Cars for a Cure plans April 7 charity rally

     The Alonso family, who organize the annual cancer charity auto show called Cars for a Cure in honor of their late patriarch Roberto Alonso, held a kick-off party at Chela’s Cocteleria with friends and supporters on Nov. 30. That’s also when they donated a $30,000 check raised from the 2023 event to Alex’s Place, a pediatric unit at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Roberto Alonso was the town’s first vice mayor who died from cancer in 2013. His love for sports cars inspired the family to raise funds for the hospital by holding a car rally.

     Last year more than 200 owners of antique, classic and muscle cars and trucks showed off their rides.

     This year’s show will be held April 7 in the streets of downtown Miami Lakes, with Main Street as the hub. Shown in the photo from left are Jesus Mendoza; Joshua Mendoza; Idania Alonso; Luciano Banderas; Christine Banderas; family friend Velkis Diez; Mauricio Banderas; Carolina Banderas; family friend Sergio Diez; Oliver Alonso; Kaylee Mendoza; Robert Alonso; Jessica Mendoza; Roberto Alonso; Alexandra Alonso and Tracee Smith, director of nursing, Pediatric Oncology at the cancer center. Photo courtesy of the Alonso family.