Hot Rodding for Heroes car show raises money for veteran organizations

HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. (WCJB) - The sixteenth annual Hot Rodding for Heroes car show raised money for local veteran organizations while bringing together those who have served.

The event is hosted by the Gator Detachment 990 Marine Corps League.

Organizers say the event’s purpose is to raise money for veteran-focused nonprofits across north central Florida. This year’s proceeds will help support the North Central Florida Veterans’ Association, which assists veterans in need throughout the region.

“So that is the main point of the Marine Corps League is to give back to veterans here locally in the community. This is what the car show is all about,” said Matthew Jacobson of the Marine Corps.

For many attendees, the event is also an opportunity to connect with fellow veterans.

Air Force veteran Ed Demer says those connections can make a difference for people who may feel isolated after their service ends.

“From my own personal experience, I can say that we’ve got to get out. We’ve got to talk to other people, other veterans that understand. Like they say, there are scars that you don’t see. War is not something that our culture assimilates to well,” Demer said.

“And to talk to them about their cars and you’ll notice when you walk around here, there’s a lot of other veterans and you get to talk to them,” he said.

Demer says events like this create a space where veterans can share experiences, build relationships, and find support from people who understand their journey.

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