Kiwanis car show raises $25,000 for new YMCA

Jay Leno attended the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis car show on Saturday and made a personal pledge of $5,000 towards Downey’s new YMCA. Photo by Alex Dominguez

The fourth annual Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis Car Show made a roaring return this year, raising $25,000 for the new Kolar Family YMCA.

The event, held on Aug. 3 at the Stonewood Center behind the former Sears, featured a display of 300 vintage cars, attracting car enthusiasts and community members alike.

One of the event’s highlights was a special appearance by Jay Leno, the legendary comedian and car aficionado. Leno delighted fans by signing autographs and posing for photos, adding a touch of celebrity glamour to the day’s festivities.

Leno also pledged $5,000 towards the new YMCA.

In a collaborative effort with the Downey Collective, the special events arm of the Downey Patriot, the car show also hosted over 50 small business vendors. Attendees enjoyed unique shopping opportunities, making the event not only a celebration of classic and exotic cars but also a showcase for local entrepreneurship.

The funds raised will go toward the construction of the new Kolar Family YMCA, which will replace the existing Downey YMCA. Demolition of the current facility is scheduled to begin later this year, paving the way for a modern and state-of-the-art community hub.

The Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis Car Show is now in its fourth year under the direction of club President-Elect Claude Bilodeau.

In addition to vintage vehicles and shopping opportunities, the event also featured caricature artists, kids rides, Hello Kitty photo opportunities, 30 trophies, and more.