Cars For Cancer: Hersey High's Inaugural Auto Show To Beneft Charity

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — As automotive technology students from John Hersey prepare for next month's first-ever auto show, their teacher knew the perfect charity to benefit from the event.

"Lemons of Love does amazing work building and delivering care packages to children and adults undergoing cancer treatment," Jim Van Bladel told Patch. "They also run a number of support groups and programs out of their location in Des Plaines for people and families that have been impacted by cancer."

Accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the auto class, along with the school's Service Over Self Club, will present the show on Sunday, May 7. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school's parking lot at 1900 E. Thomas St. It is open to the public and admission is free. Donations to Lemons of Love, based out of Des Plaines, will be accepted.

Van Bladel said he met Jill Swanson, of Lemons of Love, five years ago at an endurance race in South Haven, Michigan. The race, "24 hours of Lemons," also raises money for Lemons of Love, not just for similar names, but because Swanson is a veteran of the motorsport industry.

"Her other company, Fresh Air Systems Technology, makes cool suits for professional racing drivers," Van Bladel said. "We have remained friends and she is currently employing one of my students at F.A.S.T. as an apprentice."

Lemons of Love was created in 2014 when Swanson was diagnosed with colon cancer. According to the nonprofit's website, as she began chemotherapy, a friend gave her a small gift with items to help her through treatment. This inspired Swanson to began her own little lemonade project of filling and sharing thoughtfully selected items with others in treatment.

Lemons of Love is headquartered in Des Plaines with locations in Mount Prospect and Plymouth, Wisconsin.

According to Township High School District 214, the Hersey automotive technology students have been working hard to showcase their love of art on wheels. This event is an opportunity for them to display their work to the community.

As of Friday, students have raised $845 of a $10,000 goal.

The show will feature Popular Choice Awards, with judging by the Hersey Automotive Technology students. Also on hand will be El Chido Street Tacos food truck, vendor booths, a lemonade stand and music to add to the festivities.

"The community is welcome to come and support this great cause and enjoy a day filled with beautiful cars, food and music," district officials said.

Registration is now open for students and adults to show off their cars in the event. To register or make a donation, visit the website here.