HOLMDEL – Cars, kids and fashion take center stage this fall, as picturesque Hop Brook Farm again plays host to the annual Monmouth County Concours d’Elegance.
Automobile collectors and aficionados from the tristate area and beyond will gather Saturday, Oct. 4, for this special charity event, featuring a display of more than 135 antique automobiles and motorcycles.
All proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, an organization making a positive difference in the lives of children through impactful one-to-one mentoring.
Set amidst neatly rowed cornfields, manicured lawns and an 18th century farmhouse, the Monmouth County Concours d’Elegance is considered by many to be the premier automobile event in the state. The event features an exhibition of pristine motorcars from 1900 through 1974, including notable Duesenbergs, Packards and Lincolns. From hundreds of entries, the finest automobiles are carefully chosen, based on elegance, style and overall beauty. After a public showing and “French” judging, the Concours Grand Finale takes place with winning automobiles parading down “Victory Lane” to the cheers of hundreds of appreciative spectators.
A Concours fashion show featuring men, women and children in the latest fall styles is another popular feature of this event.
Rare automobiles and high fashion, however, are only part of the story according to Jeff Cruz, a Rumson Realtor and founder of the event. Since its beginning in 2008, the Monmouth Concours has raised more than $400,000 for worthwhile local charities.
“There is no doubt we could host a Concours on the merits of the automobiles alone, but the charitable aspect clearly gives the event a greater purpose. Using the automobiles as a ‘vehicle’ to help worthwhile charities has always been our mission,” he said.
For 2014, Jeff Cruz and his like‐minded committee of philanthropists have partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, a Monmouth and Middlesex County chapter of the national organization.
“We are so grateful to Jeff and his committee for selecting our agency to work with this year. Our important mentoring programs are supported by the community and the Concours d’Elegance will provide an amazing opportunity to raise both funds and awareness for BBBSMMC” said William Salcedo, executive director.
As a Big Brother to a young boy while attending college, Cruz experienced firsthand the power an adult role model can have. “Kids face difficult choices and often need a helping hand to guide them; volunteers are the backbone of this organization. Through the efforts of Big Brothers Big Sisters, children’s lives are vastly improved,” he said. “Tangible results include better grades in school, greater self-esteem and improved life choices.
“Through the meaningful guidance of a Big Brother or Sister, kids are more likely to attend school, experience greater social confidence and are more likely to avoid peer violence. We are proud to support the efforts of Big Brothers Big Sisters and help promote their message in 2014,” Cruz said.
The Monmouth County Concours d’Elegance will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. It is a family event, open to the general public. The $10 admission fee is a tax‐deductible donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Children ages 10 and under are admitted free. Spectator parking is provided at no cost courtesy of Vonage.
Additional information is available by visiting www.monmouthcountyconcours.com. Information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties is available at www.bbbsmmc.org.
