As with all growth, sometimes the old sites need to be left behind.
Our main website is now: https://adventuresofacargirl.mypixieset.com/
I hope you will continue to follow the journey.
MINI on the Mack 2023
The 2023 season has brought me to a lot of MINI centered events. My 2013 MINI was my first car and it has been fun to return to that world.
The trip started In St Ignace a day before the festivities of MINI on the Mack would commence. Since we arrived so late after driving all night, we would begin the journey the next day.
Friday brought a trip to Mackinac Island. We took the Mackinac Island Ferry across the water to the small island inhabited by 800 people full time. The rest of the seasons are filled with tourists visiting this historic place. No cars are allowed on this small island, and the only mode of transportation is by bicycle or horse drawn carriage. All in all, the little shops, restaurants, and beautiful homes make this island a lovely place to vacation.
After a day on the island, many of our other friends who would be attending the event had arrived and we all grabbed dinner together.
6AM came early as the cars began to line up to attempt to break the record for MINI Cars crossing the bridge at once. It was quite a site to see 1100 MINIs all lined up. I had attended MINI Takes the States in 2014, but I still had never seen so many MINIs in one place.
The final count was 1124 MINIs. We sadly did not beat the record, but had a good time just the same.
See you next time MINI on the Mack!
Until next time.
Motor on.
MINI at The Glen 2023
MINI at The Glen takes place every year at Watkins Glen International hosted by MINI USA. I was fortunate to be able to attend this year. For quite some time I had taken a step back from the MINI community to focus on more all inclusive car events. But I can never forget my roots and where my adventure started.
A couple of my long time MINI friends and myself headed out to Upstate NY on a Friday morning. The view of green valleys and hills was just what I needed to decompress for the weekend. We arrived in Corning, NY where we would stay for the night. The attendees gathered at Seneca Lodge for some food and drink before the main event the following morning. Seneca Lodge is full of history, signed flags and baseball hats cover the walls. “In 1951, the first NFAA tournament was held in Watkins GLen, taking place at the Watkins Glen State Park and Seneca Lodge Properties. My. B (owner) invited the winners of the tournament to shoot an arrow in the lodge wall, beginning a tradition which still continues.” After mingling with some old friends and meeting some new ones, we headed back to the hotel for the evening.
Saturday July 15th brought on the main event. Everyone met at Torrey Ridge Winery before rallying to Wakins Glen. Torrey Ridge had MINI themed wines that could be purchased as a great souvenir.
Here are the MINIs lined up waiting to take off.
Once we arrived at Wakins Glen, it was time to relax and party.
Inside the main house, there was wonderful spread of food, a DJ and a view the current track day that was happening. A member of the JCW Racing Team and one of the cars was also present.
Once everyone had their fill and they gave out some prizes, it was time for the parade laps on this historic track. Here’s just a few photos of the couple hundred MINIs that took their turn.
I had a great time at my first MINI at The Glen. I got to spend time with good friends and meet some new ones as well.
Until next time.
Motor On.
Laconia Motorcycle Week 2023 – 100 Years
Laconia Motorcycle week is a staple in the New England state of New Hampshire. Bikers from across the country, and even other parts of the world, gather in the white mountain region to enjoy a week of riding on two wheels.
Being a relatively new rider, I was excited and nervous to see Bike Week in action. I have lived in NH practically my whole life, and we always avoided the area when Bike Week was happening. During a cruise I lead in a previous year, I had seen a small taste of it, and knew one day I would get to experience it first hand.
Riding a motorcycle, much like autocross, requires a clear head and focus. I can recall being out on the track. Nothing else mattered but the course in front of me. Riding a motorcycle gives a sense clear headedness that doesn’t come with driving a car. To be blunt, the second you take your focus off the road, you may end up in a ditch. That being said, riding a motorcycle is freeing and unlike anything I have ever experienced with a motor to date.
