Flashback ...CARDIAC Car Show

A moment I’ll never forget...

In 2019, the CARDIAC Car Show was held at our local Home Depot. It was a great location for an awesome event. But what stuck with me wasn’t just the cars—it was an act of kindness from a driver and his wife that I never saw coming.

Fast forward to 2024, I had the chance to reconnect with that same driver and his wife, who had unknowingly helped me years earlier. They’re returning participants, but I never reminded them how we first met.

I’m not sure why I kept quiet, especially knowing how appreciative I’ve been to have them involved in my shows ever since. Even when I was interviewed by the local media, I stood where their cars could be my backdrop. They didn’t remember our brief encounter at another car show just south of us—but I never forgot.

What Happened?

In short, someone was adamant about not accepting a flyer I was handing out to promote my upcoming show. Which was both his prerogative and a first ever that had happened.

“Hello,” I said. “May I share a flyer with you? I’d like to invite you to. . .” “Nah!” he answered. I chuckled, thinking he was joking until I saw the seriousness in his expression and body language. It was a contentious election season. So what else is new?

I had mapped out my plan not only for approaching exhibitors to introduce the CARDIAC Car Show, but also for navigating the large number of cars from start to finish single-handedly so I could return to my waiting vehicle.

Just then, another driver reached out his hand, motioned toward me, and said, “Let me see what you got.” He leaned over and shared the flyer with his wife. There was more to that moment, but what matters most is that their support came just in time to give me the motivation I needed to keep going.

As you may recall, I promote our car show from Tifton to McDonough, to carry on the legacy of the health initiative Chip worked so hard to build in person. That particular show field had nearly 200 cars. I was alone and exhausted yet determined to share our story, the “why,” and invite drivers to Warner Robins. I didn’t want to lose him, or the fine people we’d met along the way.

You never know where you help will come from.

I believe it's true that sometimes the most meaningful support comes from people you don’t know, or who don’t even realize the impact they’ve made. These moments may seem small to some, but they carry weight. They restore faith. I'm motivated just writing this message for you. I hope that it resonates with anyone who’s ever felt alone in their journey.

To that couple: Thank you. You reminded me that grace shows up in the most unexpected ways. I'm grateful.

HOME DEPOT, W. ROBINS - 115 REGISTERED DRIVERS