ELI’S BLOCK PARTY: Fourth annual car show set for Saturday

Published 5:45 am Friday, May 18, 2018

Muscle car enthusiasts who want to help battle childhood cancer are invited to attend a car show Saturday at Lindsay Lane Baptist Church in Athens.

The fourth annual show is hosted by the Eli’s Block Party Childhood Cancer Foundation and runs from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. It is free to the public, but registration fees are required for those who want to display a vehicle.

Money raised from registration fees will help fund an immunotherapy trial at Children’s of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. Organizers say the trial is “showing promise treating the deadliest of pediatric brain cancer.”

The judged show, sponsored by Mike Burnett Restorations, is open to all makes and models of cars, trucks and motorcycles. Trophies will be awarded in 26 categories, including Teen-Owned and Most Promising Project.

Live music will be provided by DEAN and Kris Pierce. Food vendors and an axe-throwing tournament will also be part of the event. Sam Memmolo, host of Sam’s Garage and former host of Two Guys Garage, will be available for an autograph and photo.

Organizer Kristie Williams said whether it’s a big block or small block, she wants to see them all. She added the event grows each year, and she’s excited by this year’s lineup of entertainment and activities.

“… We are thrilled with how this show has come together,” Williams said. “We have a fantastic volunteer staff, the judging is strict and organized, so unique vehicles are attracted and the community really gets to enjoy a fabulous family-fun event.”

Kristie Williams is the mother of Eli Williams, the namesake of Eli’s Block Party. Eli Williams died last August at age 12 after battling brain cancer for six years. He participated in several experimental trials during his journey, often being within the first handful of patients treated.

“His contribution by way of tissue, blood samples (and) data calculated from his experience helps others kids now and is changing the way childhood cancer is treated,” said a press release about the car show.

Six children die from childhood cancer every day, according to the National Cancer Institute, with 46 newly diagnosed.

“Eli lived with a terminal diagnosis for almost four years and gained many months, thanks to the promising and innovative trial out of Augusta, Georgia,” the release said. “The Williams family drives the final donation at the end of the year down to the Dr. Ted Johnson, author of the treatment, and puts it in his hand to be applied directly to his work in helping kids today.”

About Eli’s Block Party

Eli’s Block Party Foundation began in January 2015 after a car show the previous year showed much promise in raising money for the cause. Eli loved cars and trucks, especially the Ford Mustang, and was able to enjoy his own 2014 Mustang GT — dubbed “The Eliminator” — after money was raised for him to purchase one.

“The Eliminator,” named after Eli’s cancer nickname, “Eli ‘The Eliminator’ Williams,” will be at this years car show. The foundation is also selling raffle tickets for a 2004 40th anniversary Mustang, which will be at the show. Those who purchase a ticket do not have to be present to win.

For more information about the event and the foundation, visit www.elisblockparty.org.