Using their talents for charity, several Garland ISD students are preparing for the area’s largest car show for a cause: Wheels of Hope. This year’s event is scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 23 in Downtown Garland. Proceeds benefit the Hope Clinic, which offers free medical services to low income residents. Middle school art students, South Garland High School automotive students and GISD performance groups all have a part in the show.
Fresh off several first-place finishes at State SkillsUSA competition, SGHS students—plus instructors Craig Baughman and Mark Baty—will showcase their award-winning painted car hoods and motorcycle gas tanks. They will also debut and donate a hood designed especially for Wheels of Hope. Students will even accompany judges and award the first-ever Best Paint, Engine and Interior prizes.
“This is a great opportunity for them to show what they are learning in class and to display their work to other car enthusiasts,” said Baughman. “To have a successful program, we need the help and support of our community, and we are happy that we can give back in a small way.”
Accompanying artistic masterpieces from South Garland, murals by GISD middle schoolers will be on display in the Downtown Garland Square as well. Students recently dedicated a Saturday to paint the classic car-themed pieces that were displayed at the Jones Hardware building. Groups performing during the show include the GISD Mariachi Estrellas, South Garland High School Step Team and North Garland High School Steel Drum Band.
Admission to the second-annual Wheels of Hope affair is free for spectators and $20 to enter a vehicle. In addition to Best in Class, Best in Show and Chairman’s awards, raffle prizes—like beautiful blooms from Ruibal’s—and a 50/50 drawing can also be won.
For more information and to register, visit the Wheels of Hope website.