The first Cruzin for a Cure car, truck, hot rod, and bike show benefit on Saturday, June 22 had a steady crowd throughout the day at the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds.

Cruzin for a Cure is a non-profit organization that is raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. Founder, event organizer, team captain, and 13-year cancer survivor Sandra Whiteman created the idea of the car show because her family really enjoys cars and they have a couple hot rods of their own.

“We had a very, very, good turn-out,” said Whiteman. “People were super supportive.”

Local vendors such as the Yogurt Station, Oakdale Cold Stone Creamery, and Cap’n Coops Kettlecorn set up booths and offered several tasty treats. The event was free to spectators and there was a small donation requested for participants in the car show.

The grounds were filled with cars in various makes, models and years. They had hot rods, lowered trucks, lifted trucks, imports, American muscle, and bikes. Jacob Smallwood brought out the Patriot monster truck to support the fight against cancer.

Paula Yepet and Lisa Logoteta both registered their trucks in the show for the same reason as Smallwood, to support the cause.

The event also had the kids covered with a Cars themed bounce house for their entertainment. Carman King, volunteer from Modesto’s relay team ‘Lighting the Way to a Cure’ had an area set up just for the youngsters with camp activities and art.

King stated that she would like to see art at car shows and has created a K-12 poster contest for kids and puts all the art on display at various locations.

She also had a booth set up with beads and angel charms, earrings, bookmarks, bracelets, and pendants.

Jeff Elder and Coyote Crossing entertained the participants and spectators throughout the day.

Chad VanDyken and his family had a barbecue going, offering tri-tip sandwiches, hamburgers, and hot dogs.

The event also had some photo opportunities available for car show participants to pose with the Cruzin for a Cure Pin-Up girls, Heather Wimmer and Melissa Ann Artel-Carrillo.

Garton Tractor, Oakdale Les Schwab, and Tassinari Allstate Insurance Company all sponsored this event. The Oakdale Saddle Club donated the grounds so they had plenty of room for the vehicles.

“The support has been overwhelming,” said Whiteman.

Car registrations continued through the day until 3 p.m. and they awarded 10 plaques in different car show categories. Whiteman and her husband also custom-made six trophies out of car parts and called them Survivor’s Choice Awards. Cancer survivors walked around the car show and selected a car that received the custom made trophy.

Ron Rydman won Spectators Choice for his 1956 Chevy truck and a Survivors Choice trophy.

“Creating unique trophies from motor parts was my way of paying tribute to all the hard work these men and women put into their cars, trucks, rods, and bikes,” said Whiteman.

Spectators also voted on vehicles and filled out a form with the vehicle’s number they selected.

“The community came out and really supported us,” added Whiteman. “We couldn’t have asked for a better event.”