Cruisin’ for C.A.R.E. — car show for a cause

March 2, 2013

The third annual Cruisin' for C.A.R.E. will feature an eye-catching lineup of automobiles - cars and trucks - to help support local cancer patients.

Hosted by the Ponies in Paradise Mustang Club, the show takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at 21st Century Oncology, at 2270 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. Proceeds from the annual event benefit 21st Century C.A.R.E.

21st Century C.A.R.E. supports cancer patients, generally in the Fort Myers area, with patient assistance, educational programs and research funding.

"It's a good opportunity to give back to the foundation and raise some money," Phil Salata, with 21st Century Oncology, said Friday.

"All the money raised will go to help cancer patients," he said.

Michael Consoli, president of the Ponies in Paradise, explained that he and others took part in last year's fund-raiser under a different club. When the Ponies in Paradise formed, they decided to participate again in the cause.

Fact Box

If You Go

Who: Ponies in Paradise Mustang Club

What: Cruisin' for CARE car show

When: Sunday, March 3,

from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 21st Century Oncology, 2270 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

Why: To benefit 21st Century C.A.R.E., which supports cancer patients

"It's just a great show," he said. "Whatever we can do to help."

Visitors will find a mix of member vehicles at the show.

"You'll see anything from '66s, all the way up to 2013s," Consoli said.

He noted that the club works with other car groups, including muscle cars and Corvettes, and those organizations are planning to attend, as well.

"We should have a pretty good turnout out there," Consoli said.

Admission is free for visitors, and the cost is $15 to enter a vehicle.

"It is open to all vehicles," Salata said.

As of Friday, about 30 vehicles had pre-registered.

"Most of them just wait until the day of the show and then come," he said.

The first 100 vehicle to register will receive a free dash plaque.

About 60 vehicles have participated in each of the previous two shows.