GARDINER -- Walter and Rochelle Dupont have been selling 50-50 raffle tickets all summer.

On Thursday, they will hand over $500 checks to two charities: The Kennebec Valley Humane Society and Shriners, an international fraternity that supports 22 children's hospitals.

The Duponts belong to a group of classic-car lovers who meet at Ainslie's Market off U.S. Route 201 in Gardiner every Thursday between May and September. Walter Dupont said up to 200 classic-car owners have participated every Thursday for the past 11 years.

Rochelle Dupont said the group wants to plan a charitable event and raffle each year. In June, the group held "Cruizing for Animals," in which car owners donated money, dog and cat food, toys or bedding.

Walter Dupont said the announcement of the checks will be made at 6 p.m. Thursday, the last gathering of antique-car enthusiasts for the season.

"We've never done this in public or broadcast where our donations have gone," Rochelle Dupont said. "But I think it's time our supporters know where the money's going."

"People were always coming up to me and asking what the charities are that we give it to, but I never knew," Walter Dupont said Monday. "So we thought we would officially announce it."

Representatives from both charities he said will be at Ainslie's Market Thursday night to accept the checks.

Amanda Thompson will pick up the check for the humane society.

"We're grateful to Rochelle and Walter for doing this," Thompson said Monday. "I know this isn't the first time they've donated to us."

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, Ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com