Sunday marked my day to take on Bike Week. I joined a friend and family to ride up to Weirs Beach. I felt like I was riding in a gang, which is the only way I can describe what it feels like to ride in a group with other Harley enthusiasts. As we approached the beach, the roar of v-twins filled the air. Thousands of motorcyclists were gathering and already gathered to kick off the week.
Having only walked Weirs Beach strip during family trips, it was odd to see it lined with bikes two rows deep. Vendor tents were set up on the sidewalks and across the street in the old drive-in theater lot. Road glides, choppers, performance, sports bikes, something for everyone was present. The Harley Davidson presence is overwhelming and amazing to witness.
Later in the week, we headed to Gunstock to watch the EastCoastin Stunt Show and the Hillclimb. The Gunstock Hill Climb consisted of a virtually 90 degree hillclimb to the summit. Some conquered the challenge and some fell just a tad short.
The stunt show brought back the feeling I had when I witnessed the Hoonigan Burn Box at SEMA just 8 months ago. The sound of wide open throttles and burning tires got everyone there excited.
Here’s a few shots from the day.
With Bike Week coming to a close, I am already looking forward to next years events.
Cheers to the 100th!
Motor on.
Amelia Concours 2023
Hello beautiful people. It has been a little bit since my last post. The winter months in New England are long and uneventful. I have started to travel to warmer areas during this time to experience what other parts of the country have to offer. The beginning of March brought about The Amelia Concours on Amelia Island in Fernandina Beach, FL.
The kickoff to The Amelia begins on Thursday, with a preview of the beautiful cars up for auction with the Broad Arrow Group.
My Journey with The Amelia begins on Saturday, March 4th. I stayed in Jacksonville, about 45 minutes out from Amelia Island. The early morning drive to the event was beautiful. Driving over bridges with the ocean on both sides all while the sun was rising was a breathtaking site. I was greeted with an unfortunately rainy show field once I arrived, but that didn’t stop anyone. Hundreds of cars were on display for eager attendees to view. The weekend kicks off with Cars and Community which includes an array of vehicles featuring, Concours d’Lemons, Radwood, Cars and Caffeine and an array of vendors.
The rain didn’t phase many of these show goers, as ponchos and umbrellas started popping up all over the field. However, being with camera gear, I took shelter from the rain as it passed overhead. Once subsided, there was an amazing array of classic, modern, and super cars.
My favorite section of the Saturday event had to be Radwood. These late 80s and 90s cars really hold a special place in the hearts of many. Us millennials appreciate the cars we grew up with.
Having just a small taste of what I would surely be in awe of for the concours got me really excited.
Sunday morning came early. A few new friends I had met the day before suggested that I get to the event early because once the event opens up to the public it can become chaotic.
As I thought, I was purely in awe of the vehicles as they pulled in to take their spots for the day. Some were already in the process of being judged for the award ceremony later that afternoon. I walked around and took in all the amazing views. A site worth noting was Cunnigham’s three corvettes from the Le Mans race in 1960. Numbers 1, 2 and 3 had not been together for 63 years.
When the award ceremony rolled around, there was no doubt why some of these vehicles were top of their class. Here are just some of the winners.
The Best in Show winner of the Concours D’Elegance was the 1935 Voisin Aerodyne and the Best ion Show winner of the Concours de Sport was 1964 Ferrari 250 LM(Le Mans).
This event was a great way to kick off the season for myself and do what I love. Travel, photograph and just be around cars.
Until next time.
Motor on.
You can view the full album of photos and show your support on my website: https://adventuresofacargirl.smugmug.com/Concours-Events/The-Amelia/The-Amelia-2023
Follow me for more adventures on Instagram and TikTok : @adventuresofacargirl
CES 2023 : Be In It
The start of my journey at CES 2023 proved to be different from my typical automotive events. While there are many avenues where the two intersect, it is interesting to also see another realm of interest.
