Classic Cars on Display to Support Karmanos’ Ongoing Research in Improved Treatments for Cancer

See one-of-a-kind classics like the 1954 Kaiser Darrin and the 1908 Peerless

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute will showcase 25 cars at this year's Classic Cars for the Cure event. On Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, browse through rows of hand-picked vehicles from some of the best collections across the country, including priceless concepts and museum cars. This one-of-a-kind fundraiser will take place at a private garage in Clawson and will support cancer research initiatives at Karmanos.

"We are excited to see the $1 million cars that are showcased at this event and for a wonderful evening supporting cancer research right here in Detroit," explained Deborah Savoie, Karmanos Cancer Foundation board member. "These vehicles are spectacular and we appreciate the owners who are showcasing their collections and giving up their time to help us raise critical funds for cancer research."

Among the speakers for the evening will be Boris Pasche, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, president and CEO at Karmanos. Dr. Pasche joined Karmanos in August 2023 and also holds the title of principal investigator of the National Cancer Institute's Comprehensive Cancer Center Core Grant and the chair of the Department of Oncology at Wayne State University School of Medicine. His goal for Karmanos is to become an undeniable leader in cancer research and treatment discoveries. He works closely with Karmanos scientists and Phase I Clinical Trials principal investigators to elevate and expand the amount of research currently taking place at the cancer center in Detroit.

Dr. Pasche is an experienced hematologist and medical oncologist with clinical specialties in treating gastrointestinal malignancies and hereditary cancer. His research focuses on cancer susceptibility and new therapies. In 2023, a medical device Dr. Pasche co-invented, TheraBionic P1, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.

At the classic car show, visitors can expect to see cars that have been handpicked by Al Trombetta, a local car aficionado. As a classic car collector himself, Trombetta's mother died of lung cancer, so assisting in this event is near and dear to his heart.

The collections that will be on display will showcase priceless concepts and museum cars, along with some classics. Owners and experts will be stationed to explain the uniqueness of each vehicle to attendees. Each vehicle has a story to tell, including a concept car from the General Motors Heritage Collection, a 1908 Peerless, a 1928 Auburn Boat Tail Speedster, a 1954 Kaiser Darrin, and more.

"We are impressed and very appreciative of Al's commitment to bring the community together for a Motor City-style event and raise funds for the critical research that our investigators do at Karmanos," said Arnold D'Ambrosio, Chief Development Officer for the Karmanos Cancer Foundation. "Our scientific and clinical researchers work daily to give patients the best opportunities they have in the fight against hundreds of cancers by discovering new therapies. Attending this event not only gives Michiganders an up-close look at some unique and classic cars, and interaction with the owners and fellow spectators who love high-quality vehicles, but it also brings in money to help Karmanos doctors and investigators continue to discover better treatment options for our loved ones, friends and neighbors."

The event will feature cuisine by Forte Belanger. The menu includes grilled flank steak, crostini, seared tuna, truffle flatbread, herb salt-crusted Angus beef tenderloin, crab cakes, and more. The dessert will be served in a 1950s-60s-style diner. Cocktails for the night include a signature mocktail called "The Medicine Chest." Christina and Stella will play favorite tunes from the 50s and 60s, as well as Motown hits, taking guests down memory lane as they dance the night away. Guests should dress in cocktail attire. Tickets can be purchased at karmanos.org/kcicars24.

For additional ways to support cancer research at Karmanos, visit karmanos.org/donate.