The Cars for Cops & Kids Car Show took place on June 4 at Verdugo Park in Glendale. The event was organized by the Rotary Club of Glendale Noon. Edwin Voskanian and Lt. Patrick Magtoto co-chaired the show and were assisted by dozens of volunteers from the Rotary Club and the community.

Since 2017 the events have raised over $295,000 for the Glendale Police Foundation and local at-risk youth programs. The 2023 Cars for Cops & Kids Car Show raised over $70,000 thanks to presenting sponsors Pacific BMW and Adventist Health Glendale and over 40 other local business sponsors.

“We are so thankful to our sponsors including Pacific BMW and Adventist Health Glendale, thankful to all the car registrants and lastly all the Rotarians of the Glendale Rotary Noon Club who contributed to this year‘s massive success,” said Voskanian.

Over 200 cars were on display parked on the grass of Verdugo Park under the shade of the sycamore trees. Forty trophies were awarded; among these were for best exotic, best American classic, best European classic, best off-road and more. City of Glendale Mayor Dan Brotman, Councilmember Paula Devine, Police Chief Manuel Cid and Fire Chief Timothy Ernst were present and awarded their favorite cars. In addition, dozens of police officers and firefighters were present giving tours of SWAT cars and fire engines and meeting with the families in the community.

“I’ve been volunteering my time designing all of the graphics and marketing for the Cars for Cops & Kids Car Show since 2017 and it’s something I look forward to every June,” said Rotarian Art Markarian. “Watching our annual car show grow each year and knowing it has raised hundreds of thousands for the vital at-risk youth programs in our community has been a truly fulfilling experience.”

The Dad’s Club of Verdugo Woodlands Elementary hosted a beer garden with beers from Brewyard, a Glendale-based brewery and Wines from Eight Wine Eight, a Glendale-based importer. The Boy Scouts of America Verdugo Hills Council held its Pinewood Derby at the car show where local troops competed against each other.

The Rotary Club of Glendale Noon is accepting new members. Learn more at www.glendalerotary.com.

Submitted by H. Art MARKARIAN