Neighbor News
Horsepower and Hope: Annual Classic Car Showcase Returns to Ronald McDonald House St. Pete on Nov 7
Classic hot rods and interactive automotive history bring joy directly to pediatric patients and families facing medical crises.
TAMPA BAY, FL — The rumble of vintage V8 engines and the gleam of classic chrome are returning to the doorsteps of Ronald McDonald House St. Pete. On Saturday, November 7th, JP Emerson of The JP Emerson Show and the veteran members of the Tampa Cruisers car club will host the annual "Horsepower and Hope" event on-site at the facility located at 401 7th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
The specialized, interactive car show brings custom builds, rare hot rods, and classic muscle cars directly to the children and families staying at the St. Pete and neighboring regional facilities while undergoing intensive treatments at local medical centers, including the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital NICU.
Breaking the Rules for a Cause
Find out what's happening in St. Petefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Unlike traditional automotive exhibitions where touching is strictly forbidden, "Horsepower and Hope" tears down the velvet ropes. Pediatric patients and their siblings are invited to:
- Climb directly inside rare, historic vehicles.
- Grip the steering wheels of powerful custom builds.
- Interact hands-on with live automotive history.
"This event is a true hands-on getaway from the daily challenges these children and families face," noted event organizers. "It is a rare chance for these amazing children to just be kids, and for parents to smile, breathe, and find comfort."
Find out what's happening in St. Petefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A Legacy of Driving Change
The event builds upon years of deep-rooted collaboration between the automotive community and RMHC Tampa Bay. Backed by The JP Emerson Show, The Tampa Cruisers, The Lake Mirror Classic, and core supporters, past initiatives have funded vital physical improvements and essential comforts for the facilities.
These contributions include updating family and common rooms, providing yearly meals, toys, gifts, and daily essentials for residents, as well as establishing a permanent outdoor backyard sanctuary space designed to offer comfort to families in crisis.
How the Public Can Support
While the private, on-site exhibition is reserved exclusively for the residents and families currently staying at the house, community members are heavily encouraged to fuel this ongoing medical housing mission from afar.
The public can get involved by visiting the 2026 RMHC General Donations Portal to access:
- Direct donation options
- Volunteer sign-ups
- Family assistance programs
Media & Event Contacts:
- Host/Media Relations: JP Emerson/ Olivia Harper
- Media Email: JP@JPEmerson.com
- Host Website: jpemerson.com
- RMHC Contact: Sarah Hughart, Associate Director of Stewardship & Impact; shughart@rmhctampabay.org
- Website: Home - Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay
