On any given weekend it wouldn’t be unusual to see a plethora of horses galloping about the Farmington Polo Club.  But on August 26 – 28, you’ll find a different type of horsepower at play; the grounds will be overrun with Porsches, motorcycles, and luxury cars of all brands as the venue plays host to 2022’s “Dream Ride Experience”.

Every year, hundreds of attendees from around the world, come together to enjoy a weekend devoted to raising money for those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities  The weekend centers around The Dream Cruise: classic and exotic car owners are paired up with Special Olympics athletes (aka “Dream Riders”) for a drive through the Farmington Valley.  The weekend also features a motorcycle rally, car show, live music, a Police K-9 Challenge, a Chili Cookout, raffles, a family fun zone and much more.

Each year, the number of attendees steadily grows, but without fail, Porsche participants have outnumbered any other car brand at the event. Through the promotional efforts of longtime CVR members, Joe Morrow, Mike Appel, and Paul Roth, Porsche has become the marque brand at the weekend’s car show. Due to the immense amount of Porsche presence, a separate judging category was created specifically for Porsche.  This year, five CVR members have been selected to judge the Porsche category during the “Dream Show: Car Edition”.

Joe Morrow, Michael Keller, Paul Roth, Mike Appel, and Rob Keller, will comprise the 2022 Porsche Judging Panel and have much to say about both the charity and their involvement.

Question: How did you get involved with The Dream Ride Experience and how do you feel about being a judge this year?

Paul Roth:  “In the past there had only been a handful of Porsches at Dream Ride.   When Joe and I began prompting the event,  we received a lot of interest from CVR members. The first year, 2018, we had about 65 Porsches attend. The second year was about 125 cars and the last one, in 2020, we had about 220 Porsches. So… participate we did and we thank the CVRers who attended!  Porsche far exceeds any brand at the event.

This year we will have a number of categories to judge, so it’s a fun way to get involved in a great charitable event. Dream Ride is probably one of the largest car events in the state. Hopefully we will have over 250 Porsches participate.  Can’t wait to be there!”

Mike Appel: “My 1st show was in 2018. Words can’t really describe the experience. The incredible array of car eye candy, as well as the various charities involved are just that, incredible!  But the real impact comes from seeing all the smiles on the Special Olympics athletes and individuals from around the world, not to mention the support from all the volunteers. A huge “thank you” to The Hometown Foundation, Michael Bozzuto, Dean Cusano and all the Volunteers.

You can’t help but leave with a really happy heart. Hope to see you there.”

Joe Morrow: “I started attending the event in 2006 on my Harley.  I then organized the Porsche display in 2018.  In 2019, I got Mike Appel and Paul Roth involved in helping me with organizing the Porsches. Thanks to their help, I was chosen “Enthusiast Award Winner” in 2019. The most special part of the weekend is the Saturday night Dream Cruise where 300+ luxury vehicles line up to take 300 Special Olympic athletes on 12-mile tour.  The looks on their faces…I can’t begin to describe how happy they were.”

Mike Keller: “I attended my first Dream Ride/Dream Show around 2015 and was immediately struck by the scale of the event and variety of cars. I also appreciated their focus on giving back to local non-profits, in addition to Special Olympics. When Dream Ride leadership approached CVR about becoming more active at the event, it presented a terrific opportunity to increase our participation and integration with the event.

I’m looking forward to my first year judging the Porsche classes. My primary goals are to engage owners and observe the unique features of their Porsches. A great story about your Porsche may earn you extra points!”

Rob Keller: “I’ve been attending the Dream Ride event for many years, and I like their focus on Special Olympics and local charities.  It has been great to see an increasing Porsche presence for the past few years.  It’s an honor to be considered as a judge for this event and I believe it will be a lot of fun.

I thoroughly enjoy looking at and talking to people about their Porsches and cars in general. My experience as co-chair of the CVR Concours will serve me well due to my understanding and interest in the various Porsche models.

Since establishing the charity in 2001, Michael Bozzuto, founder of The Dream Ride Experience, has raised over $15 million dollars to benefit Special Olympic athletes, emergency & military personnel, and animal welfare.

To find out more about the event and participate or attend, please click here.

Feel free to e-mail CVR Member, Joe Morrow, with additional questions: jmharleyd@gmail.com