Gears for Gaudio returns to Forest on Oct. 17

The Live Like Cash Gaudio Foundation will host its second annual car and truck show in Forest on Oct. 17 to honor 19-year-old Cash Gaudio and raise money for student-athlete scholarships. The event is moving to a larger venue after drawing hundreds of attendees last year.

Why it matters: - The Gears for Gaudio show raises money for scholarships for Central Virginia student-athletes. - The event also keeps Cash Gaudio's story visible in the community. - The foundation has raised more than $250,000 since 2024 and named 13 Live Like Cash Gaudio Scholars.

What happened: - The Live Like Cash Gaudio Foundation will host the second annual Gears for Gaudio car and truck show on Saturday, Oct. 17, from noon to 6 p.m. - The event will take place at Blue Ridge Community Church, 2361 New London Road in Forest, Virginia. - Spectator admission is $10. - Vehicle registration is $15 through Oct. 10, then $20 online and at the gate. - The registration fee includes the driver's admission. - Live music and food trucks will be on site throughout the afternoon.

The details: - The show honors Cash Gaudio, a 19-year-old who loved cars. - Cash Gaudio was shot and killed in his driveway on Sept. 30, 2024. - His parents, Micah Gaudio and Shannon Meyers, founded the Live Like Cash Gaudio Foundation in his memory. - The foundation supports scholarships for student-athletes who reflect Cash Gaudio's values of faith and community. - The first Gears for Gaudio was held in March 2025 at Boonsboro Shopping Center in Lynchburg. - Organizers said hundreds of people attended over the course of the afternoon, even after weather pushed the show back a week. - The 2026 event moved to Blue Ridge Community Church to make room for more cars and families. - Show vehicles of all kinds are welcome, including classics, trucks, imports, hot rods and works in progress. - Pre-registered vehicles will be featured on the foundation's website before the show. - Vehicle registration is available at car registration. - The foundation is accepting applications from food trucks, vendors and musicians. - Vendor space is free this year. - Vendor applications are available at vendor applications. - Volunteers are needed for setup, parking, check-in and teardown. - Student service hours can be verified. - Volunteer sign-up is available at volunteer sign-up. - Spectator tickets will also be sold at the gate. - If weather forces a postponement, the foundation will post the new date on its website and Facebook page.

Between the lines: - The move to a church campus signals a bigger turnout than the first event could comfortably handle. - The foundation is using the car show as both a fundraiser and a community gathering centered on Cash Gaudio's memory. - Shannon Meyers said the event celebrates Cash Gaudio's love of Jesus, others and cars, and that each family attending helps another young person.

What's next: - Car owners can register by Oct. 10 to get the discounted rate. - Organizers will continue accepting vendors, musicians and volunteers ahead of the show. - More information is available at the foundation's website.