'Dream Machines' Event Founder Funds Senior Center For Half Moon Bay
HALF MOON BAY (KPIX 5) It's one of the biggest events of the year in Half Moon Bay:
"First year, we had 200 cars and had a good time," Bob Senz remembered. "I invited some steam tractor and locomotive people that I know and it just grew from there."
Now the "Dream Machines" brings in an average of 20,000 people and attracts some of the coolest cars, planes, trains, and pretty much anything with wheels every spring at the Half Moon Bay Airport.
"Some of them are really wicked, exotic, expensive, and others are just low riders," Senz added.
All the money raised goes to the Coastside Adult Day Care Center. Executive Director Janie James says proceeds not only paid for their brand new facility, it funds at least 10% of their annual budget.
"That is what keeps us in business every year," James said.
And it's all possible because of Senz.
"He really was the founder, he along with a handful of people, wanted to have a place where seniors could age in place," James explained.
Senz is not a millionaire or a high-powered political figure. He's a retired hardware store owner who has lived in Half Moon Bay for 50 years, and has always cared for others. His commitment to the community started at his hardware store, but he has since sold it. In his retirement, he's committed his time to numerous organizations, including starting the local Boys and Girls Club.
"I'm known as the village idiot I guess. There are a number of groups I help with, high school programs, lighting the high school field, swimming pool for the high school… just good things, really good things," Senz said. "If they need something done, we get it done."
"I call him one of the icons of Half Moon Bay," James added.
Senz is not one to seek attention or accolades, but walking around the gorgeous adult care facility that he helped build, the love and appreciation is hard to ignore. When KPIX 5 visited, the clients broke out into a chorus of "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow!"
"Why are we all volunteering?" Senz asked. "Why do we give our material and time and effort? Because it feels good."
So for being the driving force in giving back to the community of Half Moon Bay, this week's Jefferson Award in the Bay Area goes to Bob Senz.
