Charity Car Show & Model Airplane Display set for Feb. 25

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers com

Car-lovers and enthusiasts across Southwest Florida can gather later this month for a charity show filled with classics, moderns and more

The seventh annual Cape Coral Charity Car Show & Model Airplane Display takes place Feb 25 at Mariner High School and is sponsored by Cape Coral First United Methodist Church. The event, expected to be packed with 300 different makes, models and styles, will run from 9 a m to 3 p m , with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Cape Coral Caring Center

Last year, the show raised more than $48,000 for the local food pantry and has raised close to $300,000 since its inception

Event organizer Phil Deems said they expect this year’s exposition to be the largest car show ever held in the Cape, expecting nearly 3,000 attendees

“The great thing about this show is it's a family show,” Deems said “It’s not just about cars We have a salute to first responders and military and veterans. We also have a very nice Seahawk model airplane display, and a stock car coming in to fire up its engine every once in a while It’s a little something for everyone ”

Deems said their fundraising goal is $75,000, with the need this year being greater due to Hurricane Ian

“It only takes a few generous people to make a difference,” he said

The show includes a Tribute to the Military at noon including color guard, pledge and live music; a DJ playing ’50s and ’60s music, food; 50/50 drawings; and great door prizes There will be many additional vendors, plus information booths for the charity and church spon-

If You Go:

What: Cape Coral Charity Car Show & Model Airplane Display

When: Saturday, Feb 25, from 9 a m to 3 p m

Where: Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd North, Cape Coral More information: Visit capecoralcharitycarshow com for more information sor Judging will be done by co-sponsors with over 30 trophies being presented

For safety reasons, vehicle participants are asked to stay until 3 p m

Deems also noted the Cape Coral Caring Center, which serves more than 12,000 people in need in the community and provides more than 143 tons of food to the less fortunate, can turn a $1 donation into $8 worth of food, making donations even more impactful.

“We’re helping the community,” Deems said “A lot of people no longer have a table to sit down at because of the hurricane The shelves at the Caring Center need to be stocked to help people, including those that have lost jobs or have other things going on in their life ”

Just a few months back, the Cape Coral Caring Center helped 600 families receive Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners; 300 children receive toys from Santa; and 300 children were given school supplies in a backpack They provide special food for older folks with special dietary restrictions linked to disability and illness The Cape Coral Caring Center also helps people build resumes for job searches and provides free bus passes so they can get to interviews The center’s Executive Director, Julie Ferguson, said donations have been more critical following Ian

“The Cape Coral Caring Center is so grateful to be the beneficiary of the charity car show, now more than ever,” Ferguson said “We are seeing people daily that have many needs due to the hurricane With the proceeds, we will continue to be able to make sure our community has food and other necessities We have seen many new people that have lost so much due to Ian and we give them a kind, listening ear, load them up with food, and give them lots of resources to help get their lives on track ”

Deems shared his thanks to Mariner High School and its JROTC program, that will present colors

There is a $20 day-of-show entry fee and $5 parking for spectators

The event is rain or shine, and pets are not permitted. Sponsorship opportunities are still available Those interested can contact Deems at 239-945-4545 for details

Mariner High School is at 701 Chiquita Blvd North Visit capecoralcharitycarshow com for more information

Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad cj