St. Matthew’s House begins its biggest fundraiser of the year

NAPLES

The Naples Automotive Experience kicked off its engines Thursday night with an event at Naples Airport to help raise money for St. Matthew.

St. Matthew’s House says the event brings in more money than any other fundraiser it hosts, and there’s something new this year.

It is a Benefit auction will be held on Friday. Classic and collectible cars will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with some proceeds going to St. Matthew.

Bill Curry, Vice President of Development for St. Matthew’s House, said, “we will raise $800,000 by the end of this week.”

This is a four-day event that will provide year-round help to those in our community who need it most.

“You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the glitz and glamor of cars, jets and helicopters, and combine it with the flair of St. Matthew and the day-to-day work we do serving our neighbors.”

St. Matthew’s House brings to light a neighborhood often kept in darkness, helping those who are hungry, homeless, or suffering from addiction.

Tom O’Riordan said, “Personally, I was moved by a few people I met who passed Justin’s Place. One of them came up to me at my country club and said I saved his life, and it has touched me for so long that you can’t imagine.”

O’Riordan says those personal relationships motivate him to do more for the House of St. Matthew. This year, he’s the brains behind a new partnership that’s expected to raise money.

“We started with just one car show 18 years ago, we had 20 cars, we raised $200.”

Chapter Ferrari Club of America Naples and Saratoga Motor Car Auctions are collaborating for the first Naples Motor Car Auction.

Auction begins at noon on Friday at Ultimate Garages of Naples.

On Saturday, the event ends on 5th Avenue with the 5th Cars auto show.

If you’d like to learn more about this weekend’s events or you’d like to donate to the St. Matthews, click here.

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