TV host and car lovers join to support MDA at Arena Park

Television personality Rick Bacon appeared at Saturday's car show fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Bacon, host of the popular Spike TV show "MuscleCar," painted and auctioned several items at the Arena Park show, which was organized by Cars for Kids, an organization of classic car and truck enthusiasts. Members of the organization use their passion as a means to raise money to help children in need.

It was his work on one of Cars for Kids' vehicles that led to his TV job.

Bacon recalled how he had originally turned down an offer to host "MuscleCar" to focus on his body shop in California. Producers of Spike TV, aware of Bacon's skill at painting flames on vehicles, persuaded him to come to Tennessee to paint flames on a 1963 Impala that was being featured on an episode of the show. That car, which was on display at the show Saturday, promoted Cars for Kids.

"So I came out to paint the Impala, and they liked how I was on camera and all that kind of stuff and we went back into negotiations for me to host the show," Bacon said. "So painting the car there and Cars for Kids was actually a big driving force as to why I ended up hosting the show."

Rick Farmer of Cape Girardeau, with help from fellow local Cars for Kids members and MDA executive director Jennifer Williams, organized the show.

This was the fifth year for the show, which has always benefited children in need, Farmer said.

"In years past we've picked out handicapped kids in the area that needed help and helped them individually," Farmer said. "This year, with the MDA, they're getting 100 percent of the funds."

Williams said there were 125 to 150 entries to the show this year, less than half of the previous best turnout. He said the threat of rain may have caused some exhibitors to stay home.

Those showing off their vehicles paid a $25 entry fee. Money was also raised from concessions, T-shirt sales and auction items.

Farmer said it was difficult to estimate how much money would be raised.

"A lot of our people are big-hearted, so even though the entry fee's $25, some might give a $100 bill," Farmer said.

Although there would be a special plaque given to an entry judged to be Bacon's favorite, Farmer said, the show wasn't about competition but about fellowship and charity.

"The best way I can say it is 'bring your car out, raise money for kids at the same time and talk to other car enthusiasts,'" Farmer said.

Bacon, whose show will start filming its fifth season in a couple of weeks, said he does charity work for Cars for Kids "whenever I get a chance."

Bacon said the show, seen late Saturday and Sunday mornings, is seen by an average of 1.7 million viewers per weekend.

"Right now we're currently the No. 1-rated how-to show on TV," Bacon said.

Cars for Kids has chapters in Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Arkansas and Missouri.

Pertinent address:

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau MO