By Joe DeSalvo

Special to St. Augustine Catholic

The San Jose Car & Truck Show is poised to surpass a major milestone when the ninth annual event takes place on Saturday, April 6, with Key Buick GMC Hyundai Genesis and North Florida Lincoln back as presenting sponsors of this fundraiser for the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center at San Jose Apartments for seniors.

The five automotive brands are part of the Lynch Automotive Group and will be represented at the show with several 2024models for guests to test drive while checking out the eclectic field from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Dupont Station, located at 6271 St. Augustine Road.

The event is free, while day-of-show vehicle registration is $25. There will be a DJ, refreshments and plenty of door prizes given away. 

The community center, located between HUD-assisted San Jose Apartments I and II on Galicia Road, was named in honor of the late Bishop John J. Snyder. Many of the activities and services for the senior residents are held at the center, which doesn’t receive HUD assistance. The complex is managed by Family Housing Management Company for the Diocese of St. Augustine.

Last year’s event had a record field of 109 vehicles from various eras competing for awards in 12 classes, and a record $11,036for the center.

The San Jose Apartments board of directors and staff also secured support from additional sponsors and received generous donations at the show to propel this annual fundraiser over the $60,000 mark in total funding — $60,160 to be exact — since its inaugural show in 2016. With most of the sponsors returning and a new one coming on board, the car show is poised to surpass the $70,000 mark.

Alma Ballard, executive director/management agent of Family Housing Management Company, is appreciative of the support given to San Jose Apartments and the Bishop Snyder Center.

“I think the community supports their seniors and understand that there is a need and they rally behind us to make that happen,’’ Ballard said. “They know that we’re here to support the social wellbeing of the residents and the physical needs of the Snyder Community Center. And I think for some, it has been the highlight each year for them to come to this show and show their support.’’

Ballard and the board have done an outstanding job securing and retaining sponsorships on all levels.

“We couldn’t do without our sponsors,’’ Ballard said. “You get ‘X’amount of cars attending the show, but the true funds come in from the sponsors, who are friends, people that have heard about us or people within the community. They understand the need and they’re just so open and willing to support it. I don’t even have to just say, ‘Are you willing to do it again next year?’ And they’re like, ‘Yeah, sure.’ It’s amazing.’’

The show has also received invaluable help from the Jacksonville Car Culture, led by founder and president Chris Brewer. The group, which produces the monthly Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville cruise-in at The Avenues mall, agreed in 2022 to donate its time and resources to support the event.

“I think it just brought our show to another level,’’ Ballard said. “Chris has shared his contacts and knowledge with marketing and social media. And people know him. They respect him. And if Chris says, “It’s a good show and you need to come out and support this group,’ people do it.’’

“We are excited to once again help with this incredible fundraiser for the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center at San Jose Apartments for seniors,” Brewer said. “Our volunteer team always looks forward to this exciting automotive event. It is a joy to gather together on a Saturday morning in celebration of car culture while giving back to the community.”

Among the several longtime participants driven by the show’s cause are Tommy Entenza and Chris Diederich.

Entenza enjoys sharing his love of classic cars with fellow participants and showgoers of all ages.

“It’s in the neighborhood, so all your friends are out here,’’ Entenza said. “This show has a bunch of neat cars. They don’t have to be high-level, top-level concours cars. It’s just enjoyable and very casual. And, it’s raising money for a great cause — Cab-that’s the most important thing.’’

Entenza, who lives in the San Jose area, is hoping to bring his 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II “Silverthorn’’ and 1964 Silver Cloud III “Sir Gilbert.’’ In the past, he’s even shown off his 1954 Swallow Doretti — a three-time Amelia Concours veteran and class-award winner at the Amelia and San Jose shows.

As for Diederich, the San Jose Car & Truck Show is his kind of car event — it’s not too far from his Bartram home for him to drive his eye-catching 1946 Chevrolet COE (Cab-Over engine) wrecker. He’s had it for 20 years, spending five years restoring it.

“I like the little shows,’’ Diederich said. “I like the ones that are for charity.’’

Eric Thompson, general sales manager of Key Hyundai and Genesis, knows firsthand how the San Jose Car & Truck Show has grown over the years and what it means to the residents of San Jose Apartments. 

“It’s just a wonderful, wonderful program,’’ Thompson said. “Who would not want to support something like that? And the fact that the show itself is very eclectic, that there’s all kinds of interest there. You have the military section (vehicles from the First Florida Chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association); you have different car clubs that show up there; and you have one-offs. It’s just a lot of fun and it’s just a good time of the year where we all get together.’’

It’s also a great off-site venue for Key Auto Company and North Florida Lincoln — both part of the Lynch Automotive Group — to introduce their latest models to showgoers.

“I think that’s another reason why it’s a unique show because you have something for everybody there with the eclectic mix of cars that come there,’’ said Thompson, who’s been with Key since 1989. “And then also you have new cars that are there, which normally aren’t at any other kind of a car show. 

“It’s interactive almost, and it’s a lot of fun,’’ Thompson said. “And then certainly if they want to experience a brand-new car that’s just coming out on the market (like the totally redesigned 2024Hyundai Santa Fe) and the chance to see and experience it, they have all the opportunity to do that.’’

In an area of the state that has a crowded car calendar, the San Jose Car & Truck Show has done a solid job of building and sustaining a stellar reputation. 

The San Jose Apartments board of directors and staff have worked hard to secure sponsors for all 12 judged classes.

Walsh Investment Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network has enhanced its support of the show in 2024 and is the show’s platinum sponsor. Louis V. Walsh, IV, CFA is Managing Director — Investments for the practice and a firm believer in giving back to the community. He will be sponsoring the Best Truck (Pre-1980) award.

Returning as a gold sponsor is A-Coin & Stamp Gallery, located at 6217 St. Augustine Road. Owner Bill Hatchett is a rare coin and currency expert who has served Jacksonville for more than 40 years. He’s also a car enthusiast and sponsor of the Best of Show award.

Silver sponsors are Jerry and Kathy Weedon, also sponsors of the Best Mustang award; Jim and Joyce Dolan, also sponsors of the Best Import (Pre-1980) award; Morgran Mini Warehouses, also sponsor of the Best European (Pre-1980) award; Chris and Tabitha Wilkey, the new sponsors of the Best Corvette; Trad’sPest Control, also sponsor of the Best American (Pre-1980) award; and San Jose Knights of Columbus Council #12619, sponsor of the Raddest Rat Rod award

Returning as sponsor of the People’s Choice Award is the Mandarin Krispy Kreme store.

The second- and third-place ribbons are again being sponsored by The Forde Firm, LLC, a business and non-profit accounting firm.

Here’s a complete list of this year’s awards and show sponsors:

Best of Show: A-Coin & Stamp Gallery

Best American (Pre-1980): Trad’s Pest Control

Best Import: Joe and Mary DeSalvo

Best Import (Pre-1980): Jim and Joyce Dolan

Best Mustang: Kathy and Jerry Weedon

Best Modern Era Car: IMC

Best Corvette: Chris and Tabitha Wilkey

Best Truck: Jason Miller, attorney, Morgan & Morgan

Best Truck (Pre-1980): Walsh Investment Consulting

Best European: Sol Pool Services

Best European (Pre-1980): Morgran Mini Warehouses

Raddest Rat Rod: San Jose Knights of Columbus

People’s Choice Award: Mandarin Krispy Kreme

Ribbon Sponsor: The Forde Firm, LLC

For more information on car registration, contact Alma Ballard at (904) 632-1255 or aballard@ccbjax.org.