Cruizin' for a Cause kicks off season with classic cars, tunes

SPRING SOCIAL: Louie Annunciata, right, who owns this 1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air, chats with Johnston Street Machines official Anthony Ferranti during last week’s season-opening night of Cruizin’ for a Cause.

Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine

CLASSIC CARS: Alan Manocchio of Johnston, left rear, chats with Rich Esposito, who owns this classic 1953 MGDT.

ON TWO WHEELS: There were even motorcycles on display during the Johnston Street Machines Cruizin’ for a Cause.

OPENING NIGHT: David “Joe Pesci” Berardis brought his unique yellow and white 1977 Cadillac Coup DeVille to last week’s opening night of Cruizin’ for a Cause.

Posted Thursday, May 19, 2016 11:06 am

By Pete Fontaine

Classic car admirers and owners took a step back in time last Thursday evening inside The Johnston Centre on Route 6.

It was Cruizin’ for a Cause – being presented for the second year by the non-profit Johnston Street Machines – at its very best.

“Hey, that’s The Videls!” a man gazing at a 1958 MGDT remembered as the sounds of the Rhode Island-based 1960s pop group – later known at The Trade Winds – were played by Richard George, a.k.a. DJ Car-Guy.

There were many similar statements during the three-hour event, as people of all ages listened to doo-wop and oldies music while walking around the Denny’s Restaurant parking lot reminiscing about their younger years and looking at dozens of shiny vintage vehicles.

Cruizin’ for a Cause was started by George Arakelian of A Custom Car Stereo a year ago. He brought together his wife Gina Sabitoni-Arakelian, Gary Maddocks, and Anthony Ferranti to form the non-profit Street Machines group.

“I really enjoy this,” Rich Esposito of Johnston, who owns a class 1953 MGDT, said while chatting with Alan Monacchio. “I have other cars that I like to show. This is a nice night out for everyone.”

Louis Annunciata, who owns a 1955 black Chevrolet Bel-Air, really enjoys Cruizin’ for as Cause, and was proud of the fact he won the inaugural Mayor’s Cup Trophy last season.

Whether it was a Ford Fairlane featuring red and white leather seats and wide whitewall tire, of older model classics and even motorcycles, there were many stories during last week’s cruise.

The night was made even more special when volunteers who sell 50/50 raffle tickets brought a huge cake to celebrate Maddocks’ birthday and treated a host of spectators to a slice.

“These classic car owners have invested a lot of money in their beautiful vintage vehicles,” said George, a retired public school educator who spends much of his time playing music at such car cruises.

Cruizin’ for a Cause will continue every Thursday night during the months of May, June, July, August, and September.

Admission for car owners is only $5 per vehicle, and all proceeds will go to various charities during the event’s second season. Denny’s Restaurant also gives each car owner a 20-percent meal discount. The cruises run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.