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America on Wheels hosts gala to benefit Camelot for Children

Published May 16. 2024 01:17PM

By BONNIE LEE STRUNK

Special to The Press

Supporters of Camelot for Children donned 50s attire, including poodle skirts, saddle shoes and white T-shirts, and traveled back to the golden age of rock ’n’ roll during Camelot’s “Cruisin’ for a Groovin’ Gala,” held April 27 at America on Wheels museum in Allentown.

The nostalgic fundraising event featured music of the era by The Mainstreet Cruisers, two disc jockeys and Elvis and Marilyn Monroe impersonators.

Classic 1950s dishes, desserts and soda floats were in abundance, and the museum’s classic and antique cars, including a new exhibit of 60 years of Mustangs, added to the atmosphere.

According to Emily Werner, executive director of the nonprofit Camelot for Children, the gala raised more than $85,000, including about $10,000 from a silent auction and a raffle.

The funds will be used to benefit the organization’s programs.

About 200 people attended the event, Werner reported.

The mission of Camelot for Children is to provide year-round social and educational opportunities at no cost for children with disabilities and terminal, chronic or serious illnesses.

The organization, founded in 1985, makes the magic of childhood accessible in a supportive, enriching environment to youths with special needs and helps them create meaningful experiences and friendships.

A popular program which will benefit from the fundraiser is Camelot’s free summer day camp for children ages 6 to 19.

The Monday through Friday camp, held at Camelot’s W. Emmaus Ave. site, will include a splash pad, various sports, crafts, accessible playground and field trips.

For more information, call Camelot for Children at 610-791-5683.

PRESS PHOTOS BY BONNIE LEE STRUNK Dancers in their '50s attire grooved to the rock 'n' roll sounds of The Mainstreet Cruisers at the Camelot for Children fundraiser April 27 at America on Wheels museum, Allentown.
Table decorations at the Camelot gala included floral arrangements that resembled ice cream sundaes.
DJs in the Hubcap Cafe at America on Wheels were “Wolfman” Hal Fittipaldi (left) and WMUH's Rob Carson (right), friends for 40 years. Operating the soundboard at the Camelot fundraiser was George Nichols.
Dan and Jane Garland of Allentown take a break from dancing to admire the Mustang exhibit at America on Wheels. Her employer, American Bank, was a sponsor of the Camelot gala.
Dressed for the occasion, Rob Green and Denise DiCicco party at America on Wheels during Camelot's fundraiser.
Camelot board of directors gathered outside America On Wheels for a group photo. Taking part are (back) Nick Weidman, Carrie Wilson, Fred Saracino and Denise DiCicco. In front are Bret Lesavoy, Katie Dwyer, executive director Emily Werner, Lisa Griesemer, Melissa Gerhardt and Alycia Jurell.
Carmelo Seguinot of Center Valley said he was at the Camelot gala to “entertain and mingle” on roller skates.
Ed Steigerwalt and Joni Kramer of Lehighton admire the vehicles on display at America on Wheels, including this 1939 Indian Dispatch Tow motorcycle.
PRESS PHOTOS BY BONNIE LEE STRUNK Elvis (Jay Allan) and Marilyn Monroe (Gabrielle Simon), both from Quakertown, provided entertainment at the Camelot gala.