Father honors late son with car show, while giving back to others in need

MASON CITY, IA (KIMT) – It’s a car show in the name of his late son, but it’s also to raise money for a good cause. Eric Kacer is trying to raise money for individuals with special needs who are interested in going to college. 

Kacer is passionate about his latest project: “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” car show. He says his son was a big fan of Toy Story, and they shared a passion of cars, so it was only right to name the car show after the popular movie.

“Andrew was 24 years old [when he passed,] June 8 was his birthday, so it’s going to be a good celebration,” Kacer said. 

The car show will be in the NIACC parking lot Sunday, June 8. 

“The reason we did the car show, I had a couple Mustang cars that I bought with my son. He had Down Syndrome. This is a way to give back to the community,” Kacer said. 

Kacer is passionate about NIACC’s ‘Educate’ program, and will give some of the proceeds to the college. 

“NIACC is the first in the nation for a junior college to have a program like this,” Kacer said. 

According to the college: 

EDUCATE at NIACC empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities through tailored learning experiences, personalized support, and opportunities for lifelong growth. We are committed to fostering academic achievement, career development, and personal independence in an encouraging and inclusive environment.

If you would like to attend the car show. Registration for cars begins at 9 a.m. The car show starts at 11 a.m. Judges will be individuals with special needs picking their favorite car. 

Also Region 2 transit will be available from 10:30 a.m. until the end of the show to help with transportation for all abilities. 

There is also a silent auction.

Check out more details here.