A 1968 red Cadillac DeVille convertible drew lots of attention on Main Street during the 10th Annual Cars for a Cure auto show.
“I’ve exhibited for the past five years,” Jerry Nunez said about his ride that boasts 24-inch stainless steel rims. “I’m here to support the cause and the community.”
He and his son Jaycen Nunez, 9, joined about 100 exhibitors of antique and classic cars and trucks parked downtown on March 29.
Many owners were busy using microfiber cloths to wipe the unrelenting rain drops from their cherished machines.
For the past decade, The Graham Companies has turned Main Street over to the Alonso family each spring for the event that raises money for research at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
That’s where the family’s patriarch, former Miami Lakes Vice Mayor Roberto Alonso, was treated for the disease. The family credits the hospital for extending his life and after his passing, were inspired to raise money for research into the disease.
Last year they donated auto show proceeds of $70,000.
Nilo Ventura, Jr. won the Best in Show award for his 1961 red Corvette with white coves (indented side panels), a white rag top and dice dangling from the dash.
“I’d buy that one,” a woman said as she passed by.
In a beer garden that featured 40 craft brewers, two pigs were roasted on spits. Across New Barn Road, UM Health anchored a community health village.
Country music artist Ricky Valido and Top 40 cover band Mantrap performed.
The Miami Lakes Middle School band performed the national anthem. Also, Palm Springs North K-8 Dazzlers danced; Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School’s band performed, as did the Miami Lakes K-8 Center cheer team and Hialeah Senior High School’s cheer squad and drumline, show organizers said.
It was a good day for people watching and many folks strolled through the show while smoking cigars.
“We were very appreciative of the cars that showed up,” Jessica Mendoza said about her family’s annual project. “The vendors and sponsors donate their goods, and we have volunteers who help us every year.”
Sponsors included The Graham Companies; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center/University of Miami Health System; UCare Community Fundraising; Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sen. René García; Presidente Supermarket; Sedano’s; Delta Dental; Palmetto Transport; Miami Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela; Cigna Healthcare; Headquarter Toyota; Growing Days Learning Center; Kids Choice Learning Center; Vicky Bakery/The Cao Family; Global Insurance Group; Vida Custom Designs; Great Waste; Competitive Edge Media; and Avorza Vodka. Also, FPL; ALC Home Health Care; NCGA [New Century Government Affairs]; American Vision Group; Fla. Rep. Alex Rizo, R-Hialeah; Alain Designz; La Bodeguita Restaurant; ReddyIce; Ashes to Ashes Cigar Lounge; Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee.
Other sponsors were Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez; Elevate Church; Det. Julio Alvarez; School of Rock; Olazabal & Associates Accounting & Tax Services; Designer’s Plumbing & Hardware; Miami Lakes Bar Association; Latin Builders Association; NASCAR Championship Weekend Miami; Sir Speedy; Bacardi; Nomad + Co. and Magic 13 Brewing Co.
Also Chef Ramoncito; Old Deck Beer Co.; SWARM; Corelli Lager; Beat Culture; MIA Beer Company; Big Wave Golden Ale; South Beach Brewing Company; Polar Beverages; Tarpon Brewing; BeatBox Blueberry Lemonade and Johnny Cuba; Kona Big Wave; La Rubia Blonde Ale and Tripping Animals Brewing.
In the photo: The Alonso family gathered at the 10th Miami Lakes Cars for a Cure show to benefit research at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Back row, from left: Mauricio Banderas; Christine Banderas; Jessica Mendoza; Jesus Mendoza; UM Mascot Sebastian and Joshua Mendoza. Middle row: Kaylee Mendoza; Luciano Banderas; Idania Alonso; Alexandra Alonso and Roberto Alonso. Front row: Carolina Banderas; Oliver Alonso and Roberto J. Alonso. At rear is a portrait of Roberto Alonso Sr., whose fight against the disease inspired the family to launch its annual fundraiser. Photo: Jessica Mendoza.