In Loving Memory Car, Motorcycle and Truck Show Benefits Hands of Hope

I have been in awe of the time and commitment this family has made to change things in Wabash County around domestic violence. This year, as I sat and listened to Jonny Hines whose mother and sister were murdered by his sister’s estranged boyfriend, I couldn’t help but feel as if there was something that I needed to do to show Jonny and the rest of his family just how much Hands of Hope, and even more, I appreciate their efforts.

Jonny nonchalantly explained how this past summer he had been going to rummages and had obtained 13 coolers to hold the water and sodas in this year for the event. When someone asked Jonny where all of the coolers were being stored, he remarked that everything for the annual car show was housed on the family’s porch.

Now, I don’t know about you, but my home is pretty consumed with all of my family’s belongings and I am not sure I would be so generous, or willing to give up part of my front porch to house coolers, signs, tables and who knows what else, year round.

But for Jonny and his family, that has become a reality. So, as I thought about how to thank him, I asked Jonny to send me information about how he got involved and who has been involved with him. Following is the response in his words:

I started the benefit because I wanted to do something to remember my mom and sister, Sherry and Amanda Hines. I also wanted to bring awareness to the public that domestic violence happens every day and that there are people and programs out there to help. Our first benefit was a walk and we had no experience with that. Afterwards, Rod Beeman (family friend and long time neighbor) were talking and we decided that a cruise in would be the way to go.

Both Rod and the Hines family have experience with car shows as Rod and Frank Hines (my father) both have classic cars and have entered many shows. Rod Beeman has been a great source of support and help by collecting most of our door prizes, passing out fliers at every show he attends, and speaking to local businesses to help get sponsorship for the show. Along with Rod, many of our family and friends have been with us every year supporting and volunteering their time. My father, Frank Hines, and my step-mother, Sandra Hines have both donated and given their time freely to prepare and work at the shows. My brother, Frankie Hines Jr, runs the In Loving Memory Cruise In’s Facebook page and also takes hundreds of photos at each show. My sister, Missy Smith and her husband, Roger Smith, both run our newest addition to the show, the motorcycle run. My in-laws, Heath and Tina Clark, Alex Clark, Zack Schaaf, Tyson and Calian Wuensch, all help in some way at the show and also keep an eye on my kids so I can be free to run the cruise in. Our friends, Shawn and Elizabeth Calhoun and Heather Baughman have worked every show from morning to night. Many of our other friends have entered their vehicles in the show to support the cause. The members of the Hands of Hope Advisory Council have also been a great source of support and help both before and during each show.

Most of our sponsors are local businesses: Pizza Hut, 95.9 Country KISS FM, The Paper, Sugar Rush, American Family Insurance, Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service Inc., Todd Adams State Farm, Leah’s Cakery and Confections, Northern Indiana Aviation, Wabash Valley Chrysler, McDonald Funeral Homes, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Wabash Pizza King, Landmark Management, Inc., TCB Games, Denny Motor Sales Inc., Plaza Mini Mart, Big R, Dorais. We also have businesses from out of town who have heard about our show and cause and want to help by sponsoring: No Sweat Laser Tattoo Removal, Zizzo Racing, D&B Sales, Inc., B&K Rootbeer Marion.

So, as I close this lengthy thank you, I would just ask that you thank the businesses listed who have financially contributed to this event, but even more than that, the next time you see Jonny Hines or one of his family members or friends, please give them a handshake, a hug or just a word of thanks for all that they have done and continue to do to assist in breaking the cycle of domestic violence in Wabash County. It is because of people like them that I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to do what I do.