Cruzin’ for Life Set For This Weekend

Classic cars will rumble down Broadway in Santa Maria this weekend as part of the 11 th annual Cruzin’ For Life. The popular 2-day fundraiser benefits cancer patients on the Central Coast.

“It’s a fun event involving cars the whole community embraces and provides services so our local cancer survivors have a means to pay for all the financial burden that’s on them,” said Bobby Labistida, a board member for Cruzin’ for Life.

According to Labistida, the event has raised nearly $1 million through its first ten years. Money generated through its dinner and auction goes to the Marian Cancer Care, the Tri-Counties Make A Wish Foundation and the American Cancer Society. The majority of money raised will be directed towards Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria, which opened in 2012.

“We thought it would be best rather than donating to a national fund, let’s just keep it local because we care about our neighbors, said Labastida. “We care about our neighbors when they’re not feeling well because they have cancer.”

Karin Hendricks, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2010 says the Central Coast is fortunate to have the comprehensive cancer center located here locally. Previously, cancer patients who needed many of the services the center provides had to drive out of the area, sometimes hundreds of miles.

“To not have to add that on top of everything else that is so difficult about going through the experience of having cancer. It’s just such a huge gift. It’s a huge gift to our community,” said Hendricks.

Hendricks, a resident artist and teacher with PCPA, is an inspiration for patients like her that are being treated through Marian Cancer Care.

“I am coming up on four years in remission,” said Hendricks. “I’m doing great, I feel great, thanks to the people of Mission Hope.”

Cruzin’ for Life kicks off on Friday, September 19 with a car show “meet and greet” starting at 5:00 p.m. There will also be a Santa Maria style barbeque and live music. On Saturday, a car show will be begin at 9:00 a.m. Live music starts at 9:30 a.m. The car shows and entertainment are free to attend. A cruise down Broadway featuring cancer patients starts at 2:00 p.m. Finally, a dinner and auction on Saturday night is sold out. Cruzin’ for Life will be held at the Santa Maria Fairpark.