Studio 17 Live is highlighting an upcoming event that brings together car enthusiasts, families and community organizations for an important cause: raising awareness about fentanyl and helping people affected by addiction.
Victory Outreach Bakersfield Bold will host the Run 4 Hope Car Show on Saturday, September 26, at Stramler Park. This year’s theme is “A Fight Against Fentanyl: Save Lives, Build Futures, Choose Life, Stay Strong.”
Pastor Berto Gomez joined Studio 17 Live with his sons, Danny Gomez and Adam Gomez, to talk about the event and the mission behind it.
More Than a Car Show
The idea behind Run 4 Hope is to use something fun and family-friendly to bring people together while creating opportunities to learn about the dangers of fentanyl and resources available to those struggling with addiction.
The event will feature awareness booths, along with people sharing their personal stories of overcoming addiction and finding a new direction in life.
Pastor Gomez said the car show provides a way to reach people who might not otherwise attend an event focused specifically on addiction awareness.
Cars, Food and Family Fun
Car enthusiasts will have plenty to see, with a variety of vehicles expected at this year’s event.
The show will feature:
Lowriders
Volkswagen cars and vans
Muscle cars
Imports
RC cars
Vehicles from local car groups
Most of the participating vehicles are coming from Kern County, while other car owners are traveling from communities including Fresno, Visalia, Tulare, Hanford and Porterville.
The event is also designed to be family-friendly, with jumpers for children, food, drinks and free merchandise available throughout the day.
Admission is free for spectators. Vehicle owners who want to participate in the car show must register and pay a registration fee.
Supporting People and Families Affected by Addiction
While the event is designed to be enjoyable, its purpose goes well beyond one Saturday at the park.
The organizers say families often seek information and support when a loved one is struggling with addiction. Run 4 Hope provides an opportunity for those families to learn more about recovery and available resources.
Those who want to support the mission financially can also donate through the Victory Outreach Bakersfield Bold website. Proceeds help support efforts to assist individuals seeking recovery.
Pastor Gomez’s commitment to the mission is personal. He shared that he struggled with alcoholism and cocaine addiction 36 years ago before finding Victory Outreach and turning his life around. Today, he serves as a pastor and works alongside his sons, who also have personal experience with destructive lifestyles and now want to help others.
Free Recovery Support Is Available
Victory Outreach Bakersfield Bold also provides ongoing support beyond the car show.
The organization operates homes for men and women that provide a free, 12-month residential recovery program for those who want help getting off the streets and beginning the recovery process.
Those seeking assistance can contact Victory Outreach Bakersfield Bold or visit its offices at 220 Eureka Street.
Attend the Run 4 Hope Car Show
Run 4 Hope Car Show
Saturday, September 26, 2026
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Stramler Park
Free admission
The community is invited to come enjoy the cars, food and family activities while supporting an important effort to raise awareness about fentanyl and provide hope and resources to those affected by addiction.
For more information, visit VOBakersfield.com, call 661-322-0222, email VOBakersfield@gmail.com, or follow @vobakersfield on social media.