Cruising for a Cause

Community Car

Show benefits Youth Advocate Services

By Olivia Ohlin

REV UP yOUR ENGINE for a day of cool cars, music, games, food and –more importantly – improving the lives of children throughout central Ohio.

For the second year, Youth Advocate Services is partnering with the city of Grandview Heights to host a day of fundraising fun from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 23.

The All Class Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show, presented by Rife’s Auto Body, will showcase approximately 100-150 vehicles of all classes, makes, models and years. Last year, the oldest car at the show was from 1936, but show-goers also oohed and ahh-ed over new shiny hot rods. This year, attendees can also check out vintage motorcycles.

The event proceeds benefit YAS, a Grandview Heights-based, state-certified social service agency that provides foster care, mental health, home and school-based treatment, and adoption services. YAS hopes attendees of the auto show become aware of its programs and services, which encourage people to foster or adopt a child and reduce the stigma associated with mental health or behavioral troubles.

The organization’s primary goal is to better the community. “We work to make the community stronger,” says Tracey Izzard, YAS executive director. “We bring families together to become healthy and enjoy one another. It’s our mission to promote positive futures, which involves the whole family and family functions in the community.”

In its inaugural year last year, the car show raised almost $10,000 for YAS.

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The show is not just for automobile lovers. Other activities include bounce houses for kids, corn toss, a raffle and a silent auction featuring artwork from local artists.

Registration for the auto show is from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., followed by the car show until 5 p.m. when trophies for various prizes will be awarded. State Rep. Ted Celeste (D-Grandview Heights) is this year’s featured judge. Beginning at 5 p.m., participating cars will parade through the streets of Grandview Heights.

The show will be followed by Grandview Mayor Ray DeGraw’s annual community party, which will be permanently moved from its former summer date. The party features live music in Wyman Woods by the Little Professors, root beer floats and a city touch-a-truck featuring Grandview’s vintage fire trucks.

“Young people are our future, so it is always important to support efforts that support them,” says Sean Robey, Grandview Heights parks and recreation director.

Olivia Ohlin is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at laurand@city scenemediagroup.com.