If you’d told me years ago that a simple love for cruising would turn into something this big, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. What started as a way to get car lovers together, show off our rides, and hit the open road wasn’t just about the cars—it was about connection. At a time when gathering was discouraged, we still found a way to come together. Because that’s what the car culture has always been—a community that won’t be stopped.

I’ve always believed in the power of this community—how a shared love for cars can bring people together in ways nothing else can. At every cruise, every shop visit, and every late-night garage conversation, a theme started to emerge. We weren’t just talking about cars—we were talking about the future.

People would reminisce about how they got started—working on old trucks with their dads, turning wrenches in high school shop class, or saving every dollar to buy their first project car. But as we looked around, we saw fewer young faces at car meets, fewer kids eager to learn the trade, and more stories about auto shop programs getting cut. The world that shaped us wasn’t as accessible to the next generation.

And that didn’t sit right.

So, naturally, we did what this community does best—we came together. What started as casual conversations turned into real discussions about how we could make an impact. If we wanted to keep this passion alive, we had to open the doors wider, give young people a chance to be part of this world, and create real opportunities for them to not just admire from a distance, but to get their hands dirty and be part of it.

That’s why Cruiz’n Cole became more than just cruising—it became a movement.

I didn’t do this alone. Cruiz’n Cole exists today because of the incredible people who stepped up, gave their time, and believed in what we were building. The volunteers, the businesses, the car enthusiasts, and the people who showed up—this was built by all of us. Without the help of this community, we wouldn’t have been able to keep this going, let alone take the leap to become a nonprofit.

Now, we’re not just keeping the car culture alive—we’re driving the future forward. Through Cruiz’n Cole, we’re raising funds, creating opportunities, and making sure the next generation has access to experiences that spark their passion and set them up for success.

And we are just getting started!

If you’re reading this, you’re already a part of this community. And if you love this world as much as I do, you know it’s worth fighting for. That’s why I’m asking you to get involved. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, sponsoring, cruising or just spreading the word, every bit of support helps keep this movement going.

We cruise for community. We cruise to raise funds. And most importantly, we cruise to give back.

Let’s keep the wheels turning—together.

See you on the road,
Dana
Founder, Cruiz’n Cole