Under sunny skies, the crowds came out to support the second Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund 2023 Benefit Car Show, held on Saturday, May 13.
A 1932 Chevy with only 32,000 miles on it and just two owners were among the show’s winners. Mike Fratello is only the second owner of the car and won the Best Survivor Trophy, which recognizes vehicles in their original condition. It was a car lover’s dream, with over 70 classic cars displayed in the Greenwich Town Hall parking lot. Hundreds of attendees were enchanted with lines of 1930 and 1940 Fords and Cadillacs sitting side by side with classic street cars such as Mustangs, GTOs, and Corvettes from the 60s and 70s. The Scholarship Fund supports qualified, high-performing children of GPD officers in their undergraduate college pursuits.
“We all want our children to pursue their desired educational opportunities, and when they achieve their goal, the next step is funding it so that it doesn’t burden them with future debt,” explained Sergeant Brent Reeves of the Greenwich Police Department. “Thanks to the Chief’s Scholarship fund, my son will have to think less about the financial aspect, enabling him to focus on his education. Sincerest thank you from the Reeves Family.”
The prize winners were representative of the wide range of cars on display. Herman Berlingo and his 1962 Ford Galaxie won the Best Engine Trophy, while the Best Paint job went to Jen Petrine and her 1971 Chevette. Best Interior was awarded to Phil Catalano for his 67 Buick Rivera, and the Best Exterior trophy was given to John DeLelle for his 1934 Ford Tudor. Among Carmen Moretti’s six cars in the show, his 1951 Ford named “Bella Blue” won People’s Choice for the second time. Town of Greenwich Chief of Police Jim Heavey presented the Chief’s Trophy to Mike Mason and his 1967 Chevy Corvette, and Best in Show went to retired GPD Lieutenant Jim Pucci and his 1960 Chevy Impala.
First Selectman Fred Camillo and Selectwoman Lauren Rabin were on hand for the family-fun event, enjoying the music of DJ Murphy of 10dogs. The show was enabled by the support of sponsors, including Greenwich Magazine, Greenwich Sentinel, First Bank of Greenwich, Renewal by Anderson, Cadillac of Greenwich, Highland Sewer & Drain, Baillie & Hershman P.C., Freccia Brothers, and Broken Silence Custom Car Audio. Trophy sponsors included the Ingraham Family in memory of Lt. George Vojt, Putnam Shell, Ron O’Brien, Parsonage Cottage Senior Resident, Catalano and Sons, and the Combined Organization of Police. Ali Cornelius-Yantorno, Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police, and Sue Moretti Bodson of Emboss, LLC organized the event.
The Greenwich Police Department’s Scholarship Fund, a non-profit 501 (c) (3), grants financial assistance to the children of active Greenwich Police Officers who qualify by ability and character for undergraduate studies. To donate to the scholarship fund, visit https://www.gpdscholarshipfund.org.
About the Greenwich Police Department’s Scholarship Fund
The Greenwich Police Department is asking for the community’s support of the Greenwich Police Department’s Scholarship Fund. Every contribution, however big or small, is so valuable for the future of our children. The Greenwich Police Department Scholarship Fund, incorporated in December of 1962, was granted tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code in November 1963. To donate, visit http://bit.ly/GPDSFdonate.
In 1963, three scholarships were awarded, representing 80% of the fund’s available resources. Now almost 60 years later, there are approximately 20 applicants each year, supporting both college boarders and half scholarships to college commuters. They must be enrolled as full-time students and maintain an academic GPA of 2.75 or better.
The fund is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of four individuals whose roles in the community ensure the Board’s self-perpetuation. These individuals are the Chief of Police, the Greenwich High School Principal, a Town Attorney, and a highly reputable and concerned volunteer from Greenwich’s business community. The Office of the Chief of Police is responsible for the day-to-day administration of its activities. Scholarship awards, however, are awarded after review and a vote by the Board.
For more information or if you would like to become a sponsor, please call (203) 622.7884 or go to https://www.gpdscholarshipfund.org.
Contributed Photos by Emboss, LLC
Mike Mason, Eliza Cornelius, Chief Jim Heavey
Carmen Moretti, Jim Pucci