DUKE’S CAR SHOW AT SPLASH! RAISED $134K FOR LA MIRADA RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM

By Tammye McDuff

Dukes Car Club has 39 chapters and is one of the most active vintage car clubs across the United States.

Last year Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society approached the Club to help spread awareness for the La Mirada Relay for Life event. With only a few weeks to pull an exhibit together, Dukes was able to raise over $5,000 for the car show, and $134,000 for the City of La Mirada Cancer Team.

This year, the Club had a year to prepare for the 2nd Annual Dukes Car Exhibit, which was held Saturday May 14th. Lovingly restored vehicles from the 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s rolled into the parking lot of Splash! in La Mirada at 7am, lining the pathway for the Cancer Survivors Procession at 8am.

Over 15 car clubs, gathered more than 300 vintage vehicles to bring awareness to the Relay for Life, La Mirada Team. Dozens of vendors exhibited car related clothing and wares, and the food court had amble choices for all attendees as well as the Audrey Ashley Dragster presentation.

Entertainment ran all day long, thanks to the donated time from Willie Mendoza and the Nitelife band , Benny & Joe Rodriquez and the Heartbreakers, Ron Crowder, and DJ Paul Gaxiola. “The courage it took for one of the bass players to go the entire event was an inspiration,” said Dukes Vice President Johnny Rodriquez, “” he is a Cancer survivor – and his willingness to perform was truly encouraging.” Rodriquez also noted that the Master of Ceremonies for the day Eddie ‘Loco’ Solis had lost his Mother to cancer just days prior to the event, “But he was there and in rare form,” said Rodriquez. Solis had also gathered the Honor Guard from the American Legion Post 75 City of Industry and the marching band from El Rancho High School to perform.

There were two teams represented on Saturday, Team Dukes of Earl and Team La Mirada. Because the 2016 event was such a success, the Club was approached by the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, La Mirada City Council and Chamber of Commerce to once again host the event for 2016.  Team Dukes raised $7,000 while Team La Mirada will exceed their goal of $150,000, putting them at the platinum sponsor level.

‘Ya’ know – the word Cancer is an ugly word,” adds Rodriquez, “Our goal as a Club is to fight it individually and as a Club. We are ready, willing and able to fully support this event again in 2017.” He adds that many surrounding cities have contacted Dukes to form an alliance of car clubs as a fundraiser for Relay for Life. The campaign to exceed last year’s goal ends August 2016. “It is rewarding to be of assistance and champion groups like this,” says Rodriquez.

For more information Johnny Rodriquez at jrodri57@yahoo.com or Al Perez at cedarez@aol.com