Cars for the Cure – a Huge Success!
Congratulations to Cars for the Cure for a wonderful event on Sunday, October 6th! Held in Great Falls, VA this first annual car show raised over $28,000 for JDRF. The day included classic and unique cars, a silent auction, live music and awards. This event was started by 13 year old, Michael Sevila, and was born from his love of cars and his desire to find a cure for diabetes.
The idea for a car show to raise money for T1D research was hatched late one night in September of 2012 at Fairfax Hospital. A then 12 year old Michael Sevila had just been rushed to the hospital with a diagnosis of T1D – a disease that neither he or his family knew much about. The result of long sleepless nights and late night discussions with Dad in that hospital led Michael to proclaim one night – “We need to fix this thing!”
But how? Knowing nothing about the disease, or fundraising, or even who to raise funds for Michael turned to something he knew and loved. He had helped his dad, brother, sister, uncle, and grandfather work on old cars, trucks and motorcycles from his very earliest years. The family’s love of classic and antique cars (blame it on Granddad) had grown into a small collection (or addiction according to Michael’s mom!) and a car show could be a fun way to educate people about T1D while having a great day listening to great music, enjoying great food, and seeing some really cool old cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Cars for the Cure VA was born!
Following his diagnosis, a little over a year ago, Michael and his family have really hit the ground running! Michel has served as a JDRF Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Chapter Youth Ambassador – working at JDRF’s annual fall black tie Hope Gala, representing the chapter at various events, and organizing a walk team for the Walk to the Cure Diabetes this past spring. He even biked 100 miles this summer with his dad in the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes in Vermont, raising nearly $8,000 along the way.
We thank Michael and the entire Sevila family for their devotion to JDRF’s cause. They look forward to holding this event the first Sunday in October next year, so be on the lookout for more details. You will not want to miss it!
Thank you again to the Sevila Family and Diamond Sponsors Wells Fargo Advisors, Brix American Bistro, and VW Group of America for all of their incredible hard work.
*Pictured above (from left to right): William Sevila, Piper Dankworth Sutton, (Executive Director, JDRF Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Chapter) and Michael Sevila