The Las Vegas Strip was MUCH busier than when I was there for SEMA 2022. You could tell that something was going on the moment I landed at Harry Reid International. Representatives for CES were waiting at the arrival gates to give people directions(and snacks) on where they could pick up their badges.
My flight in from Boston was packed with attendees for this year’s show. The badge pickup process proved itself to be painless, as I was curious how having various pickup locations across the strip would work out. Once my badge was in hand, I made my way to The Flamingo, my temporary home for the week.
Thursday brought the first official day of CES 2023. I started my day with a press release with ASAKA the first helicopter/car hybrid. This is their first fully functional prototype. It is the first 4 seater hybrid that can travel by both land, and air. It is a fully electric aircraft and can travel up to 250 miles on a single charge. Flying cars were predicted long ago, but this is the first of its kind in the world, and I was able to experience it first hand.
The ASKA eVTOL has the potential to make history. Focussed on safety first, they are wanting this to be viewed as the future of a family vehicle with its four passenger capability. But beyond that, it also has tremendous potential for military use, first responders and on demand mobility services.
So how does it all work? The ASKA is powered by a proprietary power system that features lithium battery packs and also has a gasoline engine that acts as a range extender. It features all wheel drive while in driving mode. In flying mode, the wings with six rotors unfold, and allow it to take off vertically, or the conventionally on a runway. Safety was a top priority for designers. In case of an emergency, the large wings can act as gliders to guide the vehicle to safety. I am excited to see where this prototype will be in the future. Full scale testing has been scheduled to start after the end of CES 2023 a preorders are expected in 2026.
Next was the release with Vinfast of their new VF 6 and VF7 Electric Vehicles “Vinfast is one of the world’s most innovative automakers and working together to rapidly deploy Vayyar’s technology is proving to be a rewarding experience,” said Ian Podkamien, Vayyar Vice President and Head of Automotive. “We’re proud to be part of the VinFast story and anticipate great success for the OEM, underpinned by rock-solid safety.”
They unveiled the new VF 6 and VF 7. The VF 6 is small all electric SUV. It has a maximum range of 248 miles, 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The plus version has 237 mile range, 201 horsepower and 228 lb-ft torque. lso mes equipped with a 12.9-inch touchscreen display to showcase all in-car entertainment.
THe VF 7 is slightly larger, and has a longer range of 280 miles on a full charge, 201 horsepower, and 228 ft torque. The Plus version has AWD, a 268 mile range, 348 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. A much peppier version of its counterpart.
Still being weary of the EV market, these two cars were elegantly designed, and not very large. Even though they are considered SUVs, they are small on the outside, and roomy on the inside. Every inch of space is well thought out and used to the best of its ability. Madam Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vingroup Vice Chairwoman and CEO of VinFast Holdings said: “VinFast always strives to bring diverse vehicle options to meet the demands of most customers, while pushing the transition from ICE to all-electric vehicles. VinFast’s VF 6 and VF 7 are models that combine the elements of style, modern technology and outstanding technology in an efficient and fun package. I believe that these models will resonate well with young customers who are passionate about technology and exhilarating driving experiences.”
Up next was to go see the Autonomous Vehicle that would be racing it’s way around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Friday night and all day Saturday. This autonomous vehicles won the challenge at the last event. It is totally reliant on it’s programming and can drive 150+ mph on the track without any light.
There are a slew of other autonomous vehicles, from being able to drive passengers to and from work in major cities, to delivering groceries and packages with no need for a driver. John Deer has a line of autonomous agricultural equipment, and Hyundai has entered into the water powered realm that will fuel their electric vehicles at bays built in the ocean using the power generated by water.
The first day at CES was a success. The next day I took a deep dive into the audio and video technology that was in Central Hall. Autel created a drone that allows fire and rescue, law enforcement and other such professions to monitor dangerous situations from the air. It allows for them to get an idea of what is going on, without risking sending a person up in the air. With more than 2 hours of flight time and an 18 mile range, this drone will more than likely change the future of how we can monitor from the skys.
