Sisters Mary Mahler and Ann Brunner used their flashy cars on Sunday to do something for a cause that is important to them: supporting people with autism spectrum disorder.
Mahler drove her 2016 Chevrolet Camaro into the Norwin Elks’ “Cruisin’ for a Cause: Children with Autism” event. She parked next to Brunner’s 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS.
“We love coming here,” said Brunner of North Huntingdon. “It’s about the kids, it’s about autism. We support it 100 percent.”
Mahler, of Irwin, propped up the hood of her car and displayed photos of people in her life who have autism – two nephews and two girls she cares for. Both women said they have supported autism research for years.
“The children need help,” said Mahler.
The Autism Society of Westmoreland County benefited from the fundraiser, which was organized for the third year by Eric Otto, a stalwart of the Norwin Elks. Otto’s great-nephew is autistic, which prompted him to contact the society for the event.
“We have 11 families with autistic children in the area,” he said.
Otto is planning a carnival-like atmosphere for the 2026 cruise, which will be in its fifth year. Last year, a few hundred cars showed up and the Elks typically donate a few thousand dollars of the proceeds. President Melissa Fligger said community support helps the organization run camps and hold activities.
“We try to offer all of our events either free or low-cost and make them accessible to the whole family,” she said.
The society works with about 300 members to connect them with resources and other families.
Classic and newer model cars gleamed in the bright sunlight as they were parked in rows in a field next to the Norwin Elks building. Spectators peered through the open windows as classical music played.
A fire truck used by the Westmoreland City Fire Department decades ago is still in great condition with just over 10,000 miles on it, said Dan McCracken of Manor. McCracken, a retired firefighter, said the fire department had to get federal government approval to purchase it in the 1940s during World War II. The vehicle was built in December 1941.
“It had been sitting in storage for about 15 years and I didn’t want it to go anywhere, so I bought it,” he said.
Now he and his wife Pam McCracken drive it to car shows and parades.
“The fire department can’t justify spending money on it,” she said. “It’s part of history and we want to preserve it.”
Glenn Brutout of Penn Township took to the field with his own piece of history – a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, the same car he drove as a 16-year-old. He undertook the complete restoration after purchasing the car as a gift for his 50th birthday. Now, 24 years later, it’s a fun hobby.
“The grandchildren love coming out with Pap,” he said.
Renatta Signorini is a reporter at TribLive who covers breaking news, crime, courts and Jeannette. She has been with the Trib since 2005. She can be reached at [email protected].
