Special guests, rare guitar highlight the annual Cruise for the Cure

July 9, 2014 · 0 Comments

Tim Schmidt shows off a one-of-a-kind autographed guitar, up for grabs in an auction.

By Mark Pavilons
The area’s largest outdoor car show and star-studded event is coming to King Township July 20.
The 4th annual Cruise for the Cure car show and family festival raises money and awareness for Prostate Cancer Canada and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.
It’s likely one of the best shows in the country and if you visit only one car show this summer, make it this one.
Organizer Tim?Schmidt said he expects upwards of 2,000 vehicles of all shapes and sizes – North American and imports. Some guests come from Quebec and even south of the border. Schmidt said a few of the collectors pick this as their one and only show, so visitors are in for a treat with many one-of-a-kind vehicles.
Visitors will also get the chance to stroll through Tim’s workshop, home to his collection of automobiles, motorcycles, automotive collectibles and literally thousands of toy cars. It’s the ultimate man cave.
Tim and Brenda Schmidt, in affiliation with ABC Group, one of the leading automotive systems and components manufacturers in the world, will be hosting their 4th annual car show to raise money and awareness.
Tim, Brenda and Tim’s mother Helga have hosted Tim and Brenda’s Cruise for the Cure for the past three years. In 2011 at their first event, they raised $50,000 for Prostate Cancer Canada; in 2012 at the 2nd annual Cruise they raised $70,000 for Prostate Cancer Canada and in 2013, they added a second charity, Shriner’s Hospitals for Children-Canada and raised $112,000 for these charities.
This year’s show is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors!
Schmidt said he chose Alzheimer’s this year because many of his “car buddies”?are in the affected age group of men. Unfortunately, men can be stubborn when it comes to regular physical checkups. His late father also suffered from Alzheimer’s.
“Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. One in four people knows someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and will be aware of the devastating impact it has on their lives, as it had on mine when my husband developed the disease. Our sponsorship will help in the research into the causes, cures and care for this condition and hopefully also towards helping the many people who look after these patients,” said Helga Schmidt, president and CEO of?ABC?Group of Companies.
“It’s very important that people with Alzheimer’s are treated with respect and to remember that, despite their illness, a person with dementia is still a unique and valuable human being.
“When a person finds that their mental abilities are declining, they often feel vulnerable and in need of reassurance and support. The people closest to them – their caregivers, health and social care professionals, friends and family – need to do everything they can to help the person to retain their sense of identity and feelings of self-worth.”
Who doesn’t love music? I try to play my popular guitar by Taylor every day if I have time. Do you have a favorite artist or a favorite song? What if you could own a very rare guitar with signatures from more than 25 of the world’s best musicians? It is possible!
Nick Sinopoli of the Carpet Frogs and long-time friend of Tim’s has collected signatures from legendary rock musicians. Nick, while on tour with Burton Cummings, took the guitar with him while he is on the road. This “travelling guitar” has been to Hawaii, Las Vegas and all over Canada. This one-of-a-kind collector item is being auctioned off online with the final bidding to take place at our 4th Annual Cruise for the Cure. http://www.timandbrendasplace.com/travelling-guitar.htm
The rare 1994 Gibson J-55, spruce top, mahogany back and sides, ebony board, moustache bridge, step headstock design is number 18 of the 100 produced.
To date it has been signed by Alice Cooper, Steve Cropper, Burton Cummings, Richie Sambora, José Feliciano, Orianthi Panagaris, Richie Cannata, Neil Chapman, Larry Gowan, Count’s 77 – Danny “The Count” Koker (vocals), Stoney Curtis (lead guitar), John Zito (guitar), Paul Disibio (drums), Barry Barnes (bass), The Trews – Colin MacDonald (vocals & guitar), John-Angus MacDonald (guitar), Jack Syperek (bass), Sean Dalton (drums), Saga – Jim Gilmour, Michael Sadler, Ian Crichton, David Barrett Trio – Dave Barrett, Jason Farrar (bass), Alexander (Sascha) Tukatsch (drums), The Carpet Frogs – Nick Sinopoli (vocals), Jeff Jones (bass), Michael Zweig (guitar), Gerry Finn (guitar).
The winning bidder must be present at the event, or send an approved representative. Online bidding closes on Saturday, July 19 at 7 p.m., with a live continuation at the fundraiser on July 20 at 4:15 p.m. All proceeds from this auction will go to Prostate Cancer Canada and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.
For more information or to bid on this piece of rock history, go to www.timandbrendasplace.com.
Tim hopes this will attract a decent bid. It’s really a priceless collector’s piece.
The all-day event will also have live entertainment, by Rik Emmett formally of Triumph; The Carpet Frogs; Pop Cherry; a children’s mini carnival including a giant Ferris wheel, food and beverages.
Joining Tim and Brenda will be famed members of the hit television show Counting Cars – Danny Koker and Kevin Mack. There will be raffles and 50/50 draws to help raise money for these wonderful charities. It’s fun for the whole family.
Tim & Brenda’s Cruise for the Cure takes place Sunday, July 20 at 13200 Weston Road. Doors open at 9 a.m. for patrons, with a $20 donation per car load for parking. For those competing in the car show a registration donation of $30 is asked and registration is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, http://www.timandbrendasplace.com.