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Neighborhood Report

A fundraiser worth millions

Performance cars of uber expense and class will parade through Davis Islands to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs.

By SHERYL KAY
Published May 12, 2006

DAVIS ISLANDS - Heads may turn on Davis Islands on Saturday as two dozen high-end performance cars drive down Davis Boulevard.

Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Bentleys will be on display at Palm Bank for the inaugural Exotic Car Show to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay.

"These are the ones that fascinate people," said event organizer Ruben Calles, 33, a vice president at Palm Bank. "The thrill, the speed, the luxury - they're impressive, to say the least."

Calles became involved with Boys & Girls Clubs six years ago and sits on the board of directors. The group functions as a home away from home for children after school, offering sports, arts and educational programs.

In his search for a fundraising event, Calles, a car enthusiast, said he was determined to stay away from the cookie-cutter golf tournament or luncheon affair. Even most car shows in Tampa, he said, feature the same old classics, so Calles decided to exhibit the most unique, primarily hand-built, plush cars.

Local philanthropist Don Wallace is bringing a Bugatti, a McLaren and a Ferrari, each valued at more than $1-million.

There will be no formal judging of the vehicles but rather a people's choice vote. Each car will have a shoebox decorated by children who attend Boys & Girls Clubs programs.

Attendees will cast votes for their favorite car by placing money in the box that represents the car.

The car that raises the most money will be declared the show's favorite. All of the money will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs.

The event also will include a raffle with cash prizes and signed NFL sports items, Calles said. Admission is free.

Calles hopes the show will most importantly raise awareness of the organization. Several teens will be on hand to answer questions about the Boys & Girls Clubs and share their personal experiences.

"We want the average family to know that the Boys & Girls Clubs is out there for their family, or might be out there to donate to," he said.

"We're hoping all kinds of people are going to want to come out to see these cars."

Chris Chapas, 36, plans to bring six vehicles.

"To have all of these different cars in one place is something you just never get to see," said Chapas, who owns C2 Design, a high-performance automotive enhancement shop in Tampa. "These are the best of the best, what people dream of."

Some of the cars, he said, are driven on a daily basis, while others are seldom used.

"I have some clients that just enjoy seeing it, looking at it, polishing it, but they never drive it," he said. "The car sits in an air-conditioned garage. It's like a piece of artwork."

Chapas said the notion of owning one of these cars may be only a dream for most people, including himself, but anything is possible.

"Who knows?" he said. "Saturday night you might go out and buy the winning Lotto ticket, and Sunday morning you can go out and buy one of these."

Sheryl Kay can be reached at skreporter@hotmail.com or (813) 230-8788.

IF YOU GO

The Exotic Car Show runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Palm Bank, 202 E Davis Blvd., Davis Islands.The event will include live music and cigar rolling demonstrations. Admission is free, with light refreshments available for purchase. For information, call Ruben Calles at 813 549-7256.

[Last modified May 11, 2006, 14:21:44]