12th annual Crusin’ For A Cure – the world’s largest charity car show!

During the year I attend and participate in many charity events all over the country. Each event is unique, has its own point of view, personality and attracts eager individuals who are willing to help a charitable cause. While I enjoy all of them, there are always a handful of shows that seem to stand out from the rest.

One of my personal favorites is the annual Crusin’ For A Cure -The world’s largest one day charity car show, supporting CITY of HOPE’s Prostate Cancer Program.

This year the charity will be celebrating its 12^th year of success on Saturday, Sept 24, 2011 at the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa CA.

President Debbie Baker is responsible for founding this terrific charity event. She is a vibrant, strong woman who shows no indication of slowing down anytime soon.

I caught up with Debbie just 15 days away from the event.

The growth of this event of the past 12 years has been tremendous. Did you ever think it would grow as fast and as big as it has today?

It grew fast! We saw a significant growth within the first two years and it continues to grow rapidly!

Who has been your biggest (A) inspiration (B) support in the entire process?

Inspiration – every man that I save.  Support, our Vice President Ross Kroenert (he is my right arm) and the more than 150 volunteers.

In regards to individuals and/or companies- have you been surprised at how many want to volunteer, support and help you?

It is heartwarming and fuels my fire. I believe everyone wants to help because they all realize we are saving lives.

What is the best compliment you have received because of this work?

I receive calls, emails, letters and notes all year round from people all over the country saying thank you for saving my husband, father, brother, etc.

What would you like the world to know about your charity / show?

It is truly the largest single day event in the nation that we call the Save Your Life Car Show.

I believe it is important to make people aware of how the money and donations are handled, please explain.

Cruisin’ For A Cure is a registered non-profit California organization. All of the individuals that organize the show, handle show day logistics, and generally help make this event a success, are doing this voluntarily in addition to their “day jobs”.  Unlike many other automotive fundraising events, none of the money goes to a car club, promoter, or ”administrative overhead”…. There are none!

Thus, you can be assured that your donation goes directly to prostate cancer research. That is why we have all participants make their entry check out to the CITY OF HOPE.  We simply log in the vehicle information for the show and forward the check to the City of Hope

What’s new and exciting for 2011 event?

We have a new area (in the main section of the grounds) with Cars for Sale. We also added 3 bands to the back area – in over flow car lot.

Walk me through the process (what goes through your mind (A) upon waking the morning of the event (B) When you lay your head down to go to bed the night after the event.

I am so excited now, I am counting the days, not the hours yet, praying every night and morning to please make the weather DRY, DRY, DRY and about 75 degrees, and make this the biggest and best yet and let us save lives and test more men than ever.

What can our readers do to help you?

Support the event by being there and take advantage of the free screening, buy tickets for prizes, and have fun.

Is there a specific area where you still need a bit more help or assistance?

We can always use more donations.

How many men were tested in 2011?

A record 1,466.

How many that were tested in 2011 were notified to go see their doctor for additional tests?

Last year 143 men from the 1,466 tested.

Approximately how many lives have been saved because of this event over the past 11 years?

2000 to date – that we know of.

Anything else you’d like to add or share with us?

All those you attend, can feel good about knowing that they are making a difference. Together we are getting the word out that September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and we are all here for the same reason, to save our men from prostate cancer from a simple 5 minute fill out the papers and do the blood test, and then they can enjoy all the hot rods, and cars, music, vendors and their friends all day and for many, many years to come.   I am already working on next years’ event, Sept. 22nd same place, same time.

I strongly believe that you get out of a thing what you put into it. Hence the success that Debbie Baker, Ross Kroenert and her wonderful team has experienced throughout the years with THE LARGEST ONE DAY CHARITY CAR SHOW IN THE WORLD – Crusin’ For A Cure!

Please join me along with your other favorite TV personalities – Carson Lev, Fireball Tim, George Barris, Barry McGuire, Rich Evans and more.

To check out images from past years click here

Check out some video coverage click here