Hundreds of classic car owners took advantage of the “stay indoors” mandate issued by the state government when they chose to stay inside the doors of their sweet rides. They honored the medical staff, who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crusade, working at St. Jude Hospital in Fullerton.
“Stay inside your vehicle, enjoy yourself, make supportive signs and honk your horn,” stated the event’s group coordinator, Sabrina Rivera.
Rivera, a former Fullerton College Hornet, has been organizing cruises for hospitals all over the county to gather the community, in a safe manner in the midst of distressing times.
“I just got done with my fourth hospital cruise last night,” said Rivera.
This past Sunday, Rivera gathered over 200 classic vehicles in Orange to cruise past St. Joseph and CHOC hospitals to show the community’s appreciation for their medical staff.
Cruisers and their cars for Tuesday’s cruise met up at the North Justice Center courthouse parking lot in Fullerton off Berkeley Ave. as early as 5 p.m. Participants that decorated their vehicles did so prior to showing up in order to maintain social distancing.
Officers from the Fullerton Police Dept. escorted the cruisers up Harbor Blvd. to the hospital providing security and ensuring the public’s safety while enforcing social distancing measures.
Sgt. Bridges patrolled the staging grounds in his squad car, reminding the event attendees to remain in their vehicles as many enthusiastic gear heads started wandering around the parking lot checking out all the sweet rides.
“We were worried about this happening,” stated Sgt. Bridges. “Granted everyone is out here for a great cause, we still have to keep in mind to practice social distancing.”
Once the car enthusiasts heard Sgt. Bridges over the megaphone in his squad car, everyone retreated back into their respective vehicles.
One of these car lovers who came out to show his appreciation for the medical staff at St. Jude, was Ellery Schroeder, 25, a Cal State Fullerton alumni who came in his rare 1941 Nash Ambassador.
“I think it’s really important to show how thankful we are to the people that are putting their health on the line to help others,” insisted Schroeder. “It’s a sign of respect and we don’t want to get any more people contaminated with COVID-19.”
Medical workers from all departments lined the entrance to the hospital off Harbor Blvd. as they watched and waived to the passing cruisers who honked their horns and waved flags to salute them. The chance to be able to see the hundreds of shiny, bright vintage rides gave the hospital staff much-needed motivation during a pandemic with an uncertain end.
