Community: Road Kings are back full throttle at Johnny Carson Park
If I still had my 1986 Camaro, I would screech outta my driveway and head for the Road Kings Car Show from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. this Sunday.
While it’s the 28th year of the show, it’s the 65th year of the Road Kings Car Club. Making that anniversary even more special is the car show returning to Johnny Carson Park after a two-year hiatus during park refurbishing by the city of Burbank.
The car group started as a drag-racing club in 1952 and then became a cruising club, said longtime member Don Baldaseroni.
Today, the club sponsors Al White, who rides behind the wheel of his GTO in the National Hot Road Assn.’s Division 7 races held in the western states.
Members raise funds for Burbank charities with two shows a year — the spring show in June at Carson Park and the fall show in October at Santa Anita Park.
Members of Burbank Kiwanis clubs will be at the grill throughout the day. A pancake breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. and lunch, with hamburgers, hot dogs and fries, will start at noon.
Gino Gaudio is scheduled to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” a cappella during the opening ceremonies at 9 a.m., and members of Boy Scout Troop 50 from Village Christian School are slated to post the colors.
There will be between 200 and 300 hot rods, muscle cars, classic cars and vintage motorcycles on display. Vendors will be selling car-related items. A silent auction will feature such prizes as a guitar.
New this year will be a display of photos taken over the years at National Hot Road Assn. race tracks that are no longer in existence.
One picture shows Jimmy Miles and his Fiat. A replica of the car he drove will be on display. Miles will attend the show, along with fellow drag-racing stars Tommy Ivo and Bob Muravez. The Road Kings Fireside Band, starring David and Kim Nos, will perform.
Funds raised at the car shows are distributed annually to such charities as the Burbank Historical Society, Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Relay For Life, Burbank Veterans Committee, Police and Fire Museum, Fire Department Muster Club, Boys & Girls Club, Family Service Agency, Horses for Veterans and Dog Tags for Kids.
For an application to show a car, go to roadkingsburbank.com. The best bargain in town — spectator admission is free.
Ticktockers receive annual awards
Ticktockers with the National Charity League were honored for their leadership and hours of volunteer service during the group’s annual awards luncheon and fashion show.
The Charity League is a mother-daughter philanthropic organization that provides service at local nonprofits. At the annual event, Ticktockers — or daughters — who have completed their grade-level service-hour requirements receive a service award. In addition, awards are presented to those who have contributed 50, 75, 100 or more than 100 hours of service to individual and combined philanthropies.
Four graduating seniors received special recognition.
Catalina Baenen was presented with the Golden Rose for earning more than 100 hours for all six years of her membership.
Sophia Augustine was given the Merci award for giving the most direct service philanthropy hours for the current year.
Danielle Boyce received the Modelette Award for exemplifying the Spirit of National Charity League — leadership, social grace and a true heart for service.
Ava Pulvers was presented with the Tyra Award, which goes to the senior who has given the most direct service philanthropy hours regardless of her years as a member.
This senior service award was named in memory of Tyra Gucciardo, a class of 1979 Ticktocker, who lost her life to a cancerous brain tumor in 1985.
For the 2016-17 year, Burbank chapter members served more than 11,138 hours with 27 philanthropies and an additional 3,500 hours with chapter projects. They made 1,683 lunches and 1,172 hygiene kits for the homeless.
The chapter also supports its philanthropies by donating proceeds from its annual fundraiser. This year’s “Rock the Kasbas” event raised $18,300. Funds were donated to several nonprofits including Ahead with Horses, Boys & Girls Club and BCR — “a place to grow.”
JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.