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Edison car show raises funds, spotlights adoptions — including an owl named Jamie
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Summary
The fourth annual Wheels for Paws car show in Edison drew about 107 vehicles and community volunteers, raising nearly $2,500 by mid-afternoon for the Edison Bridal Shelter and promoting on-site adoptions, volunteer recruitment and youth engagement.
The fourth annual Wheels for Paws car show in Edison brought classic and custom vehicles to Papiani Park and raised money for the Edison Bridal Shelter on a spring day in April 2026. Organizers and volunteers said the event combined a celebration of cars with a push for pet adoptions and to cover shelter medical costs.
Shelter staff emphasized the immediate need for homes and medical support. A shelter representative (speaker 3) said, "We have lots of dogs and cats for adoption" and noted the shelter is open "11 to 4 every day." The shelter also brought an on-site rescue — an owl named Jamie — who was "found as a stray behind ShopRite in Edison," the representative said, and was described as roughly four months old and in need of a home.
Organizers and local volunteers framed the show as both a fundraiser and community outreach. The moderator thanked Hot Rod Mike, Carl's Custom Plastics and the Edison Police Department for supporting the event. The announcer (speaker 15) told attendees there were about "107 cars here" and that "we're at almost $2,500 right now," adding the donations go directly to the shelter to pay for medical needs such as shots and small checkups.
The show mixed family-friendly displays with owner stories. Bobby (speaker 6) described searching for two to three years for a 1964 Cadillac "fin" model and arranging transport from Connecticut after finding an original, low-mileage example. Charlie (speaker 9) spoke about a restored 1966 Corvette Stingray with a rare options package, including air conditioning and power steering, while another participant described restoring a 1976 Volkswagen Beetle for occasional driving and display. A Woody owner (speaker 7) discussed club history and said he serves as president of the National Woody Club, which he said has about 2,500 members worldwide.
Several community groups and public figures also took part. Raji Rajbanch (speaker 11) and Kavyanj (speaker 13), members of the Edison Youth Council, said they volunteered after attending a nearby event and encouraged other teens (grades 6–12) to join the council to help with community projects. Amanda Schumacher (speaker 14) introduced herself as the reigning Miss New Jersey for America Strong and said she attended to support the shelter.
The event organizer/announcer reiterated that donations collected at the show are being used for shelter medical expenses and adoptions, and organizers expressed hope the final total would exceed the mid-afternoon tally. The show was presented as an annual community fundraiser and outreach event, with organizers inviting residents to return next year.
The car show continued through the afternoon; organizers said Wheels for Paws is expected to return the same time next year.
