Some folks inject a lot of time, effort and money into their motor vehicles. Given how much they've put into them, you can't really blame them for wanting to show off their investments.

Those will be the people displaying their prized vehicular possessions when United Zion Retirement Community (UZRC) hosts its annual Rock'n Car and Motorcycle Cruise on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 3 to 7 p.m. on its campus at 722 Furnace Hills Pike, Lititz. All proceeds from the event will go toward UZRC's benevolent fund.

"It's almost like showing off your newborn baby," said Esther Keyser, the director of development at UZRC. "Like, 'Look what I've got.' They are beautiful cars."

"The show also comes from a love of cars by our residents," continued Keyser. "When you get to this stage of life, you don't have cars on campus anymore. Car cruises are very popular things. It's a big pull on people's hearts because they like coming to see the cars. We're hoping for great attendance at a great event for a great purpose."

The event will feature celebrity judges, and prizes will be awarded to the top entries in various categories - classic, modern, muscle car, favorite paint, favorite cycle, truck, oldest vehicle, most unique and family heirloom, as well as the grand showcase winner. The Rock'n Car and Motorcycle Cruise will also include food, along with live music from country and gospel singer John Schmid.

During the cruise, sponsored residents will be rockin' in rocking chairs to raise additional money for the benevolent care fund.

"It's going to be lots of fun," promised Keyser. "There's going to be excitement. Car enthusiasts love to come and see the car show. The residents love to participate in these events. Our campus is beautiful, and it's a festive atmosphere. It's important to have these kinds of events connecting with the community."

Some 80 vehicles - from hot rods to street cars, from hatchbacks to sedans, from cement trucks to motorcycles - are expected to be represented at the cruise. UZRC first began staging its car and motorcycle cruises in 2008, and since then, the show has doubled in entries.

"Some are local automobile buffs, and they actually look for car shows in the area," said Keyser. "They may have a garage. They take great pride in either restoring vehicles or making that automobile extra special. They take great care of the cars, so they're proud to show them off."

UZRC is hoping to raise $10,000 to help residents who have maxed out their financial resources. In 2022, $2 million of benevolent care was given to residents.

"We don't want to turn someone out when their funds run out," said Keyser. "This is what this is for. We just want to provide superior quality service. We encourage the independence of our residents. We encourage the dignity of our residents. We love our residents."

For more information about the Rock'n Car and Motorcycle Cruise or to register, email Keyser at ekeyser@uzrc.org or call 717-626-2071.