Derrick Walker merged his love for cars and his commitment to young people into an annual event that draws hundreds as students prepare to return to school.
The 8th Annual Rides N’ School Supplies Charity Car & Bike Show returns to the YMCA’s O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex at noon on Saturday, August 1.
Once again, the event is powered by NASCAR.
“This whole thing started with a love for cars and a love for youth — and to make sure that we put on for our kids as best as we possibly can,” Walker said.
He said he was led by God to create the event and believes the support from sponsors and area residents confirms that “their steps are ordered.”
The event feels more like a citywide celebration than a charity drive.
“We didn’t want it to feel like charity. We wanted it to feel like community,” Walker said. “We want the kids to come out, have fun — and leave with something.”
Music, fellowship and fun anchor the afternoon as guests share in Walker’s passion for muscle cars through the car and bike show while easing the financial burden of back-to-school expenses for families.
“Yes, we will have supplies. Yes, we will award scholarships. Yes, we will have prizes,” Walker said. “But the most important thing we want everybody to take home is the knowledge that there are people and organizations that care about them and want them to succeed — in school and in life.”
Hands on automotive experience
In addition to the annual giveaway and car show, the organization has expanded into automotive education.
“We saw how the car culture can bring people together and offer learning opportunities based on our own experiences as adults,” Walker said. “We thought, ‘Why not give that to the kids?’”
Two years ago, they began offering Automotive Symposiums.
In February, Rides N’ School Supplies held its first one with Ranken Technical College. Walker was driving down Page Boulevard when he noticed the school pulling in a Corvette like the one his team was working on.
“I was like, ‘I’m gonna pull over and shoot my shot,’” Walker said. “This is a program they did for college students, but they revamped it for us.”
Young people ages 9–17 received classroom instruction and a chance to get under the hood.
“This is our first time doing something like this,” said Zach Lueker, Automotive High Performance Department Chair at Ranken Technical College. “I’m glad he stopped by that day so that we could get it going.”
Lueker said the symposium was a learning experience for Ranken as they worked with students younger than their typical college-aged group.
“I know that my industry needs more young people,” Lueker said. “If we can convince any of these kids that they might like this, then that’s a good thing for us.”
His goal was to cover the basics and give them general knowledge.
“Our long-term goal is to get to a point where we can do this multiple times a year,” Lueker said. “If you figure out that you can fix small things, you can have a little more confidence when it comes to fixing big things — and solving problems.”
Back-to-school event roundup
In addition to the Rides N’ School Supplies Charity Car & Bike Show, several back-to-school events will take place across the region in the coming weeks.
Sat., Aug. 1, 12 noon — Rides N’ School Supplies, O’Fallon Park Rec Plex, 4343 West Florissant Avenue.
Sat., Aug. 1, 1 p.m. — Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis Back to School Fair, Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club, 4245 N. Kingshighway Blvd.
Thu., Aug. 6, 6 p.m. — Riverview Gardens School District Back to School Bash, Riverview Gardens High School, 1218 Shepley Drive. More information: www.rgsd.k12.mo.us.
Sat., Aug. 8, 10 a.m. — Normandy Schools Collaborative presents Beyond the Backpack, Normandy Early Learning Center and Normandy Middle School at Lucas Crossing. Registration required: https://bit.ly/4wsGf6N
Sat., Aug. 8, 10 a.m. — Jennings School District Back to School Jamboree, Jennings High School, 8850 Cozens Avenue. More information: www.jenningsk12.org
Sat., Aug. 8, 12 noon — Dem Jeep Girls Back to School Giveaway, 95 North Oaks Plaza.
Sat., Aug. 8, 12 noon — Goodfellas Back to School Picnic, Bayer YMCA, 5555 Page Blvd.
Sat., Aug. 8, 12 noon — Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Back to School Drive-Through Giveaway, 1408 N. Kingshighway Blvd.
Sun., Aug. 9, 12 noon — Dwann Dillon Colon Cancer Foundation 16th Annual Back to School and Resource Fair, North County Recreation Center, 2577 Redman Ave.
Tues., Aug. 11, 5 p.m. — University City National Night Out and Back-to-School Rally, Centennial Commons, 7210 Olive Blvd.
Sun., Aug. 16, 12 noon — Inspiring STL Back to School Bash, Hoskins-Jackson Park, 6231 Washington Avenue, Berkeley.
For more information on Rides N’ School Supplies, visit RidesNSchoolSupplies.org.