Eli’s Cruise-In Supports Valuable Tay-Sachs Research

On an overcast Saturday morning on the 27th of March, the Auburn area car community banded together. They came from miles around in a show of heart-warming solidarity for Eli, an 11-year-old boy battling Tay-Sachs disease (TSD).

The “Eli’s Cruise-In for a Cure” was more than an event to raise money for vital research, it was also to raise public awareness of TSD.

Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is a mutation in the Hex-A gene that causes the body to have no or very low levels of the Hex-A enzyme. Without Hex-A, cells (especially nerve cells in the brain) are unable to break down fatty waste products.

The waste products begin to build up inside the cells causing them to swell and eventually die. Ultimately, the nervous system is so badly affected that life itself cannot be supported.

There is no cure for Tay-Sachs disease, but vital research is ongoing.

In talking with Derrick, Eli’s father, he shared with us that 100% of the money raised from the Eli Cruise-In is sent to the Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation to fund ongoing research to find a cure for TSD.

Tay-Sachs Foundation

The Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation (CTSF) mobilizes resources to find a cure for the Tay-Sachs disease (TSD). The Cure Tay-Sachs foundation garners donations from the general public and charitable foundations with events like walks, golf outings, auctions, and other events such as Eli’s Cruse-In.

The money raised is then granted to other 501(c)(3) foundations, research institutes, or other companies that sponsor the research initiative they believe shows promise to treat or cure TSD.

Once a cure is found for TSD, then the Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation will focus on Tay-Sachs awareness, screening initiatives, and research projects for similar diseases.

CCA Shows Their Support

Corvette Cruisers of Atlanta (CCA) has a history of philanthropic support for vital local charities and individuals in need. So, it was natural to find this group of Corvette enthusiasts actively showing their support for the Eli Cruise-In.

Over the years this Lawrenceville area club has raised thousands of dollars through fundraising activities to assist those less fortunate.

Their generous donations have made a measurable impact on people’s lives in the community.

Open Roads Designs

In today’s ultra-competitive car show circuit, the difference between celebrating with a trophy or going home empty-handed is razor-thin. You need every conceivable edge to be successful.

An eye-catching car show board can be just the leg-up you need to stay ahead of the pack. Unfortunately, the roadblock for most of us boils down to this on point.

How do you convey the clear, passionate vision you have for your custom creation over the lifeless Internet? The answer is, you can’t, not really.

This is why Katie Falanga, graphic designer, and owner of Open Roads Designs, travel to local car shows. Talking to Katie face-to-face ensures your vision gets brought to life on your show board and that future trophies go home with you.

A Cure Must Be Found

Many car shows have a charitable organization tied into their event these days. The charity’s volunteers are at the event, but the valuable community work they do is done far from the show.

This event at the Ingles Supermarket parking lot in Auburn, GA was different at its core. The reason we were there, was actually there with us.

The focus of the event, was a sweet 11-year-old boy named Eli.

We’re not saying one charity is more deserving than another, there are unfortunately many heart-wrenching issues we face in this country.

It’s just when you talk to Derrick and his wife, when you see their son Eli doing the best he can, it just grips you deep inside. Our hope is that through raised awareness and ongoing funding, a cure can quickly be found.

This is one disease we need to put into the rearview mirror forever.