06/16/2025
💚 From the bottom of our hearts—thank you.
Our Executive Director, Josh Stewart, reflects on the overwhelming success of our 2025 event, the memories made, and the mission that drives us. Please take a moment to read and share.
đź“Ł A Message from the Heart
From Josh Stewart, Executive Director
Breaking The Stigma Charity Car Show – 2025 Recap
There are always a lot of emotions leading up to this event. For me, it’s never just about planning a car show—it’s about remembering my son, Corey. This event started from the deepest kind of loss, and while it hurts, it’s also what drives me. I want Corey to be remembered for the joy he brought into the world, not just the struggles he faced. And I want others to know that help is out there. That they’re not alone.
This year, we broke records—300 vehicles and nearly 1,000 people came out to support our cause. But it’s not the numbers that hit me most—it’s the faces, the stories, the quiet moments. The trophy ceremony especially gets to me every year. So many of the people there have been affected by mental health struggles or su***de. When we hand out those awards, there’s more than pride—there’s pain, there’s love, there’s healing.
I want to start by thanking the people who make this event possible. Our board members, coordinators, and volunteers—you all show up with full hearts and open hands. You work tirelessly behind the scenes, show up early, stay late, and give it everything you’ve got. I see you. And I’m grateful beyond words. This is not a one-man show—it’s a family effort. A community effort.
I also want to take a moment to thank all of the incredible teams who made the day run smoothly from start to finish:
Our front gate team kept the flow of cars moving in quickly and efficiently.
The spectator parking crew did a fantastic job guiding attendees where to park and how to enter the event without confusion.
The show car parking team knocked it out of the park—lining up vehicles perfectly so judging could be done smoothly and fairly.
Our registration team made sure each participant got their window tags and goody bags without a hitch.
The merchandise team did an amazing job getting our gear—shirts, hats, stickers, and more—into the hands of those who wanted to support the cause.
Our Prize Auction team worked hard behind the scenes, securing over 130 awesome prizes and making sure winners received them quickly and with a smile.
Our floating team who did an amazing job making sure to relive people from their posts so that they could take a break!
The Security team for making sure that everyone attending was calm and taken care of if an issues, which thankfully there were none! Also for stepping up and driving folks around who needed assistance!
And finally, to everyone who helped with set-up and tear-down—thank you for hustling. It’s no small task, but with your help, we pulled it off.
A sincere thank-you as well to the Lake County Fairgrounds for being such gracious hosts and continuing to allow us to use this incredible space for an event that grows bigger every year.
To our sponsors—all 32 of you—thank you. Your support didn’t just help us put on a great show, it helped us reach hearts and raise awareness. Businesses like yours are the backbone of communities, and your belief in our mission means the world. A very special thank-you to All Star Awards & Apparel, who returned again this year as our Title Sponsor and have been with us since the beginning. Your continued dedication reminds us that this isn’t just our mission—it’s a shared one.
To our amazing vendors and food trucks—thank you for helping create such a fun, welcoming environment. I overheard so many people talking about the food and the handmade goods—it’s become something folks really look forward to.
A very special thank-you goes out to those who helped us create our incredible, one-of-a-kind trophies. These weren’t just awards—they were works of art. KNL Engineering crafted the metalwork, First Time Automotive handled nearly all of the beautiful paintwork, and All Star Awards & Apparel completed them with stunning plaques. These trophies are the kind of thing you want to show off in your garage or man cave. And honestly, I hope those who received one take it with them to other shows—not just to display it, but to tell the story of where it came from. To keep spreading the word that mental health matters, and that help is out there.
To Bruce, our Emcee—you brought life to the show. The music, the words, the energy… you helped set a tone of encouragement and community, and we appreciate you more than you know.
To those who took part in the Memory Corner, or who shared their stories—thank you for your courage. I know how hard it is to open those wounds. I hope you felt your loved ones were honored with the dignity and love they deserve.
And to the Lake County Crime Prevention Task Force—thank you for putting together such an incredible Touch-A-Truck display. It was a hit, especially with the kids, and it added so much to the atmosphere of the day. Speaking of the kids—I really hope everyone enjoyed the Kids Zone. We’re working hard to make this event family-friendly and welcoming for all ages.
To our photographers and media team—you captured some powerful moments. I can’t wait to share those images with everyone. Thank you for helping us hold onto the heart of this day.
To everyone who brought a vehicle, stood beside us, or simply came to listen and learn—you’re part of this movement now. Our judges had their hands full this year. They told me not only did we hit our highest numbers yet, but the quality of the vehicles blew them away. You all brought your A-game, and it showed.
At the end of the day, I hope this event did more than entertain. I hope it moved you to check in on someone. To ask the tough questions. To be a little gentler with your words. To be a little more open when someone says they’re struggling.
We’ll be announcing the final amount raised for our friends at NAMI Lake County very soon—and I know it’s going to make a big impact.
Someone once told me our team are warriors. And they’re right. But we’re not finished. This is Corey’s legacy, but it’s also yours. My dream is that someday, someone will come up to us and say:
“Because of your show, I stayed. I reached out. I chose to keep going.”
That’s why we do this. That’s why we’ll keep doing this.
With all my heart—thank you.
— Josh Stewart
Executive Director
Breaking The Stigma Charity Car Show