Afeela, the lovechild of Sony and Honda looks to be the future of integrated technology that you are not only able to interact with, but interacts with you. With AI that recognizes who is in the driver’s seat and how many people are in the car, it adjust to the presets that the driver previously set. The prototype is still in the development stages, but it is set to be up for preorder in 2024 and delivered to it’s buyers in 2025.
Friday night brought the Lights Out event with Luminar at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. One out of the 9 autonomous Indy cars would take to the track in the pitch black. A team of programmers from several schools across the country and from other parts of the world, each programmed a car to drive the track without a driver. The AI learns the track, and also learns from the other car that it may be competing against. The thing I find interesting here is that these indy cars have real engines still and are not electric, so we still get to enjoy that familiar roar as it drives down the track. Though I feel like these autonomous vehicles being tested, electric ones may not be far behind.
Saturday the 4th annual Indy Autonomous Challenge at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Nine teams from 6 countries and representing 17 Universities came to Las Vegas seeking to win the Autonomous Challenge at CES, built only 7 advanced to Saturday’s challenge. THe rules required that each team qualify in a high-speed race car time trial in a head-to-head passing competition. PoliMOVE, Politecnico di Milano and University of Alabama, won the Autonomous Challenge at CES and set a new world record for the racetrack. Their car reached a maximum speed of 180 mph. Congratulations to the team for all of their hard work!
Day two was complete, and there was still a ton left to see. WIth so many new, innovative and just all around interesting products to see, it was not possible to see them all. So here are the few that I really enjoyed.
Being an avid traveler, and looking in to energy sources for future van life traveling, Geneverse new and existing products really caught my eye. Compact and portable generators are a must if you enjoy camping and traveling in either a conversion van, or even an RV. As we all know, electric hookups are not always available, and in case of emergencies, it is always good to have a backup. Geneverse is one of the most affordable and reliable that are out there on the market. They introduced their HomePower PRO series at CES, the most efficient solar power battery in the industry to date. It can power up to 99% of home appliances in a traditional home setting, and keep it powers for 3-7 days depending on usage. The PRO series can power a refrigerator for up to 30 hours, ensuring you don’t lose your food, 12-16 full laptop. charges and 150-200 cell phone charges.
There are several models in Geneverse’s new PRO lineup; HomePower ONE Pro has a capacity of 1210Wh of capacity, 1200W of rated power and 2400W of surge power, all at $1,499. The HomePower ONE PRO with 2x Solar Panels is $2,599. THe HomePower TWO PRO has 2419 Wh of capacity, 2200W of rated power and 4400W of surge power for $2,499 and HomePower TWO PRO with Solar Panels is $4,799. Either of these two units can be fully charged in 1-2 hours bty wall outlet, or 3-4 hours by solar. A very quick charge time compared to some of its competitors. The units are easy to set up, and completely portable making it best for families, camping, the elderly and RV/Vans. I am looking forward to see how this unit will fare on a week long road trip I will be taking later this year.
mymanu is another company that caught my attention. They currently have their Clik S wireless earbuds that can translate in 37 language in real time. Coupled with their app, you are able to communicate with anyone in their native language seamlessly. The buds can translate in real time. The app allows you to speak into it in your native language and translate back to them in their native language. One thin I found highly beneficial about their app is that it translate back to them with the proper grammar. In a language like SPanish for example they tend to say, “seis cerdoes rosas,” which literally translates to “six pigs pink.” mynanu software allows for the correct punctuation be translated to the other party, very much unlike google translate which often butchers the translations. The Clik S buds are available now, and I will definitely picking up a pair for my future international travels. They also have the TItan, that is currently in the works and available for preorder. It is the world’s first voice-controlled eSim-power pair of earbuds, making the need to carry your phone around 24/7 a thing of the past. Such exciting pieces of tech to keep us connected on another level.
