Belmont Concours d’Eleganza to benefit Terry’s House

Automobile enthusiasts are revving up their engines in preparation for the Belmont Concours d’Eleganza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 7 at Belmont Country Club in Fresno.

A portion of the ticket sales and all of the silent auction proceeds will benefit Community Medical Centers’ Terry’s House, a convenient and affordable lodging facility for families to stay in while their loved ones receive critical care.

“As the only burn and Level 1 trauma centers between Los Angeles and Sacramento, many of our patients come from long distances,” said Lynn Bennink, trauma program director at Community Regional Medical Center.

“Terry’s House will provide the family members of these critically injured patients a safe haven where they can get the rest and emotional break they need yet still be close by. It is a way we can care for the family and the patient.”

Terry’s House will be a 17,000-square-foot, two-story home within walking distance of the main entrance of Community Regional, on the corner of Fresno and R streets. It will feature 20 guest rooms with private baths, in-house refrigerators, an activity lounge, sitting areas, family resource center, children’s activity room, exercise room and a healing garden.

The show and competition will feature more than 150 collector automobiles – among them, a rare 1911 International Harvester motor car and a one-of-a-kind 1914 Princess Petite Speciale that has never been on display.

Ron Von Tersch, event co-chairman, said attendees can expect a pleasant surprise. “A trip down memory lane in some the most beautiful cars ever built. Rolling works of art surrounded by one of Fresno's most beautiful country clubs.”

Vehicle judging begins at 10:30 a.m. and will wrap up around 2 p.m. Trophies for Best of Show, People's Choice, Tour and the Stable Award will be presented to the winners. A fashion show by The Laundry Room will take place at 11 a.m. Guests at the show also can purchase fine food and beverages, and bid on a variety of silent auction items to benefit Terry’s House.

The construction of Terry’s House is dependent on private gifts and contributions. Community Medical Foundation’s goal is to raise $4.5 million to build the house, with additional funds to be raised to cover internal furnishings, operations and lodging to those in need.

The project’s financing began with gifts from Tom Richards, Bank of America and Lennar Homes. Richards’ brother, Terry, is the namesake behind Terry’s House. Terry was seriously injured in a car accident when he was 5 years old, and Terry’s mother drove 80 miles a day for five months to be with her son.

Tickets to the Belmont Concours d’Eleganza are $20 per person in advance, and $25 at the gate. Children under 12 are free. Belmont Country Club is located at 8253 E. Belmont Ave. in Fresno.

For more information on the day’s events log on to www.thebelmontconcours.com.

To purchase tickets in advance, call (559) 917-6002, e-mail TheBelmontRegistrar@yahoo.com or visit any Fig Garden Village store.

To learn more about Terry’s House or to make a donation, log on to www.TerrysHouseFresno.com.

This story was reported by Jennifer Avila-Allen. She can be reached at javila@communitymedical.org.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009