Ellery and Zoe

A Very Special Trophy for 10th Annual Virginia Fall Classic Winners

The trophies in the participant-judged competition at this year's Virginia Fall Classic will have a special meaning. The trophies will be high quality, framed copies of original art created by Ellery Niederer, a patient at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters.

In February 2011, Ellery was diagnosed with an extremely rare and difficult-to-treat form of leukemia and began a treatment regimen that would last for years.

The life of the former swimmer at Elizabeth City's Pasquotank High School team unraveled. Ellery's form of leukemia, Philadelphia Positive, is a vanishingly rare, high-risk variety that requires especially aggressive treatment.

But soon after she was diagnosed Ellery learned that Zoe Dietemeyer, a 2-year-old from Elizabeth City, had also been admitted for treatment of leukemia. Ellery and Zoe, now 14- and 3-years-old, live about a mile apart in their close-knit hometown and soon developed a powerful bond borne of shared misfortune. They have roomed together during treatments and visit each other at home, where they share a tradition of eating pink donuts.

9th Annual Virginia Fall Classic Nets Over $35,000 for Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters

The presentation was made to Ms. Lisa N. Davenport, Director, Corporate Relations & Special Events, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (on right), by (left to right) Mrs. Lindsay Carroll, Park Events Coordinator of the Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism Dept., Chief James Fox of the Newport News Police, Mr. Harold D. Hartel, President, Virginia Peninsula Car Club Council, and Mr. Bryan Stilley, Chairman, Virginia Fall Classic.

Proceeds from the 9th Annual Virginia Fall Classic Charity Events held in the City of Newport News during the weekend of October 21-23, 2011, were donated to the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters. The nine year total from these events is over $293,000!

A fantastic weekend with gorgeous weather helped bring out a large group of enthusiasts and spectators. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The Car and Bike Show and many other events held this past year were a resounding financial success, and the proceeds were donated to CHKD to assist with their Peninsula projects.

We thank all the sponsors, vendors, the dedicated, hard-working volunteers, all event participants, and the citizens of our community who support our annual Virginia Fall Classic Charity Events and the many other events though out the year for CHKD. With the help and support of these fine people we are proud to be able to make this donation.

In addition, we would like to express our thanks to the administrators, doctors, nurses, staff, and volunteers at CHKD for the wonderful work they do for the children and families in a time of medical crises. We wish each of you a Happy Holiday Season. Thank you.

Please set aside October 19 to 21, 2012 for our 10th Annual Virginia Fall Classic!

Harold "Hal" Hartel
President, Virginia Peninsula Car Club Council