SK Group along with its global partners presented some of the world’s top eco-friendly carbon reduction technologies at CES. With more than 40 new related technologies, let’s cover a few. One, and maybe one of the most important, is the Waste to Resources segment of their display. Plastics, metals and batteries have become a huge problem with waste. SK plans to establish an advanced recycling cluster in Ulsan, Korea with full operation by the end of 2025. The cluster will be abkle to recycle 250 thousand tons of plastic waste each year. SK is aiming to be the world’s largest urban oil field company, while adopting game-changing chemical recycling technology to recycle plastics and turn them into petroleum resources. We only have one earth, and it was very exciting to see companie such as SK looking towards a better future in preserving and taking care of it.
Within SK’s booth was Cala Trio. A wearable device that can help with hand tremors. This caught my eye because my grandfather had tremors from years of working with his hands in a factory. Tremors are often caused by misfiring signals in the brain to you hand/wrist. More often than not, this can only be corrected by brain surgery. With the wearable device from Cala Trio, it send electrical impulses to the brain from your wrist to correct the issues and gives similar results without the risk of surgery. The device also stores and displays information so that you can see information in real time and share it with your doctor.
ADT Commercial, one of the leading security providers partnered with Halodi Robotics who introduced their first security robot at CES. This robot combines AI and augmented reality. This marks a significant step forward for ADT when it comes to to their commercial expansion into the guarding market. The humanoid robot would be controlled by a security guard and would be able to do things such as, conduct autonomous patrols in commercial facilities, perform two way communication, open doors and operate elevators, interact with employees, inspect and remove hazards or obstructions, self dock and self charge at designated stations. This a huge step in the right direction for security as some 80% of alarms are all false. It dismisses the need for a security guard to leave their post, allowing for better 24/7 security in any commercial facility.
Prinker, an honoree at CES for Mobile Devices and Accessories, was in attendance showing off their temporary tattoo printer. The device makes it easy to create and apply water resistant, but soap-washable tattoos to the skin, making it the perfect device for festivals, seeing what a more permanent tattoo may look like and many more fun, creative avenues.
Kohler’s booth smelled too good to pass up, so I did a brief walkthrough. One of their focuses was on shower infused aromatherapy. They have universal shower head attachments that allow you to infuse aromatherapy into your shower. I just might be investing in one of them. An aromatherapy shower sounds wonderful after being at a track or event all day.
Govee, interactive light displays, also had a very interesting setup at CES. Coupled with their app, their light fixtures can display photos, sync to music and even display you own personal designs that you either upload to the app, or draw within the app. It can also sync to your gaming and display the colors and flash to your in game experiences. I hope to get my hands on this product soon as they are launching new products in the coming months
The last of the products that I found interesting were the ones that TCL had on display. On top of TCL becoming one of the more affordable and high quality brands of TVs, they are also developing their RayNeo X2 – AR Glasses. They are the world’s first to realize binocular full-color Micro-LED optical waveguide display in AR Glasses. These AR glasses are lightweight and look like regular glasses without compromising on tech specs. It is your all in on assistant for smart navigation and auto translation to photography and music play. They are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 platform. THe GPS navigation system uses simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) together with gesture recognition. The bluetooth enabled on-screen message and call notifications allows you to stay up to date wherever you go. The RayNeo X2 also breaks down language barriers, translating in real time and displaying subtitles on the glasses screen, allowing avid travelers, such as myself, build those important connections. The built in hands-free camera also allows users to create content from a first person perspective, giving your viewers a more personal look into what you are experiencing. These will be available for purchase around the the end of the March 2023. Yet another product I am excited to get my hands on!
