Crusin' Yuma Charity Car Show Raises Funds for Veterans, Youth

One hundred forty-seven vehicles rolled into Fortuna De Oro RV Resort in the Foothills for the annual Crusin' Yuma Charity Car Show, raising money for veterans and youth. The event, held January 17, ran from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and was free to attend, drawing entries that will be directed toward multiple charitable beneficiaries.

The show operated this year under new management, but organizers said the mission remains consistent and the list of charities has expanded. Ed Ernest, president of the Yuma Car Club, described a mix of continued local youth support and broader national beneficiaries: "They always they gave scholarships to like Annapolis and then they also supported the with the donation to the Young Marines and the Sea Cadet program here in Yuma. We're going to continue that, but our major beneficiaries will be the Wounded Warriors Project and Tunnels to Towers."

Organizers framed the event as both a fundraiser and a community showcase. Local business owners saw tangible benefits from the crowds and the foot traffic around Fortuna De Oro. Jordan Anthony, owner of the Motor Pool, noted the dual role of the event for charities and commerce: "It's nice to support the charities as well as other small businesses in this town, and it's great to have as many people come out and support it as possible."

For Yuma County residents, the show reinforced civic ties between charitable organizations, veteran support groups, youth programs and small businesses. The continuation of scholarships and donations to the Young Marines and the Sea Cadet program maintains an investment in local youth leadership, while naming Wounded Warriors Project and Tunnels to Towers as major beneficiaries channels proceeds to organizations focused on veteran assistance and family support.

The Crusin' Yuma Charity Car Show also serves as a reminder of how local events convert hobbyist energy into civic dollars and community visibility. With 147 entries this year and expanded charitable partners, the event highlighted grassroots fundraising capacity in the Foothills and the practical role local gatherings play in sustaining veteran services and youth programming.

For residents tracking community charity efforts, the car show demonstrates both continuity and change - a long-running fundraiser under new management that keeps established scholarships and local donations in place while elevating national veteran charities. Organizers and local businesses alike will likely use this momentum to plan further community fundraising and outreach in the months ahead.