 The Tidewater CAMARO Association (TCA) was conceived and developed by a very small group of men, standing in a parking lot, enjoying each others comapny and talking about their cars. In the fall of 1986, these men decided that when the new year began, they would start a club - - a simple way to bring them, and other CAMARO enthusiasts, together more often. And their small idea continues to grow, evolve and mature in every way.
The founders of the club wanted an informal and casual association, but also chose a minimal set of "Bylaws" to provide for continuity and sustained leadership. These bylaws were drafted and aprroved by democratic vote, and required periodic elections of club "Officers". Though modified somewhat over the years, they remain mostly as originally written and ensure popular leadership at every level. This was NOT to be a club dominated by any one individual!
The bylaws set in writing the desired "direction" and purpose of the club: TCA shall be a "non- profit association... dedicated to the safe operation, restoration, preservation and enjoyment of Chevrolet and GM powered vehicles through car-related activities, participation in civic events, and contributions to local charities". One of the first orders of business was the club's decision to host a car show (or TWO) each year, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity.
The first car show, in Spring of 1987, attracted less than TWO dozen Camaro's. and left the clear impression that a broader field of competition was needed if success was to be achieved in the future. Since those early misadventures and near failures, the club has hosted shows with over 225 classic automobiles and contributed tens of thousands of dollars to charity. The Spring 2000 show alone generated nearly $4000, and the total for 2000 was well over $5000! And the process is as much fun as it is beneficial!
One of our earliest and greatest bits of luck came in the form of gaining sponsorship by a local Chevrolet dealership. Sponsorship by Bill Lewis Chevrolet was absolutely essential to the club's initial survival; this cannot be overstated! And over the years, this business relationship grew into a wonderful and mutually friendship. Every TCA event was held at the dealership through the Spring show of 1999. The Lewis family provided start-up financing and generously contributed to every show throughout the years. For our part, we maintained a FIRST-CLASS club that everybody at Bill Lewis Chevrolet could point to with PRIDE. We produced very professional car shows, bringing hundreds of people onto the car lot every year, and representing our sponsor inthe best light at every turn. We enjoyed nothing more than waving the Bill Lewis flag and bragging about our sponsor's dealership as the BEST in Virginia -- "AND WHY DON'T Y'ALL GO BUY A CAR OUT THERE SOON'! It couldn't have been a better relationship and one that we hope would last forever.
Few things last "forever" though, and it all ended when the Lewis family sold the dealership in the Fall of 1998. Sad as we were, we parted just as we had begun: with a firm handshake, great visions of future glory for the "Lewis Racing Family" and TCA, and best wishes for continued success all around -- and a lot of anxiety!
As the new dealership team roared in on a cloud of dust, changes and "home improvements" moving at the speed of sound, TCA adapted to the new owner's of FREEDOM Chevrolet/Nissan. Over the next 18 months TCA would produce THREE more car shows, though only two were held at the dealership. As one of the members put it: It's tough to keep the same feelings about the club and it's relationship with our primary sponsor, when everything around us is changing! Clearly the club had to change as well. And so, after much debate and a formal vote, the club decided to move to HAMPTON CHEVROLET. Seems our old friends, the Lewis family, and our good friend and General Manager, Gene Hassle, wanted us to join them again in Hampton. Sometimes a good thing can go on forever ... and "why don't y'all stop by the best Chevrolet dealership in Virginia: HAMPTON CHEVROLET!"
As the years continue to fly by, the club grows in size ... and then retreats to a smaller group of diehard loyalists ... and then grows again! The inevitable ebb and flow of people creates great history in TCA and great challenges. Throughout, the club's main theme remains constant: have fun, drive safely, and help the community as best we can. Even as I write this history, the fate of the CAMARO itself is in question. No matter to those who really enjoy the club. Weather or not we have "new production" car owners to join our club in the future, or just new owners of vintage CAMAROs, one thing is certain: this club will troop on and continue the fine tradition started out in the parking lot in 1987. Join us, won't you? ALL ARE WELCOME!
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