"Feet For Fener" A Huge Success. Fundraiser for Nick Fener raises over $42,000.00 at the Perris Valley Drop Zone.

It was almost 8 months ago that our friend, Nick Fener, had a severe skydiving accident at the Perris Valley drop zone. After his canopy collapsed on his final approach, Nick fell approximately 100 feet to the ground and suffered severe injuries to his back, legs and internal organs. It is a miracle that he survived. But those of us who know Nick Fener knew that if he made it through those first few critical days that he'd be back. And back he was!! Just a few months after the accident Nick was back out at the Perris Valley drop zone to attend a fundraiser that his family and friends put on help support Nick and his fiance, Lindsay Showalter. It was determined that given the damage done to his legs and ankles, it would be best to amputate them so that he could be fitted with prosthetics. The evening took on a life of it's own. "Feet for Fener" became the battle cry and the money raised would go towards the purchase of his new legs. The skydiving community along with friends and family rallied 'round Nick and Lindsay raising over $42,000.00 and had a great time doing it. The pictures below tell some of the story but it was one of those times where "you really had to have been there" to appreciate the love and support that was focused on Nick. As of January of 2012, Nick not only has his new legs but is making unbelievable progress in his use of them and his mobility. From early on, Nick's attitude has been "Get Busy Livin' ", and live he has. It is hard to put into perspective what these two have been through, but if you like a good read, go to their blog: www.Nickfener.tumblr.com. It will inspire you beyond belief.

There was something for everyone at "Feet For Fener."

Large or small, everyone was there to support Nick
and Lindsay.

Debbie with the man, the myth, the legend..Nick Fener.
Nick took me on my first tandem jump just months before
when Debbie and I jumped on our 38th wedding anniversary.

Lindsay had a good time from start to finish...and
it showed!!!

It was hard for Nick to get through the crowd. I don't think
he moved more than 50 feet in an hour!

Oh and did I mention there were lots of goodies, too.

Several bands performed all afternoon and into the evening.
The drop zone was rockin'!!

"Feet For Fener" T-shirts were sellin' like hot cakes!

The most moving moment of the night, Nick addressing his
friends and family. It was something that none of us will
ever forget.

Lindsay's smile says it all....

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Nick
had Lindsay come up and be with him. What an
unbelievable story.

Kimmy and Lindsay at the end of the night...a little tired
and overwhelmed to say the least. What a night.

American Icon: The Muscle Car. Chip Foose, Muscle Cars and Dalcorp Racing the perfect fit for Discovery Channel production.

When The Discovery Channel came to Dalcorp Racing and asked if they could film their two part series about muscle cars featuring Bob Mosher and Chip Foose it was pretty much, "You had me at can we?"  What a great experience it was to be a part of this show that feature some of the great cars of the 60's and a chance to work with one of the biggest names in the automotive world, Chip Foose. We had a great time working with Chip, Bob and director John Aronson and his crew. The show aired at the end of last year and was a big hit, especially with muscle car fans.  Thanks again Discovery Channel for letting us be a part of these great shows.

Bob Mosher being interviewed during the filming.

Steve, one of Bob's go to guys also getting a little camera time.

"Director John"

The main man, Chip Foose, doing the intro to the show.

"Rat Fink" watched over things to make sure they were doing
it right!

When Chip is asked for an autograph you can be sure you're
going to get something really cool.  Here he does a little
something for our friend, Billy "BJ" Stewart...a rendering
of a 1969 Camaro.

Chip also did some of his magic on the dash of Erica's '66 Nova
race car. Too cool.

Tom Calnon Does 60 In A Big Way! He puts the "hammer down" in the car and on the bar!!

Tom Calnon knows how to put the hammer down...literally.  For years, Tom has built and remodeled homes, done all types of custom woodworking, many times for "A" list stars in Hollywood.  So when it came time to build a new bar for AREA 51, well, "Who ya' gonna' call?"  And Tom can also put the hammer down in a race car as we found out when he took Dalcorp Racing's SS 64 Chevelle down the track at Irwindale during a test session last year in May.  So when it was time for Tom to celebrate his 60th birthday there was only one place we were going to allow that to happen.  And happen it did. Many of his family, including his 3 married daughters and we don't even know how many grandchildren, relatives and friends gathered at AREA 51 and got they're party on. Young and old rocked it well into the night to celebrate this special man's 60 years. There was also some roasting and toasting of Tom that brought a lot of laughs but also many tears to all those in the room. From the '57 Chevy cake baked by one of his daughters to watching Tom and all the grand kids blowing out the candles...it was a very special night for a very special man who truly knows what  being blessed is all about. Happy Birthday, Tom.  This was one party that will be hard to top! 

Yes...I thinks it's time to party.

Josh Jacobs and AJ Nocita ready to put "The Nitro Bar"
into full swing...with a little help from Johanna.

....fashionably late as always, Lynn Christy.

"Rat Fink" kept an eye on the kids....

The boys rockin' the video games in the theater room.

Tom and Wanda with long time friend John Harrison.

They started roasting Tom early in the evening!

...decisions, decisions, decisions.

Taking a break on the comfy couches!

"Nice bar, honey!"

You write the caption...

some of the kids...

This was one "Heavy Chevy" weighing in at about 25 lbs!

Grandpa had plenty of help blowing out the candles!

A little dancing and Hula Hoops...

Three very lucky sons-in-law!

...and of course, "The Dance."