Cb'08: Cam Hanson Humanitarian Award [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: Cb'08: Cam Hanson Humanitarian Award


ACES1
Jun 11th, 08, 1:02 PM
I posted a few thoughts on CB'08 over in the TC Cruzin section, but thought this one needed to be here instead. I want everyone that can, to read this thread...

This is the third year that we've recognized an ACES Member for their caring, unselfish acts towards others. The award was conceived by long-time ACES and TC Member Nick Lewis shortly after we lost our son, Cameron. Inspired by Cam's love and compassion his fellow man, plus his willingness to go out of his way to help anyone in need, Nick quickly enlisted the help of my brother Al to ensure the award remained an annual occurrence to honor those who've been nominated by their fellow Chevelle enthusiasts.

Naturally, we've all been the beneficiaries of someone's willingness to help out at one time or another. And, among gearheads, the norm seems to be a lot higher than among other groups... or at least it appears so to me. Nominations for the award are submitted all year long, and the Award's recognition has captured the attention of folks that have been on the receiving end (oft times on multiple occasions) of a gratuitous helping hand.

The first award was presented to Mitch (Ol' Man) Sisco, a Member of the Mid-South Chevelle Club that has opened the doors to his shop, and the drawers of his tool box on multiple occasions to help correct mechanical problems of Chevell-abrators while they were in town. Just this past weekend I know of at least four who took advantage of his graciousness, and were able to successfully repair their Chevelles and enjoy the remainder of the event. This, despite the fact that Ol' Man is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. It limited the amount of time he was actually able to spend at the event, but for those of us who know him and love him, we know his spirit and enthusiasm were still very evident. Please keep him and his wife, Helen, in your thoughts and prayers.

The second recipient is a long-time TCer and incredible supporter of the hobby as well. Bill Burke (Bills Camino) is the kind of guy we all love to have in our corner and in our lives. Whether it's help hauling a car or chasing down a part, answering a tech question or helping fix a side-of-the-road breakdown, loaning a vehicle or arranging to fly people in for Chevell-abration, Bill is one of the most selfless people I know. Another truly deserving recipient of the Award...

And that brings us to this year's honoree.

Keeping with the theme of unselfish acts that help others, plus a true love and compassion for fellow human beings, this year's Cam Hanson Humanitarian Award was presented to Rob Mirabile (onabudget). Just as with the other honorees, Rob gives tirelessly and compassionately in his job as well as his hobby. Previously, he worked on the NYFD, taking part in the rescue efforts of 9-11. More recently, he's become a part of the NYPD, where he works daily as a K-9 officer serving the city and people of New York. He also works as a volunteer EMT, saving lives whenever the call comes in. But beyond that, he finds time to head up the Long Island Chevelles and help Members in any way that he can. He also works tirelessly to promote the hobby, and has become an annual fixture at Chevell-abration, where his blue '67 convertible is frequently pressed into service chasing parts, hauling people to and from the hotels, and rescuing others on the side of the road.

Truly, all the honorees of the Cam Hanson Humanitarian Award are worthy of any and all accolades heaped upon them. Too often in this busy world we forget to acknowledge the contributions by others towards making this world simply a better place to be in. Thanks to all who made the nominations, and a special thanks to all who were nominated for the award. Thanks for the love. Thanks for the compassion. And thanks for caring. I'm proud to know each of you. I'm proud to call each one a friend. And I'm proud that y'all are the way you are. You're leaving the world just a little bit better than it was before. And we're all better off because of folks like you, too! God bless!

ssal396
Jun 11th, 08, 1:06 PM
WAY TO GO ROB :hurray::hurray::beers:

dreis454
Jun 11th, 08, 1:09 PM
Congrats to ALL past winners,nominees & Rob for this years win!

Pete 67
Jun 11th, 08, 1:50 PM
Congrats Rob! :beers: You deserve it!

webfoot
Jun 11th, 08, 2:16 PM
Congratulations!

Daytona Jeff
Jun 11th, 08, 2:19 PM
Every CB has a feel good moment of the show for me and this year that was the highlight for me!!!

I can't think of a more deserving recipient :thumbsup:

69SUPERSPORT396
Jun 11th, 08, 2:22 PM
Congrats Rob. :thumbsup:

1badss396
Jun 11th, 08, 2:24 PM
Congratulations Rob!:thumbsup::thumbsup:

1972convss454
Jun 11th, 08, 2:33 PM
Every CB has a feel good moment of the show for me and this year that was the highlight for me!!!

I can't think of a more deserving recipient :thumbsup:

X2 You just had to be there! :hurray::hurray::hurray::hurray::hurray:

JHP69ss
Jun 11th, 08, 2:54 PM
Congrats Rob, well earned!

von
Jun 11th, 08, 3:58 PM
Congratulations Rob!!!:)

70ss396survivor
Jun 11th, 08, 4:02 PM
congrats Rob:thumbsup::hurray:

airrj
Jun 11th, 08, 4:24 PM
That's quite a list to be added to. Congratulations Rob!

djw
Jun 11th, 08, 4:24 PM
Well deserved recognition. Rob's a great guy. :yes:

TLee38
Jun 11th, 08, 4:27 PM
Congrats Rob and thanks for the parts you brought.

chevelledude71
Jun 11th, 08, 4:33 PM
Great Job guys...

