Wheels on display for medical cause

Kevin Hodge lowered the hood of his 2013 Dodge Viper, fired up the engine and made nitrous come out as amazed onlookers gathered around. Hodge was one of the more than 100 participants at the ninth annual Driven Desires car, truck and bike show.

The event had a wide variety of vehicles on display from modified sports car to lifted trucks and 1980s’ classic Mustangs. Participants were allowed to only watch and not touch the vehicles on display.

According to Amy Ownes, the public relations manager for Driven Desires, the show is organized every year “for the love of charity and for the cars.” Owens herself lost a family member to muscular dystrophy and has several friends with muscular dystrophy.

Although it was Hodge’s first time participating, he had been attending the show for multiple years. Hodge suffers from a type of muscular dystrophy. He attends the event every year as the event’s cause personally affects him and his family.

The event also had some ULM representation through participants like alumni, Noah Perez.

“My favorite part was getting to see all the different types of cars,” said Perez as he stood next to his gold 1995 Nissan 240SX.

He bought the car a year ago and had modified it with wider rims and suspension upgrades.

Participants also had the opportunity to enjoy antique cars like the one on display by Monroe native, Ben Lidels.

Lidels, who has been a regular participant for the past three years, had his 18 year old truck on display. Although Lidels was about to sell the car two years ago, he could never let go of it due to a connection he shared with the car.

The popularity of the event was evident with its jam-packed floor display and out of state participants. The show had both indoors and outdoors displays. Participants could compete for “Best Paint,” “Best Interior,” “Kids’ Choice” and more.

Apart from the registration fees, the event also had t-shirt sales and donations to support local families suffering from muscular dystrophy.