Pinstripers at the 64th Grand National Roadster Show Jan. 25, 2013
By
LA Fairplex, Pomona, CA
Friday, January 25, 2013
Story and Photos and By Roger Rohrdanz
The 2013 Pinstripers Reunion was held at the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) on January 25-29th at the L A County Fairplex in Pomona, CA. This year East Coast Artie Schilling was the Master of Ceremonies and in charge of the pinstripers and the auction. Schilling invited a mix of old and new pinstripers. This year the pinstripers created works of art auctioned off to support the Lili Clair Foundation. This charitable foundation seeks to assist children and families affected by neurogenetic conditions. A few of the many celebrity items that were auctioned off included, a signed Pete Rose jersey & baseball, signed Kenny Rogers guitar, signed Glen Campbell guitar, signed Montgomery Gentry guitar, and a signed Tony Hawk skateboard. Through the generous support of the pinstripers and those who bid on the creations, $31,000. was raised to aid in research and hopefully a cure.
Artie Schilling works and resides in Surfside Beach, South Carolina. “Mikey Boy” Frederick is also a sign painter and lives in Mamaroneck, New York. Howie Nisgor lives in Poughkeepsie, New York. Jimmy C is a California guy from San Clemente and has been a regular at the GNRS. Torlief Kahrs lives in California and has Norwegian ancestry. Eric Malicoat is a veteran of the GNRS pinstriper’s reunion, lives in Santa Maria, California and works full time in a sign shop. Zeke Lemanski lives in Chicopee, Massachusetts and owns his own sign painting business. Colonel Richard Westlake is the auctioneer and his wife is a ‘ringer,’ or the person who marks down who the bidders are. “We’ve helped to raise over a quarter of a million dollars for charity,” he proudly exclaimed. The Westlake’s live in Hullsville, Missouri. Some of the other artists who were at the show were; Junior Huff, The California pinstripers included; Robert Gagnon, Dave Garcia, Tom Kelly, Jeff Styles, and Phil Whetstone.
These pinstripers are fine people to take time out of their busy lives to come and help raise money for research to help end a terrible disease. They could be at their shops earning money, but instead they are giving back to the community. We salute their kindness and generosity. If you haven’t seen a pinstriper’s reunion, mark your calendar for the 2014 Grand National Roadster Show.
Thank for the Show!
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