At first glance, it didn’t seem like a fair fight.
On paper, the “Cars Vs. Cancer” event put on by Beyond the Ribbon pitted cars against the menacing foe of cancer. True, cancer is a heavyweight, but the local car community was eager to show they’re no slouch.
Turnout was impressive as a wide range of show cars filed into the parking lot of the Gwinnett Stripers at Coolray Field in Gwinnett.
As you probably know, the Gwinnett Stripers are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.
With these beautiful facilities as a backdrop, we talked with Bobbie Menneg, the founder of Beyond the Ribbon, about her journey, organization, and the “Cars Vs. Cancer” car show.
Beyond The Ribbon
Rod Worley – Editor – Bobbie, can you share your cancer journey and why you started, Beyond the Ribbon?
Bobbie Menneg – Founder of Beyond the Ribbon – Certainly, Rod. Even though cancer touches the lives of so many, there’s very little assistance for them.
I started Beyond the Ribbon to raise funds to help our cancer families in the community.
As a 12-year breast cancer survivor, I was very fortunate in my journey. And the further I went down my journey with the treatments, I began to notice those around me were not as fortunate.
It’s tough for cancer patients to find financial, physical, mental, or emotional help. There needs to be more assistance for patients here in our community.
What differentiates “Beyond the Ribbon” is that we help all cancers and all ages starting with our golden warrior childhood cancer patients. It breaks my heart that so many don’t know where to get the help they need.
Because there is such a massive gap in our system, Beyond the Ribbon helps with prescriptions, medical supplies, getting to appointments, and groceries.
We help with the real-world issues cancer patients face on their recovery journey. Most places will give you $500 one-time, but that doesn’t even put a dent into their needs.
The patients are very grateful for the $500 to buy groceries, but they also need gas in their car and medicines. Many people don’t understand that cancer patients must quickly make hard financial choices.
Some will decide not to go to doctor appointments or buy the medicine they need based on those financial choices.
Today we’re fortunate to have seven nonprofits attend our “Car Vs. Cancer” car show. I wanted to promote what they do and what they offer those in our community.
Before I let you go, I want to thank the Gwinnett Stripers for allowing us to use their beautiful Coolray Field facilities to host this event. We truly appreciate the support this organization gives our local community.
GNR Public Health
Those from the Gwinnett, Newton, & Rockdale County Health Departments (GNR Public Health) were on hand to answer health questions.
Their mission is to protect and improve the health of our community by monitoring and preventing disease. They also promote health and well-being and prepare for disasters.
That’s a tall order, but their energy and eagerness seemed equal to the task. They work hard for a healthy, protected, and prepared community.
Their clinics provide services that may include travel vaccines and Information, immunization, women’s health, family planning, and child health. They also offer DNA testing, drug testing, lab testing, and other services.
You can contact them by phone at 770 – 339 – 4260. Their address is 2570 Riverside Parkway, P.O. Box 897, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.
Podium-Level Builds
Naturally, the ARD Motorsports display grabbed the lion’s share of attention at the car show. Their performance-focused layout made it abundantly clear what this talented team is about.
Talking to Jake Martin, General Manager, we discovered they’ve been servicing the motorsports community for over ten years. Their specialty?
High-performance, podium-level builds.
For those who track their car, Jake said their facilities are conveniently located on the east side of Atlanta near your favorite ATL-based road courses. He also said they could inspect your vehicle for an upcoming track day.
They have most track inspection forms on file and stock high-performance fluids required for a hassle-free day at the track. They can also provide dyno sheets for your NASA needs.
Contact Jake and his team at 770-965-2322 or via email at sales@ardmotorsports.com. Their physical address is 870A Oak Rd SW. Lawrenceville, GA 30044.
Speed Auto Repair
Chuck Olsen, manager for Speed Auto Repair, was on hand to show his support. As you know, Speed Auto Repair has four locations across Atlanta.
Also, this family-owned business has been in business for over 25 years. Part of what sets them apart from others is their free 27-point inspection and access to a loaner car if you have to leave your vehicle with them.
Also, they have a shuttle service if you live within five miles of the shop if that is more convenient. Their locations include:
- Alpharetta – 5895 Atlanta Hwy Alpharetta, GA 30004 – 678-928-5579.
- Roswell – 11345 Alpharetta Hwy Roswell, GA 30076 – 678-944-9261.
- Lawrenceville – 1605 Lawrenceville Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 30044 – 770-651-0307.
- Johns Creek – 9930 Jones Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022, 770-762-4460.
Fun From Start To Finish
Organizing the day’s events was none other than Kelly Willoughby from American Street Machines. For those who don’t know Kelly, she is a powerhouse of positive, non-stop energy.
Combine that enthusiasm with her love of Atlanta’s car scene, and you knew this would be a fun, well-run event from start to finish. And, of course, Kelly didn’t disappoint.
While this was Beyond the Ribbon’s first event at Coolray Field, you would think they’ve been doing it for years. In fact, we’re hoping the “Cars Vs. Cancer” event becomes a permanent fixture on the local car show calendar.
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