Robinls5
Jun 11th, 08, 4:41 PM
Congrats to the past and the present who hold the Cam Hanson Award.
Hey --Rob. You now carry the torch, Hold it high, We all know it is in good hands. Bob

P.S.
Dont let Roscoe eat it !!!!!
:beers::beers::beers::beers::beers::beers:

MalibuMike70
Jun 11th, 08, 4:54 PM
I am a member of a few car clubs and it seems to me that ACES is much different car club from the many that I belong to. I think it starts at the top and works its way down. I think the president or head of the organization seems to set the standard or the mood or whatever you want to call it, of that club. I don't want to pick on other clubs or other cars for that matter because the previous chevelle club that I was a member of, that was constant fighting within members. I've seen guys cry over a $15.00 trophy or parking spaces. It’s not that way in ACES. Chuck, I think you should be proud of what you started and its up to the members to take your example and run with it.
I would like to thank you and the people you’ve mentioned for your example of what a car club should be.

hurstL78
Jun 11th, 08, 5:55 PM
congrats Rob! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Van

FIG
Jun 11th, 08, 6:17 PM
well deserved Rob!

furball8994
Jun 11th, 08, 6:20 PM
Looks like you've hit the tri-fecta Rob!!!
NYFD
NYPD
Cam Hanson Award

Congratulations. Well Deserved!!!!!!!! :hurray:

Randy Mosier
Jun 11th, 08, 6:29 PM
Congrats Rob! And Chuck, it's great to hear from you and I hope all is well.

PCB67SS
Jun 11th, 08, 6:32 PM
After a really tough day at work its great to read something so positive....Congratulation's Rob and to all the previous winners.

72convertibless454
Jun 11th, 08, 7:04 PM
Nice job Rob - Northern Ohio Chevelles is happy to have you as a supporter and we are proud of the work you do for everyone. This is well deserved recognition!!:beers: - Can Am Show 2006:thumbsup:
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d115/mmeldrum1/Niagara06090.jpg

Dave
Jun 11th, 08, 7:13 PM
Congrat's to You.:thumbsup:

LS_5
Jun 11th, 08, 7:18 PM
Congratulations, Rob!! You certainly deserve it!!:thumbsup:

Andy

DUKE 69
Jun 11th, 08, 8:16 PM
Congrats to you Rob...and to all of your family as well. We all know that w/o the backing and support from them, you couldn't do all that you do for this hobby. YOU DA MAN!

Bow_Tied
Jun 11th, 08, 9:28 PM
The winner buys beer at Niagara Falls Show! just kidding, congrats Rob :hurray:

Freddy Mercado
Jun 11th, 08, 9:34 PM
Rob, congrats to you on your award. Thanks for all that you do. It obviously has been noticed. Great job. Hope to meet you soon.

onabudget
Jun 13th, 08, 9:42 AM
Although the shock really has not worn off yet, I'll chime in:

First let me say something about my predecessors. Ole Man, getting up there in the years and battling health issues still to this day lends a healping hand. On my trip down this year, my A/C went out in my Suburban 2 hours from Nashville. Giving off a strong burning smell we were lucky to make it in. Knowing the 1000 mile trip home would be a slim chance I needed to get it fixed while at Chevell~abration '08.

Chuck called Ole Man to find me a mechanic, immediately, Ole Man spit out a name and number. After calling the shop, and getting directions...(Tennessee Style, you know, go up the road a bit and you'll see a house...thats not it, keep going and such) I found the shop. I walked in and asked for the guy Ole Man told me to. His reply, "you the Yankee?... pull it right in" That guy took care of me as if I was a life-long customer of his. That's some of Ole Man's magic.

Bill and Anne Burke are some very special people. We met several years ago and have become close friends. They enjoy spending time with my kids and seem to really get a kick out of how much they enjoy Chevell~abration and the regional events. Simply put, my children adore the Burkes and I consider them like family. My youngest son, Steven
has a vast collection of Hot Wheels cars. His most cherished is 'Bill's Car'. A large Hot Wheel of a '70 Chevelle, It's white with fat slicks. When he temporarily loses it somewhere in the house...it's a giant trajedey as he runs around in a panic yelling, "I Fine Bill's Cah".

This year, I received a call from Al, some months ago. He was looking for nominations for this years award and reaching out to the local club presidents. I immediately though of a well derserving person. During the awards ceremony as Nick began his presentation, it seemed as if he was going in the direction of my nomination... I thought to myself "good choice".

As the presentation went on and it got more specific, I started to realize he was talking about me. I started sweating, my stomach did a flip or two, my heart started racing, and the butt started to pucker. The presentation of this award has always been an emotional one, and the introduction of the past two winners brought a tear to my eye. This year I had to use every bit of strength I had to hold it together when they called my name... and when I went up and someone tried to give me that microphone, I said, "don't make me talk, I'll sound like a blubbering idiot".

It's still hard to believe that I was even considered for this award, let alone get it. The award itself, its meaning, and its past winners make this an incredible honor. Its very hard to describe the feeling you get to be recogonized in such a way. I still get teary eyed just thinking about it. Thank you all for the consideration and recognition, it is most definately the award that I will always hold in the highest regard and can't forsee anything ever surpassing it in my lifetime.

As a side note, I did bring 2 of my NY buddies with me this year. After receiving the award, their response, "Humanitarian Award????... I guess they don't know you to well". Which translates to 'congrats' in NY-ease.

dreis454
Jun 13th, 08, 10:25 AM
and the butt started to pucker.

GEEZ Rob, what was the 'prize'?;)

J/K Good Job

NiteOwlNY
Jun 15th, 08, 1:05 PM
Congrats Rob... I'll leave the NY-ease out of my post, but you'll sure get it when I see you, lol...

onabudget
Jun 20th, 08, 9:35 AM
I'll leave the NY-ease out of my post, but you'll sure get it when I see you, lol...

I'll bet, friggin NY'ers. You know how they are;)