Petersen Automotive Museum Cruise-In Raises More Than $140,000

Hundreds of Southern California car enthusiasts turned out for the Petersen Automotive Museum’s charity cruise-in to benefit first responders and LA fire victims. (Photos courtesy Petersen Automotive Museum)

Hundreds of Southern California car enthusiasts turned out under rainy skies to support first responders and fire recovery efforts at the Petersen Automotive Museum’s charity cruise-in on Sunday, Jan. 26.

In partnership with Clarios, OPTIMA Batteries and Lotus Cars Americas, the museum raised more than $140,000, which will be donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the LAPD West Bureau.

To offer additional support, over 250 items were collected for distribution to evacuation centers and families impacted by the fires. The Red Cross was also onsite with an information booth and blood drive collection center. The blood drive generated 25 pints of blood, which could help save up to 100 lives.

Ferrari Beverly Hills, Avants, Tesla and the Responsible Battery Coalition provided cars and donations, while Waymo donated 1,000 free rides to and from the event.

“The recent fires have been devastating, but seeing the outpouring of support and generosity from the community was incredibly inspiring,” said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. “We’re proud to work alongside Clarios, OPTIMA, Lotus and so many other local organizations and fellow car lovers to assist with the recovery efforts.”

The museum is offering complimentary one-day museum admission to all LA City fire and police personnel until April 26. In addition, families affected by the fires can enjoy free admission on select community days until Feb. 13. The museum will also provide free field trips and transportation for classes that lost their schools during the fires.