The 11th Annual San Jose Car & Truck Show is expecting another strong turnout of vehicles — from classics to customs — on Saturday, May 2 at Dupont Station, located at 6271 St. Augustine Road, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Key Buick GMC Hyundai and North Florida Lincoln return as presenting sponsors of this fundraiser for the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center at San Jose Apartments for seniors.
The community’s hub is located between HUD-assisted San Jose Apartments I and II on Galicia Road. It was named in honor of the late Bishop John J. Snyder. Many of the activities and services for the 110 senior residents are held at the center, which doesn’t receive HUD assistance. The complex is managed by Family Housing Management Company for the Diocese of St. Augustine.
The event is free, while day-of-show vehicle registration is $25. There will be a DJ, refreshments and plenty of door prizes.
Last year’s 10th anniversary show had 80 vehicles from various eras competing for awards in 12 classes. The show raised a record $13,000 for the center. A full-scale custom build 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle, from Visual FX in Green Cove Springs, was judged Best of Show.
The San Jose Apartments board of directors and staff also secured support from additional sponsors and received generous donations at the show to propel this annual fundraiser over the $85,000 mark in total funding since its inaugural show in 2016.
A potential record turnout of more than 100 vehicles at this year’s event could push total earnings over the $100,000 mark.
Alma Ballard, executive director/management agent of Family Housing Management Company, is appreciative of the support given to San Jose Apartments and the Bishop Snyder Center.
“Going into our 11th year is amazing; it shows the resilience of a great show and those that come year after year to support it,’’ Ballard said. “The show is like a family gathering to raise much-needed resources for such a worthy cause.
“The Snyder Community Center brings a sense of community and the social engagement of our most vulnerable — our seniors,’’ Ballard said. “I am so proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to the future. We are blessed!’’
Ballard and the board have done an outstanding job securing and retaining sponsorships on all levels.
“We couldn’t do without our sponsors,’’ Ballard said. “You get ‘X’ amount of cars attending the show, but the true funds come in from the sponsors, who are friends, people that have heard about us or people within the community. They understand the need and they’re just so open and willing to support it. I don’t even have to just say, ‘Are you willing to do it again next year?’ And they’re like, ‘Yeah, sure.’ It’s amazing.’’
In an area of the state that perennially has a crowded spring car calendar, the San Jose Car & Truck Show has done a solid job of building and sustaining a stellar reputation.
Judging by Dan Scanlan’s experience with the show, that’s quite true.
“What it says about this show is that people are aware that it’s here; they know the quality is here,’’ said Scanlan, a veteran and award-winning automotive journalist and now news reporter for WJCT, who has judged all 10 shows.
Eric Thompson, general sales manager of Key Hyundai knows firsthand how the San Jose Car & Truck Show has grown over the years and what it means to the residents of San Jose Apartments as well as to the dealership group.
“We value our relationship very highly; we feel like it’s part of our DNA to be part of this effort,’’ Thompson said. “We’ve made so many good friends and relationships from being involved. It’s just such a big, friendly group of people who are all working toward the same goal in a spirit of generosity for the San Jose residents.’’
Click here for a brochure of this year’s event and here to download the entry form for registration.
For more information on car registration, contact Alma Ballard at (904) 632-1255 or aballard@ccbjax.org.
