Fifth annual AJ Dodge memorial car show is this Sunday
NASHUA — The 5th annual classic car show first organized in 2018 to pay tribute to car buff and automotive student AJ Dodge and raise money for a scholarship fund in his name is taking place this Sunday at Nashua Community College.
The show, which welcomes not only vintage and classic cars of all ages and types but trucks and motorcycles as well, will run from 1-5 p.m. on the NCC campus, 505 Amherst St.
There is no admission charge, but donations are welcome. All proceeds raised at the event will benefit the scholarship fund named “A Lift From AJ” in his memory.
Albert S. Dodge III, who went by AJ, was a proud “car guy” with the “contagious smile, laugh and (sense of) humor” who died by suicide at age 24.
“On Dec. 23, 2017, our friend, son, brother and uncle lost a long-standing battle with depression,” his family said in announcing the first classic car show in AJ’s memory would take place in August 2018.
“The loss was devastating for all who knew AJ, but his friends and family are coming together to make a difference,” they said.
They referred to the A Lift From AJ scholarship fund, which they geared toward helping future Nashua Community College automotive students who, as did Dodge, face financial challenges.
Dodge, who graduated from NCC in 2015, had since been working as a mechanic at VIN Auto in Milford. He was promoted to shop manager shortly before his death.
Organizers said they plan to give out three or four scholarships this year. Recipients will be announced at the car show.
Also on the schedule is a presentation by a suicide-awareness speaker, and there will be a live band, food trucks, and a mobile ax-throwing venue to allow visitors to test their skills.
For more information and how to donate, go to www.facebook.com/A-Lift-From-AJ-232638307511507 or go to Facebook and search “A Lift From AJ.”
Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.