A “cool” event? What constitutes that? Well, in my eyes it was a unique event that raised money for a good cause. I have had some really great experiences in the past volunteering and I knew that I wanted to document one of them in this year’s 30 for 30 venture.
We’re currently spending time in Naples, FL. When I began my brainstorming to find some options of events, I decided pretty quickly that Cars on 5th was the one for me (at least for now! If you know of another awesome event, let me know!).
Cars on 5th just celebrated it’s 16th year running. It started out as a smaller event run by the Ferrari Club of Naples and has grown to become an incredible one-day event. Four years ago, The Naples charter of the Ferrari club passed responsibilities on to the St. Matthew’s House of Naples.
I signed up to volunteer through the St. Matthew’s website. After learning a little bit about what they do, I found that they are doing some pretty amazing things. Their tagline is “Touching Hearts. Transforming Lives.” The St. Matthew’s House began in 1987 when a Christian group began to deliver food to a homeless population. Over the years it has grown into multiple locations that offer housing for the homeless, food for the hungry and even addiction program centers.
At my volunteer training, we watched a testimonial from a Naples youth that really showed the power that the St. Matthew’s community has to offer. I was happy to learn a little more and see first hand the impact that they have on this area. For more information on St. Matthew’s House visit: https://stmatthewshouse.org/about/
Back to the Cars on 5th event- my volunteer shift as a gate keeper and collections volunteer meant that I had the opportunity to greet visitors as they entered, sell them an entry ticket and offer information about St. Matthew’s and the event. I was happy to get to interact with people as they entered the event with excitement about what they would see. There were over 600 cars that lined 5th avenue! Any car enthusiast had a grin from ear to ear on their face.
Throughout the event, I was able to spend time with some other awesome volunteers and hear their story. Most had volunteered with St. Matthew’s beforehand, and were happy to share their experiences and insight. It was a great time and I was amazed at how many people came through the doors.
It’s estimated that in the six hours that the event took place, about 25,000 visitors came through.*. This was incredible news for the St. Matthew’s House because all proceeds from the event go directly to their work that is changing lives. I received an email from the volunteer coordinator that $501,000 dollars was raised! I am so happy to have been a part of a day that will give back so much to people in need.
*Naples Daily News: https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/2019/02/05/higher-admission-price-other-changes-cars-on-fifth-downtown-naples-st-matthews-house/2770436002/
Unlocking Freedom: 30 for 30 with the Lock Family 