Classic Cars for the Cure: A Celebration of Vintage Automobiles and Cancer Research
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is set to host the third annual
Classic Cars for the Cure event on
Saturday, September 20, 2025. This much-anticipated gala promises to unite vintage car enthusiasts for a memorable evening where automotive passion meets a noble cause: funding cancer research efforts.
Tickets are currently available for an evening that celebrates Michigan's automotive heritage and supports life-changing research at Karmanos.
An Event to Remember
Located at a private garage on
1330 North Crooks Rd, Clawson, guests attending the event will enjoy an evening filled with entertainment, delightful food, and, most importantly, a showcase of classic cars that many only dream of seeing up close. Deborah Savoie, from the Karmanos Cancer Institute Board of Directors, expressed her excitement, stating, "This year's Classic Cars for the Cure is something we all will long remember. While enjoying this wonderful experience with friends, we’re also raising crucial funds for local cancer research."
Attendees can expect a
strolling supper expertly crafted by Forte Belanger, music from the vibrant
'50s and '60s era by Stella and her band Intrigue, and a special performance that includes dance and swing lessons from the Oakland University Dance Team. Guests will also be treated to desserts served in a nostalgic 1950s diner setting, adding to the event’s charm.
Showcasing Rare Automobiles
Classic Cars for the Cure continues to gain popularity as a must-attend event. Al Trombetta, who serves as the automobile curator for the event, has meticulously gathered a collection of
25 rare classic cars from esteemed museums and car collectors. As an avid collector himself, Trombetta's involvement is deeply personal, as he lost his mother to lung cancer. He expressed, “Bringing the community together for this Motor City-style event means a lot to me. It’s all about supporting Karmanos and helping raise funds that foster critical research.”
In addition to the distinctive vehicles, guests can look forward to several concept cars, showcasing the visionary extremes of automotive design, along with “interactive” features that include a segment called “What's My Line?” This initiative allows guests to engage directly with researchers about their important work at Karmanos.
Spotlight Speakers
The event will feature guest speakers, including
Boris Pasche, M.D., Ph.D., who is the president and CEO at Karmanos. Dr. Pasche, a dedicated oncologist with expertise in gastrointestinal malignancies, aims to position Karmanos as a leader in cancer research and innovation. He has been pivotal in advancing research opportunities and enhancing treatment options available to cancer patients. Notably, recent advancements include the
TheraBionic P1, a medical device he co-invented that has received FDA approval to treat advanced liver cancer.
Dress Code and Tickets
Classic Cars for the Cure kicks off at
7 PM and runs until
10:30 PM. Attendees are encouraged to don cocktail attire or embrace the spirit of the
1950s and 1960s era with themed outfits. Tickets to this special night are priced at
$250 each, serving as a donation towards the lifesaving work of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit
karmanos.org/cars25.
Join us as we celebrate the beauty of classic cars and the determination to find cures for cancer, making strides towards a future free from this disease. Let's come together for an evening of nostalgia, camaraderie, and hope, while contributing to a cause that impacts countless lives.