Engines roar in Carmel as car community raises money for front-line workers

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) — More than 750 cars took to the back roads of Hamilton and Madison counties Saturday morning to help feed front-line workers.

“This is the car community in Indiana coming together to say ‘thank you’ and to also get outside and do what we love to do,” said John Leonard, event director.

The Meatball 10,000 kicked off its 60-mile trek at IU Health North Hospital in Carmel and will finish at IU Health Saxony Hospital in Fishers.

Organizers say the ride will include a lot of luxury cars like Porsches and Ford GTs, but also everyday cars.

“Because this is going to such a needed cause and it’s not a car show, the entrance fee was $20 so you’ll get a lot of people coming out who aren’t collectors but enthusiasts,” said Leonard.

He says the goal of the ride is to raise $10,000 worth of meals for workers at IU Health.

“Our restaurants are hurting right now. So this event also supports local businesses because we’ll be buying meals from them,” added Leonard.

As of Saturday morning, Leonard said he was still narrowing down which restaurants they will order from, noting he’ll ask IU Health for their input.

The Meatball 10,000 is led by Artomobilia, which hosts car events throughout the year.

Saturday’s ride replaced a previously canceled spring event.