The Iowa Supercruise for Charity

Posted by pikesan on Aug 3, 2008 in Shows & Events | 0 comments

It’s a long haul from Arizona, but I wanted to tell you about a great cause, a great man and what looks like a really fun event. It’s the Iowa SuperCruise & SuperShow’n Shine in Des Moines benefiting those suffering from spinal injuries, disease, and paralysis in coordination with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (CDRF). Joe Kelly, the organizer and chief promoter, contacted me to see if I’d help spread the word. Of course I will, this is what hot rodding’s all about!

For the past ten years Joe has suffered and survived the crippling pain associated with spinal injury, disease, and permanent nerve damage. So it’s no wonder he’s got his heart and soul behind this show. He credits his beautiful wife and three wonderful children for his strength to continue when his own pain, at times, leaves him unable to care for himself. I’m inspired by his courage. It’d be easy for any of us to give up to the pain, but not Joe.

Held August 30th, the Iowa SuperCruise & SuperShow’n Shine is an all-day event consisting of a cruise around metro and the surrounding suburbs of Des Moines, Iowa. The cruise is open to Hot Rods, Choppers, Custom, Antique, Exotic, Import, Original, Street, Rat Rod, Tuner, Low Rider, Roadster, Monster Truck, Lead Sled, Bagger, Bobber, Softail, Rigid, Cruiser, Auto, Truck, Motorcycle, or any custom vehicle. I think that’s everything on wheels, right?! The owner/driver gathers sponsors who will donate $1 for each mile driven in the SuperCruise. It’s like a walk-a-thon on wheels!

Utilizing the interstate highways 35/80 and the by-pass highways of 65/69 and 5, participants will then circle the entire metro and surrounding suburbs of Des Moines exiting only at predetermined stops at fundraisers and mini-shows held by local businesses. At these events, the cars will be on display and show attendees will be join in and learn about the CDRF.

The show will start at Kelly Insurance Agency, chief sponsor and Joe’s business. From there, you’ll have fun at: Plaza Lanes Family Sports Complex / Trophy’s Bar & Grill / Volley’s Sand Volleyball Center/Johnston Station. Kelly’s Business is the starting point on the route of the SuperCruise while Plaza Lanes will hosts the SuperShow’n Shine where all vehicles will be eligible for trophies, including a best in show.

The funds raised from this event will go to support our nearest spine center the Twin Cities Spine Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospitals in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Joe Kelly Spinal Surgery Foundation, as well as several Pain Control Centers across the Midwest with concentration on contributions to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (CDRF).

Joe’s looking for help in contributing to all of these worth causes. You can get involved in a variety of ways: We are seeking the donation of parts and accessories for the build of our 1950 Chevrolet Custom 2 door Sedan we have named The “Go Forward” 50 named after the “Go Forward” slogan of the CDRF. Utilizing the color scheme of the CDRF Logo we hope to design a lead sled styled custom. Any donation of parts and accessories to this project would be greatly appreciated and all parts sponsors will be listed in all advertising and promotional materials when we tour the country with this Super Custom! Your support and assistance in any form is greatly appreciated.

To get involved, get in touch with these guys… you’ve already met Joe, shoot him an email here: (Email Joe). You can also contact co-promoter and proprietor of Nutlugs.com a cool website and MyRideisMe.com friend, run by John Shelton: (Email John) I hope to update everyone on the show’s success at the end of August and share some pictures from the event. Thanks for contacting us Joe!