The Route 66 Classic Car Cruise has chosen CHADS Coalition to be the recipient of proceeds from this year’s event.
The Second Annual Route 66 Classic Car Cruise will take place rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, in Crestwood and Sunset Hills. It will culminate at Crestwood Court, at the corner of Watson and Sappington roads.
“The panel reviewed some excellent applications from charities that do a lot of good in our community,” cruise chair Steve Boggeman of Erasertop Design stated in a news release. “There were many deserving nonprofits and CHADS Coalition definitely rose above the rest.”
In October 2003, Chad McCord, a high school senior with a bright future, was diagnosed with depression and an anxiety disorder. Like so many parents before them, Marian and Larry McCord fought alongside Chad trying to help him conquer his disease, but found a health care system unequipped and often unwilling or unable to help, the release stated.
On April 15, 2004, Chad lost his battle with depression and committed suicide. The McCords vowed to be Chad’s voice. They created CHADS Coalition for Mental Health, an organization focused on saving the lives of our youth by ending the stigma surrounding mental illness through awareness, education and research.
“CHADS is so excited to have been selected as the recipient of this year’s Route 66 Classic Car Cruise,” stated Marian McCord, executive director of CHADS Coalition. “We love being a part of the Crestwood and Sunset Hills community. This event will be a great vehicle to help CHADS drive kids that struggle with depression to a destination of hope and healing.”
“Whether it is a trip down Route 66 or a journey to healing and hope after the onset of a depression, this is truly a journey that can be enhanced and supported by all of us in the community,” McCord added.
This year’s Route 66 Classic Car Cruise will begin with the classic car registration and check-in at Crestwood Court and will cruise Route 66 between the mall and Sunset Hills. Judging will take place between 1 and 2 p.m. and provide ample opportunity for visitors to see vintage automobiles in one location on the south lot of the mall.
Games for the entire family, such as a poker run, a scavenger hunt and punch card games, will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m.
Guests can watch a procession of vehicles along Watson Road from 4 to 6 p.m.
Finally, Sh-Boom, St. Louis’ premiere oldies band, will perform from 7 to 10 p.m.
Classic car owners or classic car clubs may visit
or call (314) 843-8545 for more information about the cruise.
Information about the event also is available by calling the cities of Crestwood — (314) 729-4700 — or Sunset Hills — (314) 849-3400.
