For the past 20 years or so informal group of classic car enthusiasts has turned their love for automobiles into a force for good in the community.
They go by the name “Barn Boys” because years ago they would get together on Wednesday evenings to fix up a dilapidated old barn in Yaphank at the home of a fellow classic car aficionado.
“His wife started calling us ‘the barn boys’ and the name stuck,” said Allan Wicklund of Northville Beach, who has been involved in the club from its beginnings.
The group started doing car shows to raise money for charitable causes. Over the years, they raised more than $37,000 for Brookhaven Hospice, Wicklund said. They’ve also adopted a family in need, providing them with Christmas gifts for several years running.
Wicklund said he was chatting with Tony Caggiano at Jamesport Farm Brewery one day and told him about the group and its activities. Wicklund told Caggiano he was interested in reviving the classic car show and Caggiano said “Let’s do it.”
The inaugural show took place in 2018 and it was back again this summer — with even more participants.
“We had about 150 cars this year,” Wicklund said of the event, which took place in June . “All the workers are volunteers from the Barn Boys club. I got guys almost 80 years old directing traffic and parking cars,” he said with a chuckle.
Jamesport Farm Brewery allows the Barn Boys to use the site free of charge, Wicklund said.
The second annual Barn Boys car show, held to benefit East End Hospice’s Kanas Center for Hospice Care, raised $2,100. Last year, the group raised $1,800 for the organization.
Wicklund presented the check to East End Hospice president and CEO Mary Crosby at the organization’s Camp Good Grief, a summer day camp for children ages 4-17 years who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
“Heartfelt thanks to the Barn Boys, Jamesport Farm Brewery, and all those who participated and attended,” Crosby said.
“East End Hospice was deeply honored to be chosen as the recipient of the Barn Boys second annual car show,” Crosby said, extending the organization’s thanks to both the club and the farm brewery for their support.
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