Oxnard, Calif. – The Tri‑County Mustang Club revived its beloved Ponies By The Sea Car Show this October, parking a colorful array of classic Mustangs and sleek Shelbys on the grass beside the boats at Channel Islands Harbor. The event, organized to benefit Guide Dogs of America, offered car enthusiasts and passersby a chance to admire the vehicles, meet owners, and look under the hoods – all free of charge.
Fundraising for Guide Dogs of America
All registration fees collected from exhibitors were earmarked for Guide Dogs of America and its partner program, Tender Loving Canines. The nonprofit uses the proceeds to fund the training and placement of guide dogs, service dogs, and facility dogs for individuals and institutions in need. According to Diana Janke, Area Leader for Guide Dogs of America, the partnership with the Tri‑County Mustang Club has been “wonderful” and directly supports the organization’s mission to provide free puppies to qualified families, veterans with PTSD, and facilities such as courthouses and hospitals.
Volunteer Puppy‑Raising Opportunities
Guide Dogs of America is actively seeking volunteers from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties to raise puppies from eight weeks to 18 months old. Volunteers, known as puppy raisers, care for the young dogs in everyday home environments, helping them develop the socialization and obedience skills needed for later training. Once the puppies return to the organization, professional trainers work with them to become guide dogs for the visually impaired, PTSD assistance dogs for veterans, or therapy dogs for families with autistic children.
Car Show Highlights and Awards
The car show featured a blend of vintage Mustangs and high‑performance Shelbys, drawing a diverse crowd of classic‑car lovers and families. Judges presented awards for Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Engine, “Puppies Choice,” and “Most Likely to Get a Ticket,” adding a fun, community‑spirit element to the fundraiser.
How to Get Involved
Anyone interested in attending future shows, volunteering as a puppy raiser, or learning more about Guide Dogs of America can visit the organization’s website at guidedogsofamerica.org or the Tri‑County Mustang Club’s site at tricountymustangclub.com. Both groups welcome community members who share a love of classic automobiles and a commitment to helping those in need.
Community Impact
Events like Ponies By The Sea demonstrate how local hobbyist groups can partner with charitable organizations to make a tangible difference. By combining the excitement of a car show with a clear charitable purpose, the Tri‑County Mustang Club not only celebrates automotive heritage but also supports the vital work of providing guide and service dogs to individuals across the region.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
