Local club, organization to host annual car show to raise cardiovascular disease awareness

WARNER ROBINS –  Chip’n Away at Heart Disease and the International City Corvette Club invite the community to the 14th annual Cardiac Car Show this Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Houston Sports Complex. 

Vehicles of all makes and models, food trucks, giveaways and business and medical professionals will be present. This includes the Houston County Medical Center, which will take blood pressure readings and conduct screenings to identify any cardiac issues. 

International City Corvette Club President Johnny Johnson said the event is a way to promote heart health. This is the first time the club will host the event, and Johnson looks forward to seeing many cars and getting involved in the community. 

The International City Corvette Club is composed of approximately 42 members from across middle Georgia. Johnson said they plan trips, events and social activities with emphasis on their love for Corvettes. They believe in community engagement and are constantly striving to attend events like Trunk-or-Treats. 

The club also promotes charitable and community events, like the car show. 

Johnson said it has been excellent working with Chip’n Away at Heart Disease and helping Cynthia Malone, the organization’s owner. The car show was inspired by her late husband, Coach Chip Malone, who started it to raise awareness of heart disease after his heart transplant in 2010. 

Johnson shared that Malone has been sharing her experience with the club, and they are likewise doing the same. He said they have extensive experience hosting activities in Atlanta. 

The car show’s theme is “Women Rollin’ to Wellness” to focus on women’s health and encourage them to take care of themselves. It is also to shine a light on the role women play in conversations surrounding health. 

Event organizers said the theme draws a parallel between maintaining a vehicle and human heart. Both require care, attention and regular checkups to stay strong. 

Johnson hopes to see a great event for the community and to get people together. He believes this is something people need right now. He anticipates approximately 100 cars for spectators to enjoy. 

“I’m just looking to have a good time [and] promote community involvement. It’s all about the community to me because I love Warner Robins. I retired out the military and been living here since. I’m all about Warner Robins and promoting community events,” he said. 

Johnson has been serving as president of the club for three years and is looking forward to serving another term. He said he enjoys being in a leadership role and guiding members. 

Heart disease is prevalent in people’s family history. Johnson shared he has had family members diagnosed with heart disease, which is why he believes it is vital to continue raising awareness. 

“I truly believe that if you catch something early you might be able to prevent it, or at least preventable medicine and care. I just think that everyone should take care of their bodies and their hearts,” he said. 

The Cardiac Car Show will be on Saturday, Nov.1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Houston Sports Complex, located at 900 North Houston Road, Warner Robins.