19 years and 18 shows. Yes, we all took a break "that one year". The Different Strokes Car Club isn't letting off the gas this weekend as the 20 year mark approaches for the Cars for Cancer Benefit Car Show and Cruise is ready to take over the entire end of The Lakes Mall once again to help out the Johnson Center for Cancer Care here in Muskegon.
Bill Hill and Wayne Ferrier joined Brian Harris at the Norton Shores Police Department to talk about this event which generally draws about 1000 vehicles from all over the state and region to not only show off what they have, but to enjoy the friendly competition among almost as many categories as there are letters in the alphabet. There will be the Sunday night kick off cruise! The gates open at 5 Sunday afternoon, the cruise itself kicks off at 6:30 and if you're just looking to hang out and have fun, the entertainment tent goes until 11p. Up and at 'em early Monday. Pancake breakfast by the Knights of Columbus #13035 begins serving at 7a and goes till 12. Generally, 1000 or more cars come to participate and it's a genuine feast for the eyes. There are participant voting categories and the awards are presented to all classes. You'll find a pin up contest, live auction with incredible items up for grabs, fun vendors, door prizes including a laptop from the Muskegon Channel's own Stormy Weathers at Custom Computer, and even a grocery give away.
Pancakes, raffles and pin up's aside...this is a moment where those who make Muskegon shine get to stand out. What was once an idea...has become an absolutely astonishing regional event that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Johnson Center for Cancer Care at Trinity Health. This is one of the grandest events we have all year long in the county and like so many others, it started with a small group of people who wanted to make a bit of a difference and to quote a famous quote - "If you build it, they will come." It's the genuine care and purposeful work done by a group of volunteers that have grown this event into a spectacular gathering that looks like a party, but at the end of the day....it's the care of others that it's all about. There is NOWHERE better at making a difference the way we do in Muskegon. NOWHERE.
Make sure you enjoy the day, find some of the organizers and thank them and of course, if you see a donation bucket here or there or find yourself ready to bid on one of the auction items, remember....it's a fundraiser and it's not the time to bargain shop :)
