By Joe DeSalvo
The sixth annual San Jose Car & Truck Show returns as a spring event on April 10 with Key Buick GMC Hyundai Genesis and North Florida Lincoln back as presenting sponsors of this fundraiser for the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center at San Jose Apartments.
The five automotive brands are part of the Lynch Automotive Group and will be represented at the show with several 2021 models for guests to test drive while checking out the eclectic field from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Dupont Station, located at 6271 St. Augustine Road.
The event is free, while day-of-show vehicle registration is $25. There will be a DJ and plenty of door prizes given away.
The community center, located between HUD-assisted San Jose Apartments I and II on Galicia Road, was named in honor of the late Bishop John J. Snyder. Many of the activities and services for the 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.
Last year’s COVID-19 pandemic-delayed event on Aug. 15 had a record field of 93 vehicles and raised $10,200. In the five years of the event, $23,300 has been generated for the Snyder Center.
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.
“The growth of the car show has been amazing,’’ Ballard said. “The passion of the attendees and guests is remarkable. Last year’s show, we went from 37 cars to 93 cars. The money we raised has helped us sustain the center and the residents through this unprecedented pandemic. We don’t know what we would have done without that support.
“We look forward to this show and the funds that will be raised,’’ Ballard said. “April 10th will be one of the best days ever for San Jose Apartments, the seniors who we serve, and the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center.’’
As was the case at its Aug. 15 show, CDC guidelines will be followed.
“Our first priority is the safety of the those attending and participating,’’ Ballard said. “We will have hand sanitizers; facemasks will be available; and we will do social distancing. But, it’s still a great time to come out and support some of the most needy in our community — our seniors.’’
The San Jose Apartments board of directors and staff have secured sponsors for all 11 judged classes for the April 10 show.
Returning as a gold sponsor is A-Coin & Stamp Gallery, located at 6217 St. Augustine Road. Owner Bill Hatchett is a rare coin and currency expert who has served Jacksonville for more than 40 years. He’s also a car enthusiast and sponsor of the Best of Show award.
Walsh Investment Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors is the show’s silver sponsor. Louis V. Walsh, IV, CFA is Managing Director — Investments for the practice and a firm believer in giving back to the community. He will be sponsoring the Best Truck (Pre-1970) award.
And joining the show as bronze sponsors are Jerry Weedon, a board member, and his wife, Kathy. They are also sponsoring the Best Mustang award.
Returning as sponsor of the People’s Choice Award is the Mandarin Krispy Kreme store.
San Jose Apartments is also pleased to have the following businesses and individuals as award sponsors:
• Trad’s Pest Control: Best Classic American (Pre-1970).
• IMC (an independent telecom agency): Best Modern Era Car.
• Jason Miller, attorney, Morgan & Morgan: Best Truck.
• Jim Dolan and Joe Cusick: Best Classic Foreign (Pre-1970.
• Jack Corrigan’s Sol Pool Services: Best European.
• Morgran Mini Warehouses: Best European (Pre-1970).
• San Jose Apartments Board of Directors: Best Corvette.
Joining the show this year as a guest judge is “The Car Coach,’’ Lauren Fix — a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, media guest, journalist, author, keynote speaker, and program host.
For more information on car registration, contact board member and show coordinator Joe DeSalvo at joe@thedesalvos.net or (904) 616-8095.