First Richton Park Car & Bike Show a Success

Event organizer Gary Jones is already making plans for next year’s Richton Park Car & Bike Show based on the success of this year’s event held in late July.

“This is the first time I have put together something like this,” Jones said. “I have already heard from several people who have agreed to participate and we’re well on our way to making next year’s Richton Park Car & Bike Show a bigger and better event.”

Funds raised at the Car & Bike Show were donated to the Franciscan Health Foundation which is dedicating them to the Franciscan Health Comprehensive Cancer Institute in Olympia Fields. He was inspired to launch the Car & Bike Show by the memory of his sister, Carmen Jernigan, who succumbed to cancer in 2018.

“My sister never stopped helping people, whether they were members of our family or other people in the community,” said Jones. “This is a way for us to make sure that cancer is not the end of her story.”

For Jones, the Car & Bike Show is all about remembering his sister nicknamed Sugar Bear.

“When Carmen hugged you, it felt like a big hug from a teddy bear, full of love,” Jones said. “Even when she was dealing with her cancer, she recorded her voicemail greeting to close with, ‘Did you smile today?’.”

Jones said he will be ready to announce details about next year’s Richton Park Car & Bike Show this winter.

Those interested in showing off their car or bike or reserving a vendor table can call or text Gary Jones at (708) 515-3716. Those who wish to support the Franciscan Health Comprehensive Cancer Institute are invited to call (708) 852-2430 or visit FranciscanHealthFoundation.org.