Keep on Rollin’ Car Show is a Big Hit

This is a story of the strength of the human spirit, of turning tragedy into triumph. It’s the story of a young man who refused to give in, who turned a dream into reality. Some time ago, I wrote about Ryan Stevenson, a young Utah snowboarder who broke his back and is now in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the waist down. A classic car buff, Ryan dreamed of having a car show to help raise funds for spinal cord injury research, on behalf of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

On Saturday, July 26, I was privileged to see that dream come true, as the First annual Keep on Rollin’ Car Show kicked off at Brighton, Utah, the resort where Ryan had his accident in 2006. He was told by many that it wouldn’t work—that few cars (and spectators) would show.

Undaunted, Ryan, along with his wife Maggie, super-sister Kristen, and other family members and friends, proceeded to put on a hugely successful event that attracted over 200 cars, hundreds of spectators, and the local media. It also raised more than $11,000 (and counting) and provided the impetus for the founding of a Utah Chapter of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

The show featured classic cars of all eras, from 32 Ford Coupes, to late model Ferrari’s, Shelby’s, Porsches, and even a rare Lotus. The Utah Corvette Club showed up en masse, with more than 20 models on display. There were custom motorcycles that would put American Chopper on notice, a Shelby Cobra (my dream car), and a late 60s Chevy Impala convertible, complete with a vintage “Car Hop” set.

The range of automotive hardware created a kaleidoscope of color and chrome, while funky jazz, blues, and rock music soared through the clean mountain air, layered with the aroma of smoked pork sandwiches. An energetic DJ called out raffle winners and emceed the awards presentation. Meanwhile, this writer had the privilege of selling Superman tags and key chains alongside Christopher Reeve’s step-sister, Utah resident Katie Johnson-Hill and her family.

All in all, the entire day was perfect. The weather, the setting, and the event combined to create an indelible memory.

After the show, a participant approached one of the committee members and asked to be the lead sponsor for next year’s show. When asked why he was so interested, the automotive supply official said, “This is the best show we’ve seen all year, and we love the cause. We want to be involved.”

It’s events like this that bring balance to life. With so much out there to bring us down, we all need the lift that comes from good people doing great things. With this kind of start, it appears that Keep on Rollin’ will do just that. That’s a great thing we can all get a lift from.

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