After my hands on experience at the Autonomous Challenge, I didn’t think that anything could beat that. On Sunday, the final day of CES, I made my way over to the BMW and Volkswagen booth. Two that I, unintentionally saved for the very end. BMW released its i Vision Dee. Dee or Digital Emotional Experience is a profound concept for BMW Group. This enables a completely new type of interaction and communication between yourself and your vehicle. “With the BMW i Vision Dee, we are showcasing what is possible when hardware and software merge. In this way, we are able to exploit the full potential of digitalisation to transform the car into an intelligent companion. That is the future for automotive manufacturers – and, also, for BMW: the fusion of the virtual experience with genuine driving pleasure,” said Oliver Zipse. The BMW i Vision Dee connects with us on an emotional level and is also intelligent enough to anticipate where we may want to go based on previous drives.
Dee is considered as the “Ultimate Companion.” Humans and cars already have a special kind of relationship for those of us that understand what that means. The emotional relationship that BMW Group and the BMW brand is trying to build here is going to define that bond even more. Dee will adapt to the driver’s habits, and will suggest destinations and entertainment. Dee will become a companion to its driver, a sort of “best friend” that can be relied on.
“A BMW lives by its unparalleled digital performance. BMW i Vision Dee is about perfect integration of virtual and physical experiences. Whoever excels at integrating the customer’s everyday digital worlds into the vehicle at all levels will succeed in mastering the future of car-building,” says Frank Weber, BMW AG Board Member for Development.
On top of the 9 different facial expressions that allows it to interact with its environment, it also has the ability to change its color and design inside and out. The future of BMW Group is electric, circular and digital. Further development on the Ultimate Driving Companion will be released throughout 2023.
Volkswagen had a new electric vehicle of their own, the ID. 7. It is VW first all electric sedan based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) featuring smart camouflage. This multilayered paintwork is able to create light effects on areas of the vehicle. “With the new ID.7, we are rounding off the top end of our electric model range. The sedan will offer top-class technology and quality. The ID.7 is one of ten new electric models that we are planning to launch by 2026. Our goal? To offer suitable products for our customers in every segment.” Thomas Schäfer CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
The ID. 7 features a digital camouflage design with unique luminous paintwork, 40 layers of paint with 22 areas of the vehicle that can be activated individually, and a unique QR code that acts as an bridge between the physical world and digital one. Set to release in 2023, it is not the only product that VW is expecting to turn heads in their direction. With several other all electric vehicles on the way, it is no doubt that VW will be another leading competitor in the all electric and fully customizable future of the automotive industry.
So what was your favorite product in my personal lineup? With thousands of products available at the show, it was impossible to cover them all. I hand picked the few areas that I thought were making big differences in how we will communicate with each other, our cars, and the world around us. Technology is advancing in unimaginable directions, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for us. If you attended CES what was your favorite new product?
Until next time.
Motor on.
Memento Vivere
Memento Vivere is the latin term meaning, “Remeber to live.”
In the tragic wake of beloved Ken Block’s death, I feel even more compelled to live the life that I want to live. His most recent story released before his death, “Go Fast Risk Every Thang,” struck a chord within me. Life is so fragile, and so short. It is not worth playing pretend and doing anything less than what makes your heart and soul sing. Ken Block was a master behind the wheel and his ruthless driving style, absolute control and positive outlook made him the legend that we will all remember.
As I begin my first solo trip out to Las Vegas, Nevada, I have never felt more at home and at peace. But my sense of being at home and peace is not a place, its within myself. I know that what I am doing is feeding my soul and keeping it alive. My reckless, unconventional and, the word I’ve been described with so many times, impulsive lifestyle has taken me places that I never would’ve thought possible. Trust the process, is a phrase I have adopted and once I began to let go and allow whatever to come to me to come to me, it all started to fall into place.
It is so easy to get lost in the noise and distractions that plague us every day. It is even harder to stay focused on the reason that you are here. Right now, in this moment, we are alive. Every moment presents a new opportunity and a decision to do something, anything. What have you always wanted to do? To see? To go? Make it happen. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, or even the next minute.
