Gears for Gaudio Returns October 17 in Forest
October 2, 2026
The Live Like Cash Gaudio Foundation will host the second annual Gears for Gaudio car and truck show from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, at Blue Ridge Community Church, 2361 New London Road in Forest. The drop-in event honors the life of Cash Gaudio, a 19-year-old who loved cars, and proceeds support the foundation's scholarships for student-athletes.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 · Noon to 6 PM
Blue Ridge Community Church, 2361 New London Road, Forest, VA 24551
Spectator admission: $10
Vehicle registration: $15 through October 10, then $20 online and at the gate. Includes the driver's admission
Awards in every class, with online and ticket voting, sponsored by Mabry Automotive
Live music and food trucks throughout the afternoon
The Live Like Cash Gaudio Foundation was founded in 2024 after the death of Cash Gaudio, a 19-year-old from Smith Mountain Lake who was known for his faith, his kindness, and the way he made everyone around him feel like they mattered. In its first year, the foundation awarded five scholarships and surpassed $100,000 raised, and it has since grown to support 13 Live Like Cash Gaudio Scholars and more than $250,000 in giving.
The first Gears for Gaudio car show was held in March 2025 at the Boonsboro Shopping Center in Lynchburg, drawing hundreds of car enthusiasts and community members to celebrate Cash's love of cars. This year the show moves to Blue Ridge Community Church in Forest, with more room for vehicles, spectators, food trucks, and live music.
"Cash never missed a car show. He'd be the first one walking the rows, asking about your build, complimenting your paint, making you feel like your car was the best one there. Gears for Gaudio is us doing that for him — bringing the cars and the people he loved together for one Saturday."
Car registration is $15 through October 10 and includes the driver's admission. After October 10 and at the gate, registration is $20. Pre-registered vehicles are automatically entered for judging, with trophies awarded in every class at 5:00 PM, including People's Choice and The Cash Gaudio Award. Spectator admission is $10, with kids 12 and under admitted free.
Vendor and food truck space is free again this year, though spots are limited and every application is reviewed. The foundation is also seeking about 40 volunteers for setup, parking, the gate, car check-in, and teardown, with shifts of roughly three hours. Liberty University students can earn CSER credit for volunteering.
"When we lost Cash, we had a choice, and we chose purpose. Every ticket, every registered car, every dollar at this show goes into scholarships for kids who lead the way Cash led. That's how we keep his light shining."
Tickets are available at the gate for $10 cash or card, or online ahead of time to skip the line. If weather postpones the show, the event moves to a rain date and all tickets and registrations carry over. Updates will be posted on the foundation's website and Facebook page.
About the Live Like Cash Gaudio Foundation
The Live Like Cash Gaudio Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in memory of Cash Gaudio. It funds scholarships for student-athletes with a heart for God and their community. To date, the foundation has awarded 13 scholarships and raised more than $250,000. EIN: 33-3118843. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Media contact: Micah Gaudio, Co-Founder, (434) 204-8787, love@email.livelikecash.org
