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The Mid-Kansas
Vintage Thunderbird Club, Inc. The Mid-Kansas Vintage Thunderbird Club (Mid-Kansas) was formed at Wichita in 1992. A group of Thunderbird owners petitioned Heartland Vintage Thunderbird Club of America for a charter and that affiliation continued until January 2005, when we became a Kansas Corporation and affiliated with the Vintage Thunderbird Club International (VTCI). The VTCI was originally dedicated to the Ford Thunderbirds from 1958 through 1971, but now recognizes all Thunderbirds. Currently our club is comprised of 35 family units with 46 Thunderbirds. Take a look at some of our cars. In 2004 our members entered seven cars in the VTCI international show in Hannibal, Missouri and brought home seven trophies. In 2005 our members entered seven cars in the VTCI regional show at Indianapolis, a four-day weekend which included a trip around the Indianapolis Speedway in our cars, with professional photographs. Again, all our cars brought home trophies. In 2005 we particpated in the VTCI regional at Kansas City and again all our cars brought home trophies! We were chosen by the VTCI to host the 2008 regional convention here in Wichita and are actively planning that event right now. Although our club maintained a steady membership through the '90s, it took a more benevolent direction in 2000 when our club and the Wichita Classic Thunderbird Club (CTCI) joined forces to put on a Thunderbird show for the benefit of Make-A-Wish of Kansas, Inc. Together our Mid-Kansas Vintage and Wichita Classic clubs held the initial show in March 2001 at the Kansas Coliseum during a professional soccer game. We exhibited at least one of each body style of classic and vintage Thunderbird from 1955 through 1967. Encouraged by the success of this show, our two clubs named our event the Dream Car Show and made it a joint annual project. The 2002 and 2003 Dream Car Shows were held at Sam's Club; in 2004 and 2005 the show was held in Wichita's historic Delano District and beginning in 2006, the New Market Square. Our efforts have improved each year, and through 2007 we have provided over $63,000 to Make-A-Wish of Kansas. Our show has become the second-largest single-event contributor to the Kansas district of Make-A-Wish. Improving our fundraisers and really making a difference for the kids served by Make-A-Wish has become one of our club's principal goals. The Mid-Kansas chapter enjoys a membership from a variety of professions. Although most of our members joined the club with the only common interest being the Ford Thunderbird, many lasting friendships have developed through our activities. We enjoy the social activity and camaraderie generated by monthly meetings. In the summer, some meetings come in the form of picnics, cookouts and cruises. Activities in the other months may include visits to museums, theatrical productions and other area events. We actively participate in other shows and fundraisers and have on some occasions won awards for best club participation. We believe that working in cooperation with the Classic Thunderbird Club on special occasions has strengthened both clubs. Regardless of whether our activities take the form of social functions or worthwhile fundraising causes, at the center of all is the enjoyment, care and preservation of these rolling pieces of vintage metal sculpture called the Ford Thunderbird. Joining us and enjoying the ambience created by classic Thunderbirds costs only $20 per year, and that cost is pro-rated for new members. We would love to have you and your Thunderbird join us! —
J. Rodney Wake, President |
