The Blood Drive Car Show is set for May 12 in Yorkville, Illinois. Sure, there’s going to be cool cars on display, like Gene Winfield’s The Reactor, which starred on the original Star Trek and Bewitched TV shows; but cool cars are just the sideshow.

When organizers sat down to develop the car show concept, they focused on a gathering with a purpose to benefit local communities. They settled on the Blood Drive Car Show and decided to partner with LifeSource, Chicagoland’s largest blood bank network, according to Trace Edwards, event producer for the Blood Drive Car Show.

The show also will feature displays from Barris Kustom City, plenty of hot rods and customs, a model car display alongside a build and take a model car for the kids, and an auction benefiting Ronald McDonald House.

Stored blood has a shelf life and lasts only 42 days, while platelets last only five days.

“This means the need for blood is constant and it’s up to all of us to keep the blood supply steady,” Edwards said. “We also want people to be aware of and educated to the fact that being heavily tattooed does not prevent individuals from being a (donor). That is a myth.”

Car show organizers have pledged free admission for those who donate a pint at the show.

“We encourage you to sign-up and commit to donate a pint or make a cash donation no matter what size,” Edwards said.

Click for car show registration information.