The Apalachee High School shooting in Winder has absolutely rocked our local community. But few groups rally together quite like a the car (and bike) community, particularly the Atlanta car (and bike)) communities. So this past Sunday, September 22nd, the car community came together and created what is easily one of the largest car shows in metro Atlanta this year.
While officially reported at 764 cars, with $40,000 raised, our estimates greatly exceeded that car count. We saw hundreds more cars outside of the event parked along the roadway trying to get in. We also saw dozens, if not more cars who left before getting registered. In addition, the Apalachee High School parking lot begin filling in as an overflow, likely adding several hundred more. Our rough estimates put it easily over 1,000 cars that registered and showed, parked outside along the roadway, left before making it in the show or only displayed at the (unregistered) overflow lot. That’s a LOT of cars making an appearance.
In addition to the car show, Car Community Connection organized a caravan with a police escort from Lawrenceville to the event that had an estimated 200 cars.
On top of the cars that registered and attended, we were told 896 motorcycles registered for a cruise to the event. We told in all nearly 2000 bikes raised an additional 35K.
Apalachee High School Memorial
Those who did get sent to the overflow lot had the unique opportunity to visit and pay their respects at the makeshift memorial at Apalachee High School. The memorial pays tribute to the victims, those wounded and the first responders.
About The Event
* Image Courtesy Justin Bonnett / Detailers Products
Barrow County Cruisers and Pharoahs Car Club formed the idea to put on a support and benefit car show. Quickly the new spread and nearly every significant car club, community and organization rallied their support.
Cars of all types appeared – Japanese, German, American, classics, Lowriders, motorcycles, trucks, overlanders, Jeeps and such much more.
Supporting The Families and Community
At ShiftAtlanta we feel no family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. In the coming weeks and months there is going to be so much that needs to happen; funerals to pay for, medical bills, grief and PTSD councilors, rehabilitation therapy and so many more things we cant even imagine.
The car community has and will always come together to support people in need. It’s the thing we do best. Big thank you to the groups putting the show together and the many, many others that jumped in to provide support.
* Featured image courtesy of jeepinbubba