The Miami Lakes Car for a Cure charity fundraiser is returning to downtown on April 3.
More than 250 meticulously cared-for rides dating from pre-1949 to today’s sexy super cars are expected to be on display along Main Street and New Barn Road that Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
“Based on the calls and discussions among the car clubs that bring everybody out, we’re going to have a packed event,” said organizer Roberto Alonso of the 6th annual show that will fund pediatric cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, at the University of Miami.
The car rally is held in memory of Alonso’s father, the town’s first vice mayor. The elder Roberto Alonso died at age 64 in 2013 from neuroendocrine carcinoma. He was given just three months to live.
Treatment at the university gave Alonso another 16 months of life, allowing him to travel with his wife and enjoy his grandchildren, according to his family.
The community center at Royal Oaks Park is named for him.
Alonso loved cars and his cherry red, 1964 Chevelle Super Sport will be on display on April 3.
More than 17 food and drink vendors, including those selling local craft beers, are listed on the website and will be in a tent at the beer garden, which will include a pig roast.
Miami-Dade Police and Hialeah Police will display classic patrol cars and an antique fire truck.
First, 2nd and 3rd prize personalized plaques will be given to car owners in nine categories, along with the Roberto Alonso Best in Show award.
Country singer Ricky Valido will perform in the beer garden. Mantrap and DJ Jorge Santana will play at the main stage, near the intersection of Main Street and New Barn Road.
Sebastian the Ibis, the University of Miami sports mascot, will pose for photos from noon – 3 p.m.
Dr. Julio Barredo will speak from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. about the latest pediatric cancer research and how donations from the day will be used.
The federal government designated Sylvester a National Cancer Institute cancer center, which gives patients in South Florida access to more clinical trials.
“I wish I could raise a million dollars,” Alonso said. “We hope to raise $60,000 - $80,000. … You have to keep the fight going. And never give up.”
Tickets are available on Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/37iEliQ and cost $20 presale, $30 day of show.
All profits from sales and display spots will go toward cancer research, Alonso said.
Sponsors include The Graham Companies; Hialeah Park Racing & Casino; Petland; TD Bank; Rob & Sara Images; Nayib Hassan, P.A.; DevotedHealth Plans; Hialeah Hospital; Gloria M. Garcia, P.A.; Always at Your Side Adult Day Care Inc. and JM & Associates Realty Group, Inc. Also Alaska Ice; Miami Lakes Bar Association and Miami Lakes Athletic Club.
For more information go to: https://mlcarsforacure.com.