Youth Advocate Services is speeding toward its annual fundraiser.
A new presenting sponsor has signed on, a new competition class has been added, and more prizes will be awarded to an anticipated record number of entrants at the Fourth Annual All Class Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at Grandview Yard.
This year’s presenting sponsor is Rife’s Autobody, says Jon McKnight, the company’s director of business development.
“Rife’s Autobody got involved with the car show to help raise money and increase awareness for Youth Advocate Services,” McKnight says. “That will always be the primary purpose of the show, but it has really become a community event as well.”
The car show is fun for the whole family, with a variety of activities, YAS Executive Director Tracey Izzard-Everett says.
“There is truly something for everyone,” she says.
Music by Digital Soundwaves is the soundtrack for the event. Food vendors serve favorites, including free ice cream at 2 p.m. Other activities include facepainting, raffles, a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing for coveted prizes such as Disney World tickets. In addition, children will have a chance sit in a fire truck and view the inside of an ambulance as firefighters give interactive tours.
The event has showcased a variety of top-notch cars for the past three years, Izzard-Everett says. In 2013, the show featured more than 135 cars, trucks and motorcycles in more than 20 classes and awarded more than 55 prizes. This year, organizers anticipate 200 vehicles will take part in the show, with more awards than ever.
A new class – “One-off” – has been added for unusual automobiles that don’t quite fit any category. The show will also feature cars from 1930 and earlier, which have the option of covered parking to ward off extreme weather.
Each category will now have a winner, runner-up and honorable mention, totaling more than 70 available awards. There will be judged awards and “choice” awards, encouraging everyone to get involved.
“With the venue at the Grandview Yard and all of the expansion occurring there, we have room to grow to even 300 or more cars,” Izzard-Everett says.
With about 550 people in attendance in 2013, YAS was able to raise more than $12,000. This year, the goal is $15,000.
“The show receives great support from area businesses and residents and continues to grow each year as more and more people, cars and vendors come out for it,” McKnight says.
Youth Advocate Services has brought foster families together for more than 36 years, making it the oldest therapeutic foster care program in Ohio. Families can come enjoy the auto show to help support the cause.
“Across all generations, it is an event to bring everyone together and make memories. We also hope to raise awareness about Youth Advocate Services and what we do, reduce the stigma about mental health and foster care, and maybe even recruit foster and adoptive parents,” says Izzard-Everett.
To register or for more information, visit www.yasohio.org. Public admission is free.
Corinne Murphy is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
