Autism society benefits from car cruise at Norwin Elks

Sisters Mary Mahler and Ann Brunner used their flashy cars Sunday to help give back to a cause important to them — support for people who are on the autism spectrum.

Mahler drove into the Norwin Elks “Cruisin’ for a Cause: Children with Autism” in her 2016 Chevrolet Camaro. She parked next to Brunner’s 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS.

“We enjoy coming to this,” said Brunner of North Huntingdon. “It’s about the kids, it’s for autism. We just support it 100%.”

Mahler of Irwin propped up the hood of her car and set up photos of people in her life who have autism — two nephews and two girls she babysits. Both women said they’ve been supporting autism research for years.

“The kids need help,” Mahler said.

The Autism Society of Westmoreland County benefited from the fundraiser organized for the third year by Eric Otto, loyal knight with the Norwin Elks. Otto’s great nephew is on the autism spectrum, which prompted him to connect with the society for the event.

“We have 11 families in the area that have children with autism,” he said.

Otto is planning a carnival-type atmosphere for the 2026 cruise, which will be the fifth year. A couple hundred cars rolled in last year, and the Elks usually donates a few thousand dollars worth of proceeds. President Melissa Fligger said the community support helps the organization run camps and hold activities.

“We try to make all of our events either free or low cost and open to the whole family,” she said.

The society works with about 300 members to connect them to resources and other families.

Classic and newer model cars gleamed in the bright sunlight while parked in rows in a field next to the Norwin Elks building. Spectators peeked into the open windows while classic music played.

A fire engine used decades ago by Westmoreland City Fire Department remains in great shape with a little over 10,000 miles, said Dan McCracken of Manor. A retired firefighter, McCracken said the department had to get permission from the federal government to buy it in the 1940s during World War II. The engine was built in December 1941.

“It was sitting in storage for like 15 years, and I didn’t want to see it going anywhere, so I bought it,” he said.

Now, he and wife, Pam, take it to car shows and parades.

“The fire department can’t justify putting money into it,” she said. “It’s a part of history, and we want to keep it.”

Glenn Brutout of Penn Township cruised into the field in his own piece of history — a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, the same car he drove as a 16-year-old boy. He did all of the restoration after buying the car as a present for his 50th birthday. Now, 24 years later, it’s a fun hobby.

“The grandkids, they love to come out with Pap,” he said.