The inaugural Miami Lakes Cars for a Cure was such a success that the organizers are already planning for next year’s event.
The Roberto Alonso family, The Graham Companies and Dolphins Cycling Challenge are looking forward to the 2016 classic car event to raise money for cancer research for the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in memory of former Miami Lakes vice mayor Roberto Alonso Sr.
More than 1,000 people turned out for the April 19 event on Main Street, where 170 classic cars, including a 1941 Chrysler, 2015 Corvette Mustang and Alonso’s 1964 Chevy Coupe Super Sports car, were on display.
“The classic car show was a huge success and we want to thank the residents of Miami Lakes for participating,” said Roberto Alonso Jr. “The event is for a great cause, raising money for cancer research to find a cure and honor cancer patients, who are battling the deadly disease and cancer survivors. We appreciate that everyone came out and showed their support and enjoyed the classic cars on display.”
Though the total amount raised was not known by press time, Alonso said the Miami Lakes Cars for a Cure event was a success.
He said $5,000 was raised through several raffles by the Miami Lakes Merchants, and Italy Today donated five percent of the restaurant’s sales for that day.
"We are waiting for the final numbers," Alonso said.
He said he wants next year’s event to be open to more fundraisers such as big corporations.
“All proceeds will go to the Comprehensive Cancer Center,” he said.
Alonso also would like to see Miami Lakes’ businesses sell their foods under tents at next year’s event, similar to the Taste of Miami Lakes.
Roberto Alonso Senior, who died from cancer in 2013, created the town’s annual Classic Car Show.
Following his death, his friends reached out to his son to keep his memory alive by resuming the event in his name, but he decided to turn it into a fund-raiser for cancer research.
He teamed up with The Graham Companies and Dolphins Cycling Challenge for the event in memory of his father, who was a fixture in the Miami Lakes community for years.
He was an original council member for Miami Lakes and the town’s first vice mayor.
He was second in command for four consecutive terms.
Alonso was the face of Royal Oaks, an upscale and bedroom community that is protected by guard gates and features some of the most beautiful homes in South Florida.
After Miami Lakes incorporated in 2000, Alonso made Royal Oaks Park, 16500 N.W. 87th Avenue, his pet project, which was a tot-lot before he spearheaded an initiative to convert it to a full-fledged park and recreation area and a community center.
The community center was renamed in his honor following his death.