceeds will be split between His Glory Mission and Belvidere Food Pantry (formerly Grace Church Food Pantry).
Bryan supports needs in the community regularly through his annual Koats for Kids drive and by volunteering services with the Helping Hands Network (sponsored by multiple churches), His Glory Missionand the Salvation Army. "They are always in need... The Lord works in many different ways," he says about his reasons for organizing the show.
More than 100 vehicles were signed up to participate as of last week, and each is being asked to contribute non-perishable food items rather than paying an entry fee. Doc says spring is a great time for the show, with many car owners spending the winter months working on their cars and eager to show them off.
Trophies will be awarded in several categories, including Best of Show trophies for Fords, Chryslers, Chevys and AMCs, plus Overall Best of Show. A 50/50 raffle will be conducted, as well as drawings for a gas grill and other prizes.
Belvidere's Weenie Wagon will be on site to provide refreshments. Clowns, facepainting and balloons will keep the kids entertained. A variety of exhibits will be on display. Y-95 Classic Hits radio will air live from the show. Doc's Upholstery is located at 6544 Joan Dr., Belvidere, off Logan Avenue.
*Story by Melanie Bradley - Belvidere Republican
Doc thanks participants, guests for support of car show - April 30, 2004
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank everyone that participated in the Doc's Annual Invitational Charity Classic Car Show on April 24, 2004. Despite the cold weather and running out of coffee, it was a great success!
When I woke up Saturday morning it was cloudy, cold and windy. I prayed that it wouldn't rain, but I still had my doubts that car owners would want to bring their cars out. Much to my surprise, when I arrived at the shop at 6:45 a.m. there were cars already lined up to attend the show.
By 10a.m. when the show was to start, 87 cars had registered for the show. There were hot rods, customers, antique and classic cars for rows in front of Doc's Upholstery & Refinishing Shop, Inc. on the pavement and in the field.
Car owners from Belvidere, Chicago, Janesville and surrounding areas were anxious to show off the work they had done to their cars over the winter. It was also important to them to come and help raise money for three of the many local charities, Helping Hands Network, Belvidere Outreach Mission and Belvidere/Boone Food Pantry.
Money was raised by selling t-shirts, hats, 50/50 raffle and the Boy Scouts selling Rosati's Pizza slices. National City Bank was passing out free popcorn and Hicksgas gave away a gas grill. Several businesses donated items for door prizes: Bait Shop, Belvidere Republican, Broadmoor Agency, Corvette America, Damon's Restaurant, Darecloud Development, Davis House, Donut Hole, Fast Lane Threads, Flower Bin, Hub Barber Shop, Mid America Suppliers, Oriental Designers, S.S. Subs, State Street Auto Rebuilders, Swanhills Golf Course, Ultimate Car Wash and Express Lube.
At the end of the day 35 trophies, sponsored by local businesses, were handed out. The sponsors for the 24" trophies were: Ace Hardware, Active Foam Products, Advanced Real Estate Concepts, Angie Wait-Weber, Ambrogio's Pizzeria Restaurant, Barnes Auto Body, Inc., Belvidere Collision Repair, Belvidere Motors, Inc., Country Memory Trails, Dollar Wise Printing, Inc., Duraclean, Green Thumb Lawn Care, Hammer's Auto and Truck Repair, Hammertime Sports, Hauffe, White and Associates, Hicksgas, Home Place Antiques, Hopperstad Customs, Image Signs, M&R Mill Work, Mac Tools, Marv's Argo Dealership, Marv's Towing and Repair, Mike's Landscaping, Napa Auto Parts, North State Motors, Northern Lights Unlimited, Inc., Sipe's Auto Repair, Twin Towers Embroidery and Screen Printing, Warner's Auto and Woodruff's Auto Body. Sponsors for the 36" trophies were: Manley Motor Sales Company, Jack Wolf Chrysler Jeep Inc., Wolf Chevrolet and Boone County Auto Body, Inc. National City Bank sponsored the five-foot trophy.
When I first decided to have the show I only had seven weeks to pull it all together. Several people didn't think it would happen, but thanks to the expert guidance of Jack Cadwell and his family, the show went off without a hitch. Jim Littell, Billy Sounders, Dick Countryman and Ted Battles did a lot of groundwork getting the word out to car clubs and organizations.
A final figure was not available at the time of this letter, but early numbers indicate that Helping Hands Network and Belvidere Outreach Mission will be splitting close to $2,000. All non-perishable food that was donated will be given to the Belvidere/Boone Food Pantry.
On behalf of the Helping Hands Network, Belvidere Outreach Mission and Belvidere/Boone Food Pantry and myself, I want to thank all the spectators that participated. Without all of you, the car show would not have been as successful!
I want to send a special Thank You to Jack, Jim, Billy, Dick and Ted. I couldn't have done it without you! I also want to say how proud it makes me feel to live in a community where everyone pulls together to help others! I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!
