Cruizin’ for a Cause sets records, helps support Delmonico Scholarship and Charity Foundation

People’s emotions weren’t the only things running on high during last Thursday night’s Cruizin’ for a Cause.

It was the generosity of upwards of 300 people that fueled the Johnston Street Machines’ record-setting three-hour session, held in the Denny’s Restaurant parking lot off Route 6 in Johnston.

Last Thursday night marked the fourth and final cruise night the Street Machines held to benefit the Melissa Delmonico Scholarship and Charity Foundation, and it wound up shattering all previous records with the presentation of a $2,500 check to the Delmonico family. Proceeds from Cruizin’ for a Cause have supported a different charitable cause each month. The previous high donation was $1,800.

The evening also featured a record-setting total of 110 vintage vehicles, which owners drove from all over Rhode Island to help the benefiting charity by making a special $5 donation.

“This was such a great night for the Delmonico Foundation,” said George Arakelian, who owns and operates A Custom Car Stereo on Atwood Avenue and serves as vice president of the Street Machines. “The [recent] Delmonico Foundation Dinner raised $5,000, and tonight we gave the fund $2,500.”

Contributing to the fundraising effort were a raffle for an authentic game jersey once worn by New England Patriots Hall of Famer Ty Law and a 50-50 raffle.

The proceeds will help support the foundation’s ongoing missions – to provide scholarships for those pursuing studies in nursing at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island, and to aid animal-related shelters and organizations. To date, the foundation has awarded 17 scholarships to college nursing students.

“While all of the charities are special and worthy of fundraising, the Melissa Delmonico Foundation is close to my heart,” Arakelian said.

“Mike Delmonico is a very close friend; as a father I cannot even think of the heartbreak he has endured over the loss of his daughter. Mike has utilized a source of strength to keep Melissa’s memory alive while giving back to students in need to help them fulfill their dream of completing nursing school.”