Swap Meet and Car Show donates $20,000 to Branch County non-profits

The Coldwater Swap Meet and Car Show on Mother’s Day weekend was a huge success.

It drew 889 show cars and more than 4,000 spectators, said James Brooks, president of the Swap Meet and Car Show board.

Many things were new this year including the fact that it was back after two years off due to the pandemic. And the 34-year tradition also had a new leadership.

Dale Parshall, the long-time president, stepped down and was looking for new leadership. Much to his suprise, he got it.

Community members who understood the value of the event and got on board for the first time included Josh Cronkhite, vice president,  Rick Yearling, Kent Siebern and Shauna Morris, all board members. Traci Risner was the only veteran from the previous board and serves as treasurer.

With such a strong turn out the Swap Meet and Car Show was again able to donate to Branch County 4013C organizations.

They gave away $20,000 on Monday evening divvied up between organizations that applied for grant. The non-profits asking for funding were also strongly encouraged to volunteer for the weekend.

The 2022 recipients included:

  • Animal Aid of Branch County

  • Beginnings Care for Life

  • Branch Area Careers Center

  • Branch Area Food Bank

  • Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

  • Branch County Fair

  • Branch County Humane Society

  • Children’s Museum of Branch County

  • Coach Eby Youth and Family Center

  • Family Promise

  • Jacob’s Well

  • Sexual Assault Services

  • Tommy’s House

In the 34 years of the event, they have given $216,000 to Branch County non-profits, Risner said.

That's what makes the Swap Meet and Car Show a true community event, Brooks said. He was willing to step into leadership for that reason and because he wants he daughter to have the experience.

Board members all felt strongly that it was too good of an event to let fall by the wayside.

Coldwater Swap Meet and Car Show board members are in red T-shirts. On the left are President James Brooks and Vice President Josh Cronkhite. On the right are Rick Yearling, Kent Siebern and Traci Risner. In the middle are some of Branch County non-profit organizations for whom the event provided a total of $20,000 in grants.
Coldwater Swap Meet and Car Show board members are in red T-shirts. On the left are President James Brooks and Vice President Josh Cronkhite. On the right are Rick Yearling, Kent Siebern and Traci Risner. In the middle are some of Branch County non-profit organizations for whom the event provided a total of $20,000 in grants.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Swap Meet and Car Show 2022 donates $20,000 in grants to non-profits