Miami Lakes is the place to be on Sunday, April 2, when the third annual Miami Lakes Cars for a Cure takes over Main Street featuring live entertainment, food and some of the best classic vehicles on display, to honor cancer patients including the man who brought the event to town.
The cancer awareness event, which is scheduled for 10 a.m., is sponsored by AutoNation and will feature the Mantrap band, celebrity chef Andy Bates from the Avenue serving up some of his most famous dishes, Cuban Guys Restaurants, Giardino's Gourmet Salads and more.
The Graham Companies is also sponsoring the event.
For the first time, the event will have a full bar provided by Mac Pub’s Classic Truck Bar serving craft beers and classic car cocktails, a Touch Zone sponsored by TD Bank and RVs from the Miami-Dade Police Department and Miami-Dade Fire Department.
In addition, the event features a raffle with local businesses and food vendors.
Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Esteban Bovo is providing the stage for the entertainment, as part of his vision to also raise cancer awareness.
Roberto Alonso Jr., the event organizer, said the goal is to have a day long family-fun event.
“Kids and the adults can go inside the classic cars and look at the big trucks,” he said. “All the food and live entertainment people will really enjoy but also raise awareness of cancer.”
He said the event is an emotional tribute to his father, Roberto Alonso Sr., Miami Lakes’ first vice mayor.
The elder Alonso created the first classic car show and his son kept his creation alive following his death from cancer in 2013, but added raising money for the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Alonso Jr., said the Cancer Center helped his father live longer following his diagnosis when other cancer treatment centers determined he had only a few months to live.
“The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center gave him more time to live to spend time with his family,” he said.
The Cars for a Cure event wouldn’t be the same without Roberto Alonso Sr.’s 1964 Classic Coup, which will be on display along with 170 classic cars on Main Street.
“The car is a living legacy my father left behind to raise cancer awareness,” Alonso Jr., said.
Last year’s event raised over $15,000. This year, Alonso is hoping to double the amount, and all of the proceeds will go to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The Miami Foundation is doing the fundraising this year.
He said the event not only honors his father’s memory but pays tribute to other people who have succumbed to cancer, battling the deadly disease and cancer survivors.
“This event brings the community together for a special cause,” he said. “It makes my father proud.”
Anyone wishing to donate funds can do so at http://give.miamifoundation.org/MiamiLakesCarsForACureFund, or call 786-509-3915.