Ferndale Woodward Dream Cruise
Weekend remains committed to charities

By Jon Malavolti
C & G Staff Writer

Approximately 1 million people are expected to flock to the 14th annual Woodward Dream Cruise Aug. 16 to check out the cool classic cars rolling up and down the avenue.

While cars are still a big part of the Ferndale Woodward Dream Cruise Weekend, the annual three-day event — held Aug. 15-17 — is really about sticking to its roots: And that means helping charities.

After all, the cruise itself started out as a fundraising event to build a soccer field for children in Ferndale.

This year three different nonprofit organizations will benefit from the Dream Cruise in Ferndale, with the third annual Fast Friday VIP Party at the forefront.

The party, which will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of South Oakland County, will be held from 6-10 p.m. Aug. 15 at The Bosco, a lounge next to the Magic Bag Theatre on Woodward in downtown Ferndale.

“Three years ago, I created the Fast Friday VIP Party in the spirit of remembering that the whole purpose of why the Dream Cruise even started was to raise money for kids,” said Michael C. Lary, the event coordinator for the Ferndale Woodward Dream Cruise Weekend.

The party has raised more than $20,000 for the Boys and Girls Club over the past two years.

“It’s one of the most innovative approaches to taking advantage of the opportunity the Dream Cruise provides,” said Brett Tillander, the South Oakland Boys and Girls Club executive director. “The generosity for area businesses has really surpassed any expectations; it’s been wonderful.”

Tickets to the event are $10 and can be purchased ahead of time by calling (248) 546-1573, or you can buy them at the door. For more information, visit www.FerndaleDreamCruise.com.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and FernCare — a free clinic scheduled to open in Ferndale at the end of the year — will also be benefiting from the Dream Cruise.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will benefit from the Ford Mustang Alley event. FernCare will have funds raised at the Motor City Casino Stage and through the Ferndale Classic Car Show raffle.

“Certainly, it makes you feel good knowing that you’re trying to do something that’s helping others,” Lary said.

You can reach Staff Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1040.