Post by Snitsky on Jul 16, 2009 12:38:09 GMT -5
WEST NEWBURY — Actor and professional wrestler John Cena won’t be the only local with muscle soon. He is joining his brother, West Newbury police Sgt. Dan Cena, to organize a muscle car show to benefit a fallen firefighter.
The first annual Lt. Kenny Fowler Memorial Car Show will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15, from noon to 5 p.m. with all proceeds benefiting a scholarship foundation in Fowler’s name at Pentucket Regional High School.
“Kenny was a friend growing up,” Dan Cena said. “Anyone who got into muscle cars in West Newbury got into it because of Kenny.”
In December 2007, Fowler, a Prospect Street resident, died suddenly of an apparent heart attack. A Pentucket High School graduate, Fowler, 37, is survived by his wife, Keri Fowler, who also serves with the town Fire Department; his parents, Don and Elaine Fowler, who own the West Newbury Food Mart; and his sister, Mary Ann Fowler.
“If your car broke down, Kenny would drop everything and fix it no matter what he was doing,” Cena said. “He would take the shirt off his back for you, and you knew without fail he would get your car to drive home.”
Cena said he and his brother got to know Fowler at the West Newbury Food Mart. When Cena was hired by the West Newbury Police Department a year ago, he made it his mission to start a yearly tribute to his friend.
“There was seven years between us, but in a town this small, it’s hard not to know each other,” Cena said. “He always had flashy muscle cars, and he got me into it. If you bought a cheap one, he would help you build it up.”
Due to Fowler’s love of muscle cars, it was only fitting to have a car show in his honor, Cena said.
“I’ve been saying I’m going to organize the car show since he died,” Cena said. “This year it came together.”
When John Cena heard what his brother hoped to do, he bought a car from Lawrence Commonwealth Motors and donated the 2010 Chevy Camaro with the 2SS package to the show.
Starting tomorrow, 450 $100 raffle tickets will be on sale at the West Newbury Police Station for a chance to win the car.
“John grew up with him, too,” Cena said. “It’s ironic because the last car Kenny was working on before he passed away was an orange Camaro. When John called the dealership, they said all they had was an orange Camaro.”
The car show will be open to anyone with hot rods, muscle cars and customs free of charge. John Cena will be available for autographs from 3 to 5 p.m.
The Cenas hope to raise enough money through the car raffle tickets to deliver a big check to the school in Fowler’s name.
“My hope is that someone local who can’t afford a muscle car wins it,” Cena said. “It would be fitting.”
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First annual Lt. Kenny Fowler Memorial Car Show
When: Aug. 15 from noon to 5 p.m. Rain date is Aug. 16. John Cena will be signing autographs from 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: Pentucket Regional High School, 22 Main St., West Newbury
Cost: Show car entry is free; $5 donation at the door to get in
Chevy Camaro raffle tickets will be on sale tomorrow at West Newbury Police Station for $100
Food and music will be provided.
For more information, e-mail carshow@westnewburysafety.org
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