5TH ANNUAL CRUISIN’ FOR CANCER
Presented by Team Horton and Kelley’s Towing
FIVE YEARS AGO, Shayne Marckstadt of Hesperia, California, received some tough news: His mother, Leslie Kondrotas, was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. He knew he needed to do something to help with her medical costs, so with the help of friends in Unforgiven Minitruck Club, he organized the first Cruisin’ for Cancer in 2015. The show brought in about 180 custom rides and raised $800.
After seeing how much awareness and support Cruisin’ for Cancer brought to the truck scene, Shayne and Unforgiven decided to create an annual event. It moved from a Wendy’s parking lot to San Joaquin Valley College’s parking lot in Hesperia, where more vehicles could
be accommodated. Shayne reached out to the American Cancer Society for support, and the organization stepped up and has been on board supporting Cruisin’ for Cancer ever since.
On April 27, 2019, more than 200 vehicles spanning almost a mile long lined up two hours before registration opened. Unforgiven was blown away by the response. With a little patience from the club and people showing, they were able to get roll-in started. The final count was just over 300 vehicles.
At the car show, attendees honored friends and family in the custom car community who have battled cancer or lost loved ones to the disease. This is something Shayne will continue to do year after year.
This show had rad vibes and beautiful weather all day long. The family friendly event included a kids corner, food vendors, a few club games and a cornhole tournament, which was won by Cryptic Collections. There were about 75 awards, 32 different classes and, of course, the limbo contest for the “Lowest Ride.”
Between the raffle generating $1,600, registration and all other donations at this year’s show, Unforgiven raised more than $7,800 for the American Cancer Society.
The club has now overgrown SJVC’S parking lot, forcing them to relocate to a bigger venue. San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville, California, has agreed to host the show for 2020.
The new goal for next year is $10,000! Will you be a part of making it happen? Save the date—april
25, 2020—and stay connected on their Instagram page for important updates as the event gets closer: @ Cruisn4cancer.
“We could not have done this without the help of a small group of volunteers and my club, Unforgiven, for helping keep this event organized and flowing.” –Shayne Marckstadt