Cape Coral Charity Car Show this Saturday at Jaycee Park
This Saturday, car enthusiasts across Southwest Florida can motor over to Jaycee Park in Cape Coral for the fourth annual Cape Coral Charity Car Show, put on by the Cape Coral First United Methodist Church.
The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, benefits the Cape Coral Caring Center, a food pantry that delivers 145 tons of food to 5,000 families each year. Of the donations collected, 100 percent will go to the center with the mission of assisting individuals and families in critical need to cope with a negative economic situation on a short-term basis.
Over 300 show cars will be on display for the thousands of spectators that come out each year.
“Those show cars can be anything from classics, to antiques to the latest model Corvette — anything with four wheels is OK,” said Phil Deems, event organizer and emcee.
This year, large model airplanes will also be on display from the Cape Coral Air Seahawks, who always have impressive replicas in their club.
“Each year, we try to have something special that is just different from cars and something that will appeal to people besides cars, especially to children,” Deems said. “These model airplanes are hand-built. It’s unbelievable what they do. These planes look like you can get in them — they’re that big.”
Attendees are sure to find all kinds of makes, models and styles at the charity car show — and can enter their own vehicle as well.
All show cars, trucks and Jeeps are welcome. There is a $20 donation required to enter your vehicle, and more than 30 trophies will be awarded based on sponsors’ and co-sponsors’ choice.
The show is designed for family fun with a deejay playing ’50s and ’60s music, food, door prizes, goodie bags and a 50/50 drawing.
While the day is full of fun and getting to see some impressive rides, the goal is to raise money for a non-profit that makes an impact in Cape Coral.
“Everybody loves to see cars, and they love to see that you’re giving back to those who are really having tough times,” Deems said.
Last year, the charity car show raised $30,000 for the Cape Coral Caring Center, and they want to do more.
“This year, we expect to exceed it,” Deems said.
He quoted a scripture verse, Matthew 25:40, that he believes fits their goal.
“‘Anything that you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,'” Deems said. “The Cape Coral Caring Center and the church are helping to sponsor the brothers and sisters we’ll never meet, that don’t have any money for food. And it’s not because they’re not working, it’s because they have an illness in the family, they’ve got a disability, they’ve been laid off, there’s a check that didn’t come in on time — and Cape Coral Caring Center fills the bill.
“It always feels good because of the fact that you’re helping people who can’t help themselves. It’s good to feel like you’re giving back.”
Since their inception in 1990, the Cape Coral Caring Center has helped more than 70,000 residents in the community.
A $5 parking donation is required for spectators of the event.
A special tribute to the military will take place at noon.
For more information on the Cape Coral Caring Center, visit www.CapeCoralCaringCenter.org.
Jaycee Park is at is at the end of Beach Parkway, off of Del Prado Boulevard.
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