Raza Against Autism
A South Bay Lowrider Car and Motorcyle Show Held on Sunday, July 29, 2007
Story and Audio by David Madrid

SAN JOSE, CA -- It was a warm and beautiful Sunday afternoon on the back lawn of the Alum Rock Youth Center in East San Jose. That's where the Raza Against Autism car and bike show was held. The show was put together to raise money for the McKinley School special day classes for Autism.   And raise money it did, while folks enjoyed themselves listening to live music, eating good food, and checking out some bad rides.  

The idea for the show came along when Mari Andrade, mother of Michael, who attends the special day classes, expressed to some close friends how the school didn't have enough money to send the kids on a field trip. That's when Tito Salas of Chicano Style Motorcycle Club got involved.   He, along with Peter Castro and other club members, began to organize and plan a show to help fundraise for the school. But what they first planned and had in mind was nothing compared to what the show would eventually become.

As the word got out about the show, and where the proceeds where going, folks from all over wanted to help out and get involved. Many donated more then money, but there time and effort as well.

Danny, from the Alum Rock Youth Center, was able to provide the center for no charge, after catching wind that 100% of the money being raised was going to the school. Jimmy Jam “The Pepsi Man” of Time Warp Music & Entertainment DJ'd and played the beats that kept the crowd grooving. The Jammin Band performed live with their Chicano soul and the Los Mestizos Folkorico group danced there way into our hearts, all in the spirit of giving and supporting the cause. Others that helped out with donations and time include Turf Wear costum printed clothing, Green Waste, A.V.S vending services, and San Jose Harley Davidson. Those where just some of the many that helped make the day a success.

The show was a fun filled family event with jumpers for the kids. There were booths selling “Chicano Biker” and “Hustlin” clothing and merchandise. There was also information provided, educating the gente about Autism and the services that are available, thanks to the folks from Autism Speaks and the Cure Autism Now Foundation.

And I can't forget about the car and bikes that made the show what it was. Some of the baddest rides in the Bay Area were in attendance. The lawn was filled with classic Chevy lowriders, tricked out SUV's and high-powered Harleys.   Some of the car clubs that came out were the “East Side Riders” “Viejitos” and the “Dukes” Santa Clara Co. chapter, all representing to the fullest.   The bikers also had a strong presence with patch holders from “Vaqueros,” “Ruff Riders,” and the “Vagos,” who all shared the lawn for this special occasion.

Over all, the “Raza Against Autism” show was a success, raising more then their target amount of $3,000 for the school. At the end of the day, they had a count of   $7,069, with more donations coming in. All the funds raised are going to the school that for the most part was not asking for financial help, but needed it. All the kids that attend the special day classes at Mckinley are not just going to be able to go on field trips, but also be provided with the adequate learning materials that they need to help them learn and continue to grow.

Special thanks go out to the “Chicano Style Motorcycle Club” and to all those that were not mentioned, but helped made the event possible.   Thank You!

For more info and pictures of the event hit up:

www.myspace.com/razaagainstautism

Click here to listen to the audio: