Local car enthusiasts should start revving up for the "Hot Rides for Homeless Kids" Autofest, sponsored
by the DCG Charitable Foundation on Oct. 24.
The DCG Charitable Foundation is a non-profit community foundation that focuses on lesser known Carolina-based charities who work to impact the lives of children, said Adrian Ordoqui, development director for DCG.
"Our mission is to support organizations whose programs care for disabled children, educate disadvantaged children, mentor at-risk children, and provide for homeless children," he said. "In order to raise support for our honored charities, DCGF organizes unique fundraising events every quarter."
This quarter, the foundation is focusing on children in Mecklenburg County who have lost their homes and need a helping hand.
"Over the past three years, the number of McKinney-Vento (homeless children) registered in the Char-Meck school system has rapidly increased," said Ordoqui. "This school year alone, there are just over 3,000 and school is hard enough for children to get through. Imagine having to deal with all of the academic and social pressures while shuttling from shelter to shelter, and living in violent-drug rampant environments."
Economic hardships can have consequences on a child's future for years, he said.
"This instability only increases the odds that these children will drop out, walk down the wrong path, and invariably start this vicious cycle over again for the next generation," he said.
"Charities like 'A Child's Place' and the Salvation Army's 'Center of Hope' provided needed relief by helping to add stability back into the lives of these children. Simple things like school supplies, drug free and violence free living arrangements, steady diet, and reliable transportation do wonders for these kids. However, these simple things take funding and awareness. The DCG Foundation strives to do its part to meet those needs."
This event will feature some of America's best cars and trucks, Ordoqui said.
"If you are proud of your most prized possession, then bring it out and see how it stacks up against other enthusiasts' cars and trucks," he said.
The event will also feature a charity raffle for a fully restored 1966 Ford Mustang valued at $30,000.
Raffle tickets can be purchased the day of, or can be purchased by logging on to www.dcgfoundation.org.
Ordoqui said first and foremost this event, held in the Dick's Sporting Goods parking lot, is for children in need.
"We all know what it is to want something as a child," he said. "These kids have needs that will dramatically impact the course of their lives, and for some even determine their survival. This event is not about the DCG Charitable Foundation. Rather, it's about the four charities that are working tirelessly to meet the needs of homeless children here in the Carolinas."
All proceeds will benefit A Child's Place, The Salvation Army Center of Hope, Samaritan's Feet, and the Presbyterian Hospital Community Care Cruiser.
"We hope to raise at least $50,000," Ordoqui said.
Want to go?
Spectators get in free and show vehicle pre-registration before Oct. 24 is $20 per car or truck. Registration on the day of the show is $25 and vehicle registration the day of the show runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Judging will begin at 2 p.m, and winners will be awarded at 5 p.m. Visit www.dcgfoundation.org for more information and to pre-register or call Adrian Ordoqui (704) 765-4673.
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