Altrusa International to host car show to benefit Santa Land

Altrusa International of Poplar Bluff will host a car show beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at 508 Bartlett St., to raise funds to purchase books for Santa Land. The show will end at 2 p.m.

Cost is a $20 entry fee for each vehicle. There will be food, drink and games at the Northside Nutrition Center next to Twin Towers.

Trophies will be given out at 1:30 p.m.

The event is free for people to attend, view the vehicles in the show, enjoy the fun and learn about Altrusa.

Categories enthusiasts may enter in hopes of winning trophies are best in show, judges’ choice, Altrusa choice, best car and best truck, Nila Keller said.

“We invite car enthusiasts to attend and bring their cars, trucks, hot rods, antique vehicles and more,” Keller said. “Poplar Bluff Councilman David Boyer and Ed Lewis will be judging the entrees.

“The Altrusa club members selected a car show due to the show’s popularity in our area and because it is a new area for the club to learn about.”

Altrusa International of Poplar Bluff has chosen to provide assistance to literacy as well as many other community programs.

“We believe every child deserves their own book,” Keller said. “Promoting reading is an Altrusa International goal. “

The event will be the first fundraiser held by Altrusa since COVID.

“It is time to begin replenishing our foundation money,” Keller said. “Altrusa’s goal is to increase literacy and make the community better. We are encouraging children to read at an early age by giving each child who attends Santa Land a book. The car show proceeds revenue will fund this book project.”

Keller is treasurer of the local Altrusa Club and fundraiser committee chairperson. She also is president of the Altrusa International of Poplar Bluff Foundation.

Altrusa International of Poplar Bluff will be selling snacks and providing accommodations in the Northside Nutrition Center, Keller said.

Everyone will get a free ticket for donated promotional materials like pens, pads, koozies, etc.

“We will be selling $1 tickets for a Book Nook Quilt donated by Karen Griffith, who is an award winning quilter,” Keller said. “The Book Nook Quilt tickets will be for sale until the Altrusa Craft Fair at the Twin Towers on Dec. 7, where the winning ticket will be drawn.”

Participants who plan to show vehicles and would like to preregister may contact Keller at 573-718-5160 by text or call that they are interested in attending or want more information.