I would like to extend my sympathies to the family of Gary Reints who passed away Sunday, April 25. He will be greatly missed!
Sincerely,
Kraig Bryan
*Belvidere Republican
Doc planning second annual Spring Fever Charity Classic Car Show - March 15, 2005
Kraig Bryan aka "Doc" owner of Doc's Upholstery in Belvidere, will host the second annual Spring Fever Charity Classic Car Show on May 21. The show debuted last spring in April. Although the turn-out was good with about 3,000 visitors in attendance, the weather was chilly with brisk winds, so this year show has been scheduled for a later date.
About 125 classic car owners participated last year, and this year, Doc hopes to see that number double, as well as the proceeds that are split between two local charities, His Glory Mission and the Helping Hands Ministry. The show netted a total of $2,800 last year. In preparation for the show, Doc is seeking trophy sponsors and taking pre-registrations now from any one interested in showing a classic car. Doc says spring is a great time to have the show.
"These guys have worked on their cars all winter long," he said. This year's show is being dedicated to the late Gary Reints, who showed his Corvette for the last time at last year's show and died from a heart attack the following Sunday.
Jimmy Littel has donated a trophy in honor of Gary, and this year's car show will be dedicated to Gary," Doc said.
Doc has added some other new things to the day's events. In addition to the Gary Reints Memorial Award, another new trophy, the Mayor's Choice Award, will be given out this year. Other trophies will be awarded for Top 40, Best of Show, Best GM, Best Ford, Best AMC, Best Mopar, as well as dash plaques to the first 100 car owners to register.
The '60s-'70s band Toad Soup will entertain guests, on a flat-bed trailer set-up. the band heard about the show and is donating their time to help the cause. "They heard about the two charities," said Doc. "A couple of them have race cars themselves, and they said, "Doc, how can we help." Y-95 Radio personality Sky Dryesdale will be airing live on site. Food will be plentiful with the Weenie Wagon and Rosati's Pizza providing a variety of tasty snacks again this year. The ladies from the Helping Hands are also planning to have a bake sale.
The show will take place form 8a.m. to 4p.m. in front of Doc's Upholstery Shop, 6544 Joan Dr., Belvidere, so mark your calendars and plan to have a great time for a worthy cause.
For more information about this event or to pre-register to show a classic vehicle, call organizer Jack Cadwell at 815-494-0018 or Doc at 815-547-5408. Late entrants will be welcome on the day of the show.
*Story by Melanie Moorman - Belvidere Republican
Gary Reints was always fascinated by sports cars - May 13, 2005
Just ask his wife, Debbie, who recalls the 35th-anniversary edition Corvette that became her husband's second love -- behind her and his children. "He picked it up in Michigan, and it only had 1,400 miles on it," she said. It was in perfect shape, and he kept it that way. He was cleaning it all the time." Gary Reints died April 25, 2004, at age 54. On May 21, those who knew Gary Reints are paying tribute to him as part of Doc's Upholstery's second annual classic charity car show. This year's show is dedicated to Reints, and a special memorial trophy will be presented to a deserving car owner by his wife, daughter, Holly, and son, Geoffrey. "A few of us got together and decided we would dedicate this show to Gary," said Doc's owner Kraig Bryan.
Some proceeds will go to the Boone County Special Olympics, where Reints volunteered. "It was about seven years ago Gary got involved with Special Olympics," his wife said. "He had a boss that had an autistic child. He loved coaching the kids, and my daughter got involved, too. She's now a special-ed teacher." Reints' Corvette was among about 125 cars that were on display at Doc's first car show last year. Sixty cars are registered for this year's show; among them, a nationally known 1939 Ford Coupe. There will be up to 40 trophies presented that are sponsored by local businesses at $100 each. Best of Show, Best Ford, Best GM, Best Mopar, Best AMC and Mayor Fred Brereton's top choice are some of the categories. Proceeds also will go to the Helping Hands Network and the Rev. Don Norek of His Glory Mission.
*Story by Rob Baxter - Rockford Register Star
Support overwhelming for Spring Fever Charity Car Show - May 22, 2005
Doc's Annual Spring Fever Charity Classic Car Show will take place on Saturday, May 21, 8a.m. to 4p.m., at Doc's Upholstery & Refinishing Shop, 6544 Joan Dr., off of Logan Ave. in Belvidere. As of Wednesday, about 80 car owners had pre-registered, a number that organizer Kraig "Doc" Bryan says is amazing. "It's unheard of, for people to send in a $10 registration fee, not knowing what the weather's going to be like," he said. Last year approximately 125 classic vehicles were on display, and Doc says most of them don't register until the day of the show. Proceeds from the show will go to the Helping Hands Network and His Glory Belvidere Mission, which is the reason Doc believes there's been such overwhelming support.
