Classic car nuts from across southern Alberta present a wheely big gift for cancer research
UPDATED: 2007-12-18 01:29:24 MST


By KELLY DOODY


Remember way back in the sweaty summer when we told you about an event called Cool Cars Cruising 4 Cancer, that brought 535 unique and antique autos from across southern Alberta to McMahon Stadium?

You may also remember that the road from McMahon to the city limits was closed on Sunday, Aug. 26 so the 70-km-long train of fancy wheels -- everything from hot rods to customs to tuner (not tuna) cars -- could cruise from Calgary to Cochrane while raising money for cancer research.

Well, yesterday at the super sausage spot known as Spolumbos, Cool Cars organizer Steve Maguire and all the people who helped him out -- including Miles Williams from Corvette Unlimited, Gerry Forbes from CJAY 92 and the Sun, Tony Spoletini of Spolumbos, Mark Bilodeau, editor-in-chief of VEX Magazine, Dean Folk from Folk Automotive, Brian Kaspick of M&M Meat Shops, James Duc of Alberta Pork Producers, Bruce 'the tuna' Covington from Costa Cana coffee and Nelson Kovacs from A1 Concrete, as well as James Foster, Candice DeFreitas and Tori Maguire -- handed over a cheque for $45,000 to the Canadian Cancer Society of southern Alberta.

"If it wasn't for all those involved none of this would have happened," said Steve -- the most modest (and successful) event planner we've ever come across.

"The Cool Cars event is a legacy to my sister, Jackie Maguire, who died of cancer in July.

"This is my way of hopefully trying to make a difference in a lot of other people's lives who are also affected by this disease."

Steve and his fellow chrome-loving comrades hope the Cool Cars cruise in 2008 will be even bigger, as all those who were involved this year are back on board next year.


To get in on the fun-raiser, or to lend your corporate sponsorship support, visit www.coolcarscruising4cancer.ca.