Cruising for a good cause

Adam Linebarger, a representative for Camp Friendship, peeks into a car that was signed by other camp goers. Camp Friendship, which gives children with Spina Bifida the chance to swim, camp outdoors and perform arts and crafts, will be the beneficiary of

Luling car show earns big money for Spina Bifida camp

For kids like Adam Linebarger, life can be difficult. Adam, 7, has Spina Bifida, a birth defect that has no cure and a wide range of conditions associated with it including mobility impairments, bowel and bladder complications, tendonitis and learning disabilities.

But at Camp Friendship, a camp put together by the Spina Bifida of Greater New Orleans organization for children with the birth defect, Adam was able to flourish and make new friends while swimming, camping and making arts and crafts.

“I think it is so cool,” Adam said about the camp.

Even more children will be able to enjoy the week-long camp free of charge thanks to this weekend’s 4th Annual Louisiana Custom Cruisers Benefit Car Show.

Like last year, proceeds from the event will go towards Camp Friendship. Last year, organizer Louie Morales, of Louie’s Wrecker Service, said that the one-day event raised about $25,000.

The show is sponsored by G. Smith Motorsports, All Custom Graphics and Signs, Dealer Services LLC and Louie’s Wrecker Service Inc. It will take place at the St. Charles Plaza, 12715 Highway 90 in Luling, on Nov. 6 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Adam is not only the representative from Camp Friendship for the event, but he is also the Children’s Miracle Network Ambassador for Louisiana this year.

Al Hitt, president of SBGNO, became involved in the Custom Cruisers show two years ago because his son, Zach, 13, also has Spina Bifida and attends the camp.

“Two years ago, Louie (Morales) contacted me about doing a fundraiser for Zach,” Hitt said. “We are very lucky to have the resources to meet Zach’s needs, but I asked if he would be willing to do the event for Camp Friendship, as we serve kids who are not as lucky as we are.”

Spina Bifida is the most frequently occurring permanently disabling birth defect affecting approximately one out of every 1,000 newborns in the United States, according to SBGNO. The defect occurs during the first month of pregnancy when the baby’s spinal column does not completely close and no cause has been found with certainty.

“Anything on wheels” is accepted for entry into the show, including bikes, race cars, low riders, antiques and boats. Registration will be held from 8 a.m.-noon with the “Show-N-Shine” from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Registration after noon will be accepted, but vehicles will not be judged. Entry is $20 before Nov. 3 and $25 on the day of the show.

Winners will be picked in a variety of categories. Participants will be treated to music by Fleur De Lis-Nola, door prizes and food.

A pre-show Cruise Night will also be held on Nov. 5 from 6-10 p.m. Visit www.lacustomcruisers.com for more information.