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With 2008, rapidly drawing to its inevitable conclusion, thoughts turn towards the warmth and wonder of the upcoming holiday season. My mind however is not quite there yet. Memories of warmer temperatures continue to pervade. I can still hear music spilling from the open windows of passing vehicles, briefly muted only by the distinct roar of powerful motors, as cars and motorcycles dating back to an era now long gone make their presence known. Hoods raised and engines on display in the McDonald’s parking lot, a weekly rite of summer takes place.

“Daddy, we should park Sherman here one night,” my son innocently suggests, referring to our 1999 Toyota, which is well on its way to achieving “classic” status before my very eyes.

“No,” I gently say in an effort to spare his sensitive feelings, “Sherman’s hood has been up one too many times this year.”

With the practiced ministrations of a seasoned pro, he expertly guides his bike, a 2006 Huffy model, expertly between two gleaming hogs. Revving his imaginary motor once in deference to his fellow riders, he reaches down to turn off the imaginary ignition switch, allowing the overworked machinery a brief cooling off period before he rides again. Dismounting, he bounds ahead of me to the registration table, where he receives an exuberant greeting from the event organizers, a selfless group of people, who for nearly seven years have successfully managed to assemble this weekly gathering of some of the finest vintage cars and motorcycles in the metropolitan area. “Cruise Night,” the Tuesday evening get-together hosted by the East Coast Car Association has provided my little one, a brief respite from the everyday hardships of being a five-year-old. The look of awe and wonder he exhibits is pure innocence at its finest. Like the group who has afforded us this small pleasure week after week, he’s grown. His unbridled joy in simply helping to distribute plaques and trophies each week is heartwarming. Just by acknowledging his presence, these people have touched his heart.

            My original intention for this issue was to submit a “greatest hits” column of sorts, similar to what most music artists get away with during the holiday season. In Scrooge-like fashion, I had planned to recap some of my past exploits, under the guise of allowing some of our devoted fan base to catch up on something they may have missed, while both lazily and selfishly drawing more attention to myself. The weekly light of joy that shines in the eyes of my son as we attend another “cruise night” has opened my eyes. In true Dickens style, I suddenly see the light!

             It is no wonder that the good folks of the East Coast Car Association can so easily bring happiness to a small child. They have been doing this successfully on a far larger scale for nearly a decade. Founder, Eddie Walter, had two great passions in life – classic cars and aiding children in need. His special commitment to help brighten the lives of other children suffering with long-term ailments is inspiring.

            St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital of Bayside has touched the lives of nearly 4000 children through inpatient, home care, and community-based programs in all five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and beyond.

As a result of his tireless dedication, Eddie and the group he founded in 1999 have raised nearly $35,000 for the hospital through organizing car shows, cruise nights and an annual Toys for Tots run each year in November, bringing an early holiday to kids who so desperately need it. The timely arrival of the East Coast Car Association and over one-hundred cars and bikes filled with presents is widely anticipated. This time around, my son will see his wish loosely realized as we join in the parade, riding proudly in our forgettable family sedan, helping to fulfill the wishes, hopes and dreams of those less fortunate. While it will undoubtedly prove to be one of the highlights of this year for him, I am hoping that it will serve as a gentle reminder that there is so much more to the holiday season than just Santa’s timely arrival.

            Sadly, I never had the opportunity to meet Eddie Walter, a man, who for those fortunate enough to have known him, was the epitome of a real life Santa Claus. His sudden passing in February of 2007 saddened many, yet the legacy he has left behind will prevail. His flame continues to burn brightly, The East Coast Car Association nobly carrying the torch, while carrying on the heartfelt tradition he began nearly a decade ago.

            My mind is now where it needs to be. While the warm temperatures of a summer now past are but a memory, the thoughts of experiencing the holiday season this year through not just the eyes of my own child, but through those of so many others as well, will provide more than enough warmth to carry me through to the next summer season.

            To Mr. Walter whom I know is smiling down upon my own child as he undoubtedly does on all of the others he has brought so much happiness to, we say thank-you.

To those who have taken the time to read my ramblings, be it throughout the year or for the very first time, I wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season.

See you in ’09!

Written By: Tom Mortensen