The Iola Car Show is auctioning a custom 1964 Ford Galaxie and more to provide veteran programming, hospitality and transportation at future shows.
Nida Tazeen
Stevens Point Journal
Aug. 13, <a href="https://comicvibe.com/ghost-driver-codes-for-august-2026/” title=”Ghost Driver codes for August 2026″>2026, 8:32 a.m. CT
IOLA − The Iola Car Show is launching the Cruise of Honor Benefit Auction, an online fundraiser that will support programs and services for military veterans connected to the event.
The auction opens Aug. 14 and will feature collectible vehicles, equipment and custom automotive projects, according to a community announcement. Rawhide Youth Services will serve as the online auction partner through its eBay fundraising platform, with proceeds supporting the Iola Car Show’s Cruise of Honor program.
Organizers said the program helps provide veteran programming, hospitality, transportation and recognition opportunities at future Iola Car Shows.
The featured item is a customized 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 built by Derek Bieri of Vice Grip Garage during a live project at the 2026 Iola Car Show. Thousands of attendees watched the vehicle’s restoration throughout the event, and the build is also being documented in four Vice Grip Garage episodes that will reach a worldwide audience, according to the announcement.
Veterans attending the show were invited to sign the Galaxie’s hood during the build, creating a permanent tribute to military service.
“The Cruise of Honor is one of the most meaningful things we do,” Executive Director Joe Opperman said. “This Galaxie represents everything the program stands for — bringing people together, honoring our veterans and creating memories that last well beyond the show itself. We’re incredibly grateful to Derek Bieri, Vice Grip Garage and every donor who helped make this auction possible.”
Auction includes vehicles, equipment and custom artwork
- A 1953 Plymouth four-door sedan converted into a patriotic metal-art sculpture by Kristina Harris of Stilettos & Steeltoes Welding and Fabrication with support from Lincoln Electric. The winning bidder will also receive a Lincoln Electric plasma cutter.
- A Special Edition Bad Boy Military Edition zero-turn mower donated by Rodney Feltz.
- A four-passenger Zone Electric golf cart donated by the Iola Car Show and upgraded with a new 48V 100Ah Pro Lithium battery.
Organizers said the partnership with Rawhide Youth Services is designed to broaden participation by making the auction available to bidders nationwide. While Rawhide is hosting the sales platform, proceeds from designated Cruise of Honor auction items will benefit the Iola Car Show’s veteran-focused program and will not benefit Rawhide Youth Services.
“The Cruise of Honor recognizes the men and women who have sacrificed for our country,” said Jon Browning, vehicle program senior manager for Rawhide. “Every bid placed in this auction helps us continue growing that experience while reminding our veterans that their service is remembered, valued, and deeply appreciated.”
How to view auction items
People interested in previewing the auction can visit us.list-manage.com.
Once bidding begins, auction items will be available through the Rawhide Sales eBay Store at us.list-manage.com.
This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen,NTazeen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more atcm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
