Car Show Donates $31K to Mental Health in 4 Years

What started as a simple idea to combine cars and compassion has become a lifeline for thousands of Ohio families struggling with mental health challenges.

The Breaking the Stigma Charity Car Show just delivered its fourth consecutive donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness Lake County, bringing its total contribution to $31,000 since 2023. This year's $7,000 gift continues a growing tradition that began as a grassroots effort to honor lost loved ones and support suicide prevention.

Josh Stewart, the car show's executive director, never imagined the event would grow beyond its humble beginnings. "What began as an idea to combine our passion for automobiles with our passion for helping people has grown into something much larger than we ever imagined," he said.

Every person who attends, exhibits a vehicle, or sponsors the event plays a direct role in ensuring struggling individuals know they're not alone. The donations have steadily increased each year, starting at $6,000 in 2023 and climbing to this year's $7,000.

The Ripple Effect

The money keeps essential programs completely free for Lake County residents who need them most. NAMI Lake County offers family and peer support groups, evidence-based educational programs, youth mental health initiatives, community outreach, advocacy, and workplace mental health programming.

Matthew Selker, executive director of NAMI Lake County, sees the car show as more than just fundraising. "Josh Stewart and his entire team have created far more than an annual event. They have created a movement," he said.

The partnership demonstrates how local organizations, businesses, and residents can work together to create meaningful change. Every dollar raised translates directly into resources that strengthen the community, touching thousands of lives across Lake County.

Stewart views each donation as a celebration of lives touched and hope restored. While proud of what they've accomplished together, he recognizes there's still much work to be done in breaking down mental health stigma and preventing suicide.

Together, the car show and NAMI Lake County are building a community where conversations about mental health are welcomed, stigma continues to fade, and hope is available to everyone who needs it.