Cruisers hope to draw toy donations

All summer the Rolling Meadows Cruisers has run its Friday night cruise nights like a well-oiled machine.

Each week, the event draws up to 500 cars from custom and luxury models to hot rods and antiques. The cars fill the Meijer parking lot at Golf and Algonquin roads in Rolling Meadows.

This time around, the group plans to add toys into the mix.

On Friday, members of the Cruisers will partner with the Marines to sponsor a "Toys for Tots" drive during the show. Patrons visiting the car display can make either a cash donation to the cause or contribute a new, unwrapped toy.

Cruise night opens at 5 p.m. Friday and lasts until 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. This is one of the last displays of the summer as the season wraps up Oct. 5.

Two years ago, the last time Cruisers held the toy drive, the group collected $1,000 along with some donated toys, says Paul Bukowski of Roselle, club president.

This year's drive is even more timely, he adds, with the Marine Corps celebrating the 60th anniversary of its campaign to collect toys for underprivileged children.

"These cruise nights are really popular, so we have the chance to raise some money for a good cause," Bukowski says. "We have quite a few veterans in our club, so this is a special charity for them, but everyone wants to help provide toys for needy children."

This is the 11th summer of Cruisers car shows in Rolling Meadows. The group spent the first 10 years holding the event in the Dominick's Finer Foods parking lot, along Kirchoff Road, before moving to Meijer this summer.

The fan base hasn't lost a beat. One estimate this summer by the Rolling Meadows Police Department put the crowd at 1,000 people, Bukowski says.

The cars are the big draw. Fans can peruse early models, including Model As from the 1920s, as well as many custom cars from the '60s, '70s and '80s, along with some rare luxury cars, such as Lamborghinis, Porches and Corvettes.

However, club members try to make the cruise night about more than just cars, as an entertainment destination for its patrons.

With music from the '50s and '60s playing from a monster boom box across the lot, and children's games, including hula hoop and hot potato and even karaoke, the event appeals to families and car enthusiasts, alike.

"It all depends on the weather," Bukowski adds. "On a nice night, we can draw a big crowd, but if it's raining, we're sunk."

If you go

What: Rolling Meadows Cruisers Car Club presents its Friday night Cruise Night and Toys for Tots drive

When: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Meijer parking lot, Golf and Algonquin roads, Rolling Meadows

Cost: Free

For more information: Visit rmcarclub.com