August 26, 2011
 WHERE: Temple University Ambler, Student Parking Lot, 580 Meetinghouse Road
WHEN: Saturday, October 1, 5 to 10 p.m. (Rain Date: Sunday, October 2, Noon to
5 p.m.)
One of the most difficult times in any family’s life would be coping with the diagnosis that a family member has cancer. Such a terrifying prognosis is made all the more tragic if the person struggling with cancer is a child.
The Kisses for Kyle Foundation is dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families who reside in the Delaware Valley region. The foundation’s mission is to alleviate some of the massive burden that these families face during this trying time.
Embracing the Foundation’s essential focus on families facing cancer, members of the Criminal Justice Society at Temple University Ambler have in turn dedicated themselves to supporting Kisses for Kyle. On October 1, the organization is inviting car enthusiasts and community members from throughout the region to rev up their engines for this important cause.
On Saturday, October 1, the students will hold the 1st Annual Temple University Ambler Criminal Justice Society Car Show. This family-friendly event will be held in the Ambler Campus student parking lot on Meetinghouse Road from 5 to 10 p.m. While visiting the Car Show is free, individuals are invited to register cars on the day of the show for $10 — trophies will be awarded in several categories. A rain date has been scheduled for Sunday, October 2, from Noon to 5 p.m.
“Almost everyone has a family member or someone they know that has been affected by the hardships of cancer — my father passed away from cancer. Kisses for Kyle directly benefits children with cancer, something very close to my heart and something that, I think, everyone wants to support,” said Criminal Justice Society President Amanda Lazarowitz who, with organization treasurer Brina McIntyre, is coordinating the event. “This is a local charity that is helping families right in our community. This is going to be a day of fun for car enthusiasts of every age, a day to embrace family and community.”
According to Lazarowitz and McIntyre, between 150 to 300 cars of every make, model, and year are expected to participate in the October 1 event, which will also include food donated by Panico’s in Lansdale, water ice and ice cream from TJ’s Secret Spot in Pennsburg, music provided by “DJ Larry,” contests, raffles, and prizes, and a special appearance by Valerie Knight of “The Breakfast Club” on 98.1 WOGL, a longtime spokesperson for Kisses for Kyle.
 McIntyre said what sets the Criminal Justice Society Car Show apart is that “it is completely a charity event” and entirely supported by volunteers and community donations.
“It started with the idea to hold a car show late in the spring semester and has grown into this community-supported event that will help provide funds for a terrific cause,” she said. “Beyond having a fun, safe day for families to see the cars and enjoy music and food, our primary goal is to raise money for Kisses for Kyle and raise awareness about the organization. Proceeds from this event will go to the Foundation.”
It has been “very touching” to see how the event has grown since its conception, said Kisses for Kyle President and Founder Sharon Snyder. Snyder’s son Kyle was diagnosed with Leukemia shortly before his second birthday and, after a brave 8-month battle, passed away.
“I’ve been amazed at how the students have been able to put all of this together,” she said. “Their dedication is turning this event into something truly special.”
According to Snyder, Kisses for Kyle will be on hand to raffle off terrific prizes, such as tickets to the upcoming season’s Eagles vs. Cowboys game, Temple vs. Penn State, upcoming Phillies games, and a Broadway package valued at $1,200 that includes a visit to a taping of Live with Regis and Kelly, a gift certificate to Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain and tickets to either Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark or Jersey Boys. The Foundation will also provide information about their charitable endeavors and upcoming events, such as a 5K Run & Fun Stroll at Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, Bucks County, on October 15.
Of course the October 1 Car Show at Ambler wouldn’t be complete without trophies, which are being sponsored by Bergey’s Ford. According to Lazarowitz, trophy winners will be chosen by participants of the car show. Trophies will be presented for “Best in Show,” “Best Stock,” “Best Modified,” and “Top 25.”
The centerpiece of the trophy awards ceremony will be the “Survivor’s Trophy,” the winner of which will be chosen by 6-year-old “Felicia,” who survived stage 5 kidney cancer and will also present the award. Felicia’s family has been supported by Kisses for Kyle from the time of her diagnosis at the age of three, said Snyder.
“There is a real sense of community to how this car show has developed and we want to maintain that spirit in every aspect of the event,” said Lazarowitz. “We are hopeful that this will become an annual event at Temple Ambler.”
For more information on the Temple University Ambler Criminal Justice Society Car Show, contact 215-237-7232 or tuc56944@temple.edu. For more information on the Kisses for Kyle Foundation, visit www.kissesforkyle.org.
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