Like a blast from the past, the parking lot at the oldest burger joint in West Sacramento was packed this evening with classic cars from Model T’s to custom Firebirds. It was “Cruise Night” again at Whitey’s Jolly Kone, a Jefferson Blvd. landmark since 1964.
     Tommy Kale, the empirical master of ceremonies and all around car enthusiast was glad to show me around. Along with his cohort Frank Baschal, I got the grand tour and a little history of the River City Rodsters and “Cruise Night” at Whiteys.
     The late Whitey Boisclair started hosting this local car show several years ago, the last Thursday of every month from April until October. Every year it grew larger until the parking lot today is filled from the burger stand to the street. And even with the passing of Whitey and his dear wife Maxine, they still come out in droves to enjoy Whitey’s burgers and the glistening polished paint jobs of the vintage autos from bygone eras.
     There was one car owner that stood out this evening. His name is Ray Campagna. Ray has been blind and in a wheelchair since childhood, suffering from degenerative cerebral palsy, but it hasn’t seemed to stop him from being the consummate car enthusiast.
     In 1984, Ray bought an old, dilapidated 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air for $450.00. Apparently, it was being used to haul dirt.
     Ray hung onto that car for years, until in March 2009, twenty-two of his friends, led by Ted Pangle, met at So Cal Speed Shop and, in what Pangle calls a “car party,” they stripped the Bel Air to a rolling chassis and body. Once that was done, that very same day they moved the car over to Miracle Auto Body, who did the extensive bodywork needed to prepare it for paint. Next, it went to Artistic Paint and Body, who put on the custom paint, Dusk Rose with an Ivory Roof. Then off to Jim’s Chevy Parts to be assembled.
     So, on May 23, 2009, the new custom Bel Air was delivered back to Ray, who was too excited to talk.
     Tonight was Ray’s third car show this week, and once they pack up here, they’ll be off to Lovelock, Nevada for the next show.
     Ray is a shining example of the fortitude of man. Never deterred, he’s proud that he’s been living on his own all of his adult life. The friends and business owners who put this car together for Ray should be equally proud. Their altruistic efforts to restore Ray’s pride and joy should make us all think that maybe there is good people in the world. That there are people who, for whatever reason, will go out of their way to help their fellow man.

     There’s certainly more to come and I’ll be there to get the facts and bring them to you.