The second annual Miami Lakes Cars for a Cure was a success, as the classic car show raised more than $10,000 for cancer research for the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center.
Roberto Alonso Jr. said more people attended the April 10 event on Main Street in comparison to the inaugural showcase in 2015.
The event also honored the memory of former Miami Lakes Vice Mayor Roberto Alonso, who had an affinity for classic cars.
“This year was a much larger crowd with more food and everyone enjoyed the classic cars on Main Street,” Alonso Jr. said. “The Sylvester Cancer Center was happy about the turnout, it was a nice family event.”
He said the event kept alive his dad’s spirit even quipping his father kept the weather “perfect” for the event.
“We had some bad weather before the event and everyone was concerned,” he said “I looked up and my dad was around because the weather was perfect. My dad used his name for important causes.”
He said his wife is a cancer survivor and thanked the Sylvester Cancer Center for treating her.
This year’s event saw more food vendors including Sports Grill and Giardino’s to serve up some of the great dishes for participants admiring the classic vehicles and a raffle.
Alonso thanked the event’s sponsors The Graham Companies, Dolphins Cycling Challenge, the National Honor Society and the Xerox Corporation.
He also thanked Bob Graham Education Center’s Junior Society for its fundraising efforts and the Hialeah Miami Lakes High School band, who played at the event.
Alonso said all the volunteers, his sister and his mom helped make the event what it is today.
“Without all the volunteers, the show wouldn’t be the success it is,” he said.
Alonso said he is already looking forward to next year’s Cars for a Cure event with bigger results.
“Next year a more community-based event creating awareness and bringing in more folks to help raise money and awareness for an important cause,” he said. “It’s real nice to continue to get more people involved with partnerships and fundraising where all of the proceeds go to the Sylvester Cancer Center.”