Car show cruises in for another fundraiser

The 23rd Annual Cruise for the Cause, hosted by radio personality Xavier “The X-Man” and the Emilio Nares Foundation, returns Sunday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Otay Ranch Town Center.

The free community event will feature a car show, live performances, artisan vendors, food options and family-friendly activities. The lineup includes performances by DJ Monterrosa, DJ Raymond T, Magnetize The Band, Cypher State, Mariachi Fuente Originado en San Diego, Dezzy Hollow, Davianna and DJ Hurricane Andrew.

“There’s not a ton of family events sometimes in the South Bay so we love the opportunity that this is a free event to the public,” said Elsa Morales-Roth, executive director of the Emilio Nares Foundation. “It’s a family event that’s coming together in community to support children.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a blood donation drive by the San Diego Blood Bank, with donors receiving a Fantastic Four T-shirt, as well as a National Marrow Donor Program registration drive. Guests can also write notes of encouragement to children and families served by ENF.

Cruise for the Cause directly benefits the Emilio Nares Foundation, which provides free, life-saving services for children with cancer and their families. These services include transportation to treatment, support programs, a family resource center inside Rady Children’s Hospital and other forms of assistance.

“Every single dollar from Cruise for the Cause goes directly for our programs so we can expand our services and serve more children and families,” Morales-Roth said.
Morales-Roth said that while the foundation serves all families, the money raised from this event will help expand services and provide more diverse resources to support families from all backgrounds. She emphasized the challenges parents face when their child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, from managing other children and jobs to dealing with isolation and fear.

“Community involvement is so important because we want to make sure that nobody feels alone in the journey,” she said. “We want to make sure that the community comes together and says, ‘we’re here to support you in this really tough road.’”

Registered car show participants will receive a limited-edition Cruise for the Cause T-shirt, available at the Emilio Nares Foundation booth starting at 10 a.m., while supplies last.

Find more information at www.magic925.com/event/xavier-the-x-mans-23rd-annual-cruise-for-the-cause.