The 5^th Marines arrived at South Shores Church in Dana Point on Saturday armed with buckets and sponges and by the time they were done more than 600 cars had been washed to the tune of $12,000 in donations.

“We were very fortunate and received donations just shy of $12,000,” said Pete Hammer, the president of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. “Incredible, given today’s economic environment. The financial outpouring and support by our Dana Point and surrounding area residents for our Marines was something to behold.”

The parking lot at South Shores was a sight to see during the six hour fundraiser as 100 Marines worked steadily to scrub, rinse and dry hundreds of trucks, SUVs and cars. Car owners stood on the church steps munching on a barbeque lunch prepared by a group of volunteers led my John Hicks, owner of Harbor Grill Restaurant in the Dana Point Harbor. The man grilling the burgers was none other than Harbor Grill head chef Angel Fabian.

Proceeds of the event went to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, a registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation. The group’s mission is to support the 5^th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton through care packages sent overseas and special events for the soldiers and their families at the base, including Christmas celebrations, pamper parties and kids carnivals.

To view more photos from the event visit the Dana Point Times news blog.

For more information visit www.danapoint5thmarines.com