Updated June 26, 2025, at 10:02 a.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – Alabama Credit Union (ACU) started Secret Meals for Hungry Children in 2008 and for the past several years, Pentastar South Car Club, along with Cullman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, Pepsi and Alabama Credit Union have partnered together with local sponsors to raise money for the organization. This year they were able to raise $4,500.
What began as a Mopar Show at the old dealership on U.S Highway 31 for years has moved to Depot Park and has shown growth now at Sportsman Lake Park as well. The show brings in cars from several states – vehicles from Ohio, Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi and as far away as Maine. Regulars from Louisiana come and cook each year to bring a little Cajun flavor to the show.
Brenda Allison puts on an annual car show, “Mopars by the Lake” to raise money for the organization, and the group gathered at Cullman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on Tuesday, June 24, to present the check.
“I would like to personally thank Kevin Allison, from Cullman Dodge; Laurie Legg, from Alabama Credit Union; and Kyle Shabel, Pepsi Cola. If you are not aware of what Secret Meals is, it is a program that packs food secretly in backpacks on Friday for children to have food to eat on the weekend,” Allison said. “This show could not happen if it were not for all of our volunteers and friends that show up the day of the show to make sure that I have all the help that I need. Linda Turner and myself both know firsthand from working in the school system how helpful program like this are for the schools and children going home to empty cabinets.”
As a retired teacher, this cause has always been important to Allison, and she’s excited for the opportunity to support local students.
“I’ve done this car show for charity for about 15 or 20 years now. We hooked up with Secret Meals 8-10 years ago and one reason we started working with them is because I’m a retired special ed teacher and I would have kids run by my classroom every afternoon because they didn’t have anything to eat at home,” Allison said. “So, that makes this dear to my heart and all the money we raise from the car show stays right here in Cullman County. That’s what makes this so close to my heart. What the cause represents and what it does for our community.”
To find out more, email SecretMeals@AlabamaCU.com or visit. www.SecretMeals.org.
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