Hundreds of car enthusiasts gathered at Cascades Casino and Convention Centre on Dec. 4 to indulge in another passion 鈥� philanthropy.

Members of the B.C. Hotrod Association auctioned off dozens of tools, car parts, nostalgic pieces, historic signs and pictures at its annual Christmas auction, benefitting Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association.

Since the event started 10 years ago, the BCHRA has raised more than $100,000 for the Aldergrove-based equestrian association, which provides assistance for special needs children and adults through therapeutic horseback riding.

As one of the club鈥檚 largest events of the year, 鈥渇or us it鈥檚 a big deal,鈥� said BCHRA president Keith Biddlecombe.

鈥淥ur members take this very seriously.

鈥淲e feel really good about supporting them,鈥� he said.

鈥淓ven in tough times over the past few years we鈥檝e been able to raise a lot of money.鈥�

An open house and cheque presentation ceremony for BCHRA took place at Valley Therapeutic earlier this month (Dec. 16).

鈥淲e know they鈥檙e putting the money to good use and it鈥檚 making a difference with the kids,鈥� Biddlecombe said.