In the heart of the Lowcountry, where winding roads lead to beautiful beaches and charming Southern towns, a rumble of engines signals more than just a love for classic chrome and horsepower. For more than 30 years, the Carolina Dreamers Car Club has not only celebrated the artistry of automobiles – but also fueled a deep commitment to giving back.
Founded in 1993 and based in Bluffton, Carolina Dreamers is a nonprofit organization made up of car enthusiasts who share a passion for automobiles of all shapes, ages, and sizes. But, as current club president Steve McCaskey points out, the club’s purpose extends far beyond the vehicles themselves.
Stephen Neczypor and his 1970 Dodge Challenger
“Our mission is not just to get car enthusiasts together and enjoy the camaraderie,” said McCaskey, who has been with the club since 2022. “It’s to raise funds for four different charities each year. That’s the whole heart of it.”
McCaskey recently stepped into the role of president after serving two years as vice president. He said at the end of each year, four selected nonprofits are awarded funding during a celebratory January meeting.
Mark & Lennel Piekarski with their 1969 Volkswagen camper van
“My favorite month is December, when our treasurer says we have met our fundraising goal,” McCaskey said. “Then in January, presenting those checks – it’s the most exciting thing we do.”
Tony Fiteni sits in his 1968 Corvette Roadster
The club’s charitable beneficiaries rotate each year and span a wide range of causes. For 2025, recipients include Friends of Caroline Hospice, Lowcountry Food Bank, Deep Well Project, and the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA). In previous years, the club has supported veterans’ groups, pet rescue organizations, and women’s shelters.
Tony Munshi poses next to his Superformance MKIII 1965 Cobra replica
Club member Tony Fiteni, who has been with the Dreamers since 2011, is part of the committee that helps select each year’s recipients.
“It’s a great social outlet for my wife and me. We’ve made so many good friends through the club,” Fiteni said. “But most importantly, it’s a way to give back. We take the time to research and find charities that really need support, and it feels good knowing we’re making a difference locally.”
Steve McCaskey with his red 1977 Jeep CJ-7
From driveways to drive-Ins
While charitable giving is the heartbeat of the Carolina Dreamers, their community presence is visible throughout the Lowcountry. The club currently boasts around 120 member households, and nearly as many cars. From 1930s classics to 2025 Corvettes, the collection is as diverse as its members.
Ken Geraghty and his 1948 Mercury Eight
“You don’t even need to own a car to join,” McCaskey said. “You just need to be a car enthusiast. We’re completely inclusive. It’s not about what you drive, it’s about your love for all things automotive.”
Each month, the club hosts several events known as Cruise-Ins. Held at local venues (as listed on the club’s website), these gatherings draw anywhere from 25 to 40 classic cars. Patrons get to stroll through a temporary museum of polished chrome and engines, while the club raises funds for its annual charity drive.
Carl Thompson with his red 2017 Dodge Viper TA 2.0
Members also attend local car shows sponsored by others, such as the monthly Cars and Coffee held at USCB in Bluffton, Auto Island Caffeine and Fuel, and additional special events.
They also hold a monthly Clean Sweep Road Cleanup on Hwy. 46 in Bluffton, led by longtime member Bill Kelly.
Larry Myers and his 1996 Collector’s Edition Corvette
“Bill has been a cornerstone of the club for 25 years, consistently demonstrating a passion for community, camaraderie, and responsibility,” McCaskey said. “He has faithfully led our monthly road clean-up program, coordinating volunteers, managing logistics, and ensuring that our group continues to give back to the local area in a meaningful and visible way. His leadership in this initiative has not only kept our roads cleaner but has also served as a powerful example of what it means to be a responsible and engaged Carolina Dreamer club member.”
Scott Foley and his 1969 Pontiac GTO
Each fall, the Carolina Dreamers host their marquee fundraiser, the annual Dreamers Car Show. Scheduled this year for November 8 at Reichenbach Chevrolet, it’s a full-day celebration of cars, music, food, and philanthropy.
Nick and Cat Monroe with their red 1963 Chevy Corvair Convertible
“It’s really a great event,” McCaskey said. “We’ll have a DJ, maybe 125 cars in the lot, and judges selecting the top 20 vehicles for special plaques. It’s our biggest fundraising day of the year.”
Macon and Donna Jones pose with their 2005 Cadillac ZLR
Attendees from across the region are invited to showcase their vehicles for a small fee, with proceeds benefiting the club’s chosen charities. In addition to car registration, the event features silent auctions and vendor booths, making it a community celebration that appeals to car lovers and casual visitors alike. Vice president and organizer Steve Braun is on the lookout year-round for sponsors, providers of silent auction items, and vendors that contribute to make the Annual Dreamers Car Show a great success.
Mike Reilly with his yellow Chevy Chevelle
All about the people
Despite their deep love of all things automotive, the Carolina Dreamers Car Club is ultimately about people – members, families, neighbors, and strangers brought together through shared interests and a desire to give back.
Will Stephens and his ’20 Jeep Gladiator in black
“Maintaining and growing momentum requires us to continually engage new members who share our enthusiasm for classic cars, community involvement, and fellowship,” said Will Stephens, club secretary responsible for membership. “New members bring fresh energy, new ideas, and help ensure the continuation of our traditions for years to come.”
Stephens said current members are encouraged to be ambassadors of the Carolina Dreamers. “Invite a friend to a meeting, bring someone to an event, or simply share what being part of this club has meant to you,” he said. “Our ability to thrive depends not only on the cars we celebrate, but on the people who carry our mission forward.”
Steve Braun and his 1971 Olsdmobile Cutlass Supreme convertible
Fiteni agreed. “The club has grown so much since I first joined, and through the leadership of the present and past presidents, so has the amount of money we’re able to donate,” he said. “It’s proof that when people come together around something they love, they can accomplish something truly meaningful.”
Dave Przekora and his 1949 Ford
In the Carolina Dreamers Car Club, every polished fender, every purring engine, and every dollar raised tells a story – not just of vintage vehicles, but of compassion, purpose, and community spirit cruising at full throttle.
Interested in joining or learning more? Visit CarolinaDreamers.info or attend a cruise-in. Just bring your love of cars and your big heart.
Baylor Ocain and his 2006 Corvette
