Utah teen's annual charity car show aims to raise $25,000 for first responders

Most 14-year-olds spend their summers hanging out with friends, sleeping in until noon and complaining about being bored. But for Abel Bringhurst, summer means organizing one of the largest charity car shows in the state.

The fifth annual Emergency Response Charity Car Show is a community event that combines Utah’s impressive car scene with fundraising efforts for first responders and their families. It’s been a big success in the past, and this year promises to be just as fun.

Hundreds of spectators turn out for the annual fundraising car show. Photo courtesy Abel Bringhurst

The show will take place on June 27, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Young Living Headquarters in Lehi. Admission is free for spectators, while vehicle owners can register their cars for a $20 donation that goes directly to the Lionheart Gift Foundation. 

“This foundation definitely means a lot to me,” Bringhurst said. “Most people know my grandfather did 50 years in law enforcement, my dad’s done seven and most of my family has been first responder related.” 

Supporting those who serve

Unlike many charities that focus on a single profession, the Lionheart Gift Foundation serves a broad range of emergency responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, military personnel, 911 dispatchers and crime scene investigators. 

From supercars to hobby projects, all vehicle types are welcome at the annual charity event. Photo courtesy Abel Bringhurst

“Not many people really think about 911 dispatchers or crime scene investigators,” Bringhurst said. “But 911 dispatchers are the very first responders when you call 911. They’re the ones that answer.” 

Money raised through the event supports first responders and their families during difficult times and funds scholarships for future firefighters and police officers. 

Bringhurst hopes this year’s show will raise $25,000 for the organization — a lofty goal, but one Bringhurst knows the Utah car community can make happen.

“The money will go directly to first responders and their families when it matters most,” he said.

An event highlight includes a SWAT MRAP. Photo courtesy Abel Bringhurst

Cars, community and an unforgettable parade

While the charitable mission drives the event's purpose, it's the cars that steal the show. And for Bringhurst, he wants anyone and any car — in any condition — to attend.

“This is my fifth annual charity car show, and from the very beginning, my car shows have always been about any car, any driver,” he said.

“I’ve had cars attend ranging from project cars to $2.5 million hypercars,” Bringhurst said. “I’ve had all sorts of cars there, and I welcome them all.” 

Last year’s event attracted approximately 250 to 300 vehicles and about 1,000 attendees, and Bringhurst hopes to build on that momentum this year. 

In addition to hundreds of enthusiast vehicles, attendees can enjoy food trucks, vendors, raffle prizes and awards throughout the day. 

Teen Abel Bringhurst runs the whole show. Photo courtesy Abel Bringhurst

One of the event’s highlights will be an emergency response vehicle parade featuring a variety of specialized vehicles including a SWAT mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle, military vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances. The parade is sponsored by Era Auto, Club Paddock and Fast Lane Drive. 

Passion with a purpose

What makes the event especially remarkable is the person behind it. Bringhurst has been organizing charity car shows since he was 10 years old, with a level of commitment and initiative that has earned admiration throughout Utah’s automotive community. 

“I’ve always enjoyed doing these events,” he said. And given the success of the show in years past, it’s clear he’s ahead of the curve — no pun intended — in more ways than one. 

By creating an event that welcomes everyone, regardless of what they drive, Bringhurst has built something bigger than a traditional car show. He’s created a car community centered on an important cause everyone can appreciate.

Registration and attendance details

Spectator admission is free; donations will be accepted throughout the event via a QR code. Attendees can also support the cause by purchasing raffle tickets, with all proceeds benefitting the Lionheart Gift Foundation.

All donations for the event will go directly to the Lionheart Gift Foundation.

Vehicle registration is available online for $20 in advance, or $30 at the door, with all registration fees serving as a direct donation to the charity. 

“I really want to push people to preregister,” he said. “Not only does it benefit them, but it also helps me keep track of how many cars will be there.” 

Participants typically begin arriving around 10 a.m. to secure a preferred parking spot before the show officially begins at 11 a.m.

Whether you’re bringing a rare exotic, a classic cruiser or simply looking for a fun family activity, the Emergency Response Charity Car Show offers an opportunity to enjoy some incredible vehicles while supporting the people who answer the call when emergencies happen.

For Bringhurst, that’s what the event has always been about: Bringing people together and giving back to those who serve. 

This is Bringhurst's fifth annual fundraiser to support emergency workers.

Event details

• Date: Friday, June 27, 2026

• Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Location: Young Living Headquarters, 1538 W. Sandalwood Drive, Lehi

• Admission: Free for spectators

• Vehicle registration: $20 online in advance; $30 day of event

• Who can register? Any car, any driver. From project cars and classics to exotic supercars, all vehicles are welcome. Register your car at https://www.driveroadrally.com/events/emergency-response-charity-car-show 

Featured attractions  

• Hundreds of enthusiast vehicles

• Emergency response vehicle parade

• SWAT MRAP vehicle

• Fire trucks, ambulances and military vehicles

• Food trucks

• Vendors

• Raffle prizes

• Awards

All ages are welcome. See you there!