I have no real game plan for this week. A few things have been scheduled here and there for events and reveals that I do not want to miss, but I am simply open to whatever will present itself. The future is unknown, and how exciting is that? Take risks. We are all guaranteed death, don’t forget to live.
Until next time.
Motor on.
Best of 2022
2022 has been one of the most exciting years yet. Regardless of all the struggles and hardships that this year also brought for me, I was able to capture and be part of some incredible moments. This post was inspired by a fellow blogger who suggest I do a visual publication of what I experienced this year. For this last blog post of year, here is the best of my 2022.
Here’s to the 2023 year being even more exciting, unexpected and wonderful than 2022.
Until next year!
Motor on.
Toyo Tires x Leen Customs
Hansel Echeverria, founder of Leen Customs based out of LA is a collectible Pin creator of all our favorite cars, from the super cars, to rally racers and everything in between.
His first design was based off of a 2004 Rally Subaru. For him, it was a question of whether or not he should be doing this. Pins were up and coming, and they were popular in the car community already. It was not until he went to Design Con in LA that he realized that pins were very popular. He bought a few to commemorate his trip and then decided to move forward with making car pins. There were all of these popular car cult classic, such as Fast and Furious, and there was no one out there creating something like pins for the fan base.
His initial few drops sold out before 9AM. A response he was just not expecting. From there, it has all been up and up. He partnered with Toyo Tires to do collaboration on their SEMA cars from 2019 along with a few others. He pitched an idea to SEMA to do a limited edition set of pins to give away at the SEMA show for cars that are displayed in Toyo Treadpass at the week long event. The idea was to highlight the builds of these great car enthusiasts and give the fans something they could take back with them along with the great memories.
The fan base for Leen Customs has been incredible over the years. Attendees of SEMA stood in line for hours just to get their hands on these beloved pins created by Hansel.
Here are a few of the builds that were on display and their tiny pin counterparts.
Thank you so much Toyo Tires and Leens Customs for making such a great partnership that we can all enjoy. See you next year SEMA 2023!
Until next time.
Motor On.
Kittie’s Warriors Foundation
During trips and time away, I am often reminded of how lucky I am. It is easy to get caught up in the misery of day to day life. I have met people on my adventures that are so incredible in what they have built, that it humbles me.
At MCACN in Rosemont, IL, I came across one vendor that caught my eye, Kittie’s Warriors Foundation. Being at a car convention, it was different to see a vendor that was not necessarily car related. They were here for a purpose, a mission. I needed to know more.
The Schmidt families matriarch was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. This rocked the very foundation of the family, leaving them with many unanswered questions and lot of concern. Kittie fought, as any warrior would do, for herself and for the family that she loved so dearly. When she transitioned in 2013, she left a lasting impression on her family, and anyone that knew her.
It prompted the birth of new life, Kittie’s Warriors Foundation. This 501(c)(3) is a non-profit organization, dedicated to helping cancer patients in need. A large portion of funds goes towards cancer research every year with the hopes that a cure will be found, but in the meantime, there is a need for support on an individual level as well. KWF is able to continue their work by monetary donations, and the sale of art that is also donated to them. All proceeds go directly to the grant program to help individuals who are in financial need while they go through one of the most difficult times of their life. With so many decision that need to be made, a financial burden should not be weighing on their mind as well. Kittie’s Warriors Foundations helps lessen that load and be there for them in their time of most need.
The colorful display at MCACN brings awareness to all types of cancer. The foundation received beautiful donations to set up at their booth for MCACN.
If you are able to donate to this foundation, please do so.
https://www.kittieswarriors.org/take-action
If you are a creator, you can also donate your artwork to them so that they are able to continue selling these colorful pieces and bring awareness to all type of cancers.
There is a warrior in all of us, and we can make the difference together.
Until next time.
Motor on.
Adventures of a Car Girl 