"We really hope to make this a big success," said Doc. "Last year we were able to give Helping Hands and the Mission $1,400 each and we hope to double that amount this year." He says several other charitable organizations have expressed an interest in getting involved and letting the community know about their causes. Many people have volunteered to help out on the day of the show.
The car show highlights include nationally known local resident Dan Christenson and his 1939 Ford Coupe, live music by Toad Soup, live broadcasting by Manic The Hispanic from Y95 radio station, raffles, Skooter the Clown for the kids, giveaways, crafts, vendors, awards and trophies. Hick's Gas will be giving away a gas grill again this year.
The show is dedicated to the memory of Gary Reints and Special Olympics Illinois.
Vendors may contact Kraig Bryan at Doc's Upholstery at 547-5408.
*Story by Melanie Moorman - Belvidere Daily Republican
Spring Fever Car Show nets more than $7,000 - May 27, 2005
More than 4,000 people attended Doc's Annual Spring Fever Charity Classic Car Show on Saturday, May 21 in Belvidere, and they gave generously. Proceeds from the second annual show will be split between three local charitable organizations. The Helping Hands Network and His Glory Mission will receive $3,000 each. Special Olympics will receive $1,000, in memory of the late Gary Reints, to whom this year's show was dedicated.
Organizer Kraig "Doc" Bryan said the show was a tremendous Success. "It's like one hand helping another - local businesses supporting local charities," he said. "I always say, "If you live here, give here - It benefits the community." Many trophies were awarded, but Dan and Marilyn Christenson were the big winners of the day. Their 1939 orange Ford Coupe took the Best of Show trophy and Gary Reints memorial trophy.
Bryan said most of the exhibitors stayed until the end of the day to see who would win the big trophies, and that there wasn't a dry eye on the grounds when the Gary Reints trophy was awarded. Reints passed away suddenly just after displaying his Corvette at last year's show. His family displayed his car again this year and was on hand to congratulate the Christensons.
Other Highlights of the day included the arrival of a silver 2004 Ford Saleen S7 valued at $450,000, owned by Ed Illgen of Belvidere. Another vehicle that drew alot of attention was a 1932 five-window Ford Coupe, a model that some would remember from the movie "American Graffiti," with signatures from three actors inn the film on the dashboard. The Coupe is owned by Wade and Lisa Root of Ft. Atkinson.
Last year approximately 125 classic vehicles were displayed, and Helping Hands and the Mission received $1,400 each. Doubling that figure was a goal for this year.
*Story by Melanie Moorman - Belvidere Daily Republican
Charitable Organizations reap benefits of Spring Fever Car Show - October 11, 2005
Kraig Bryan, or as we all know him as "Doc," of Doc's Upholstery, presented checks to three local charitable organizations last week. The money was raised during Doc's annual car show in May of this year. Each check was between $1,000 and $3,000.
Barry Tillema of Northern Illinois Area Special Olympics, Don Norek with His Glory Mission in Belvidere, and Pat Smith of the Helping Hands organization of Immanuel Lutheran Church were present to accept the gifts.
All three organizations are important parts of the community and of a caring ministry. Helping Hands recently settled into a new location inside the new Crown Point outreach facility at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Their network is pledged to focus its attention on genuine needs in local churches and community needs that are not able to be met through existing service agencies of supportive networks.
Specific needs are circulated to the Christian community through spoken or written announcements. At times, volunteers will be contacted personally if they have indicated a willingness to serve in a particular area.
His Glory Mission is getting ready for its very large annual toy drive for needy families of Belvidere and Boone County. The event helps out hundreds of families in our area. Donation bins for toys, diapers and other useful family items will be placed throughout the city in the near future.
Barry Tillema is a key member of the Northwest Illinois Special Olympics and is a global messenger for the organization. He speaks to groups about the Special Olympics functions and services.
Doc is getting ready for the annual "Koats for Kids" coat drive. He will have a truck parked at the main gate area of the Boone County Fairgrounds all day on Oct. 21 and Oct. 29, collecting coats for people who would otherwise not be able to afford one this winter.
He will be taking jackets, coats, hats, gloves and any other winter wear. He says if items have broken zippers on coats and jackets his shop will repair them free of charge so they can be used as a donation.
Doc is also volunteering his services to pick up old furniture that can still be used if interested people have no way of transporting it. He does alot of networking in our area with other organizations when it comes to helping out people that are less fortunate.
His next Annual Spring Fever Charity Classic Car Show is another huge fundraiser and will be held on May 20 of 2006. Doc says he still could use a few donators with a big heart in order to get trophies for the participating winners.
Either corporate or individual donations are very much appreciated. His car show is well known in the area. For more information on Koats for Kids or next year's car show feel free to contact Doc at his shop in Belvidere at 547-5408.
*Story by Barbara Washburn - Belvidere Daily Republican