- Markham Stouffville Cruisers, a volunteer-driven, non-profit community service group, is gearing up to host Motofest in Stouffville’s Memorial Park on September 14.
- This annual car show, formerly known as Stouffville Motorfest, will benefit the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation.
- Vehicle entry is free and will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with an expected turnout of 500 cars
- David Grainger and Janice Stone, founders of The Guild of Automotive Restorers and stars of Restoration Garage, will serve as Car Judges.
- A 50/50 raffle will support the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, with proceeds directed to the hospital’s mental health unit.
- To help cover event costs, Markham Stouffville Cruisers are actively seeking financial sponsors and prize donors.
- Individuals and businesses interested in contributing can reach out to organizers via email at markhamstouffvillecruisersclub@gmail.com.
Since its inception in 1998, Motorfest has become a beloved summer event in Stouffville. Now rebranded as Motofest and moved to Memorial Park, the car show has raised over $150,000 for various charitable causes throughout its history.
“We wanted to make it ours, but we didn’t want to deviate so far that people didn’t realize it’s the same great car show the community has come to know and love,” Markham Stouffville Cruisers President Terry Sutton said of the rebrand. “I used to take my boys there when they were little, and they’re 35 years old now.”
Under the leadership of Sutton and the Markham Stouffville Cruisers Executive Team, the group continues to live up to its “Community Driven” motto. Their past efforts have supported the Markham and Stouffville food banks as well as the Markham Stouffville Hospital, and they offer a Memorial Scholarship to local students pursuing post-secondary education in the automotive sector.
“We have participated in and helped car shows in the past, but we’ve never been the headliner,” Sutton explained to Bullet Point News. “We’re eager to carry it forward, and we would appreciate what anyone can do to help us and the hospital.”
Motofest is backed by the Whitchurch-Stouffville Legacy Fund, but Sutton noted that not all of the free event’s costs are covered. She expressed hope that individuals and local businesses will step up as sponsors to bridge the gap.
Major financial sponsors will be recognized on signage at the show, as well as on the Markham Stouffville Cruisers website and in their newsletter. Sutton also wishes to see enough prizes donated to facilitate an additional raffle in support of the group. Interested parties should contact organizers via email by September 1.
“I’m hoping for a beautiful sunny day, a park packed with cars and attendees, and generous support through the purchase of 50/50 tickets,” Sutton added. “Markham Stouffville Hospital is our hospital, and this is a great way to help our community.”
*Cover image courtesy of Markham Stouffville Cruisers
