A lot of special things happen at the Hospice Erie Shores Campus and last Tuesday evening, July 8, was no exception.
Brothers Nick Wilhelm and Doug Wilhelm are both patients there and they received a gift from the community that they can cherish and add to the great care received in the Hospice.
Nick’s daughter Kristen got together with local classic car organizer Gino DelCiancio to talk about a drive-by for the brothers at the Hospice.
Once they settled on the day, the wheels were put in motion and within one day, the event was planned.
“That’s a record for me,” said DelCiancio. “I’ve put them together in a week, but never in just a day. I thought 15-20 cars might show up.”
About 100 classic cars met up at the LDSS parking lot on Tuesday, July 8 and then they made their way up to the Hospice roundabout, where the Wilhelm brothers were anxiously awaiting their arrival.
Family and friends gathered in front of the Hospice as the cars, trucks and motorbikes made their way by.
Some of the drivers were friends of the Wilhelms, which brought an extra smile or maybe even a tear or two when they passed by.
Both were in good spirits as they waved and gave thumbs-up to the drivers and passengers, who all took time out of their lives to brighten the day of these two gentlemen and their families.
When the ride concluded, Gino DelCiancio came back around in his 1955 Bel Air and made a brief stop to present Nick and Doug with car show trophies of their own.
They were inscribed with “Drive-By Car Show” with their names and the date on them.
But for Gino DelCiancio, the real reward was seeing the brothers’ faces, especially considering the circumstances.
“We are blessed to have Hospice in our town,” he said. “We are also blessed to have a community that cares for others.”
Drivers and passengers alike sent waves and best wishes to the Wilhelm brothers.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
Gino DelCiancio, middle, presented Doug, left, and Nick, right, with their own car show trophies after his classic car group made a special trip to Hospice on Tuesday, July 8. They are surrounded by family and friends.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
