Kim Thomas continues to be impressed with how auto enthusiasts so readily get behind any of their initiatives and the July 16 auto photo shoot and fundraising barbecue was no different.

The mini-event was held to promote and support the upcoming Show Your Ride for Brandon event in August and saw the parking lot of the Ramada Cochrane overflowing with vehicles and the fundraising barbecue humming.

Riders came from as far away as Edmonton, including members of the Hyundai Veloster Club, to participate and Thomas is appreciative of the support for the Brandon Thomas Foundation. She says she has come to understands her son's passion for the shows and the people involved prior to his tragic death.

"I became part of this family and I see why Brandon was so excited about them," says Thomas. "They would bend over backwards for you. They would give you everything they've got just to be involved and offer support. It's truly amazing."

Ramada manager Sebastien Leskow said they wanted to do more than make a cash donation so they sponsored the show and put it together with Ashley Andis, who brought the charity to their attention.

"We wanted to do something for the foundation and so we thought why not do a mini-event prior to the big one," explains Leskow. "So we did our donation to them and then we decided to throw this on as well and all the proceeds from today go directly to the Brandon Thomas Foundation. We weren't expecting this many, but the more the better."

Andis is thrilled Ramada chose to play a role.

"It was pretty nice to be able to have them involved and be part of it and there's been a great turnout," says Andis.

There were over 50 vehicles participating and some had to park in an overflow area because of the response. Distinct among them was the custom-painted 1964 Lincoln Continental of Patrick Brody. It's elaborate design was completed Shawn Wilken in Arizona and its interior was decked out to match.

Jay Vinet, a photographer and videographer of 403 Street Driven, was there taking photographs and completing a video on the event. He regularly tours shows to capture images of the participating vehicles.

This was their second photo shoot event and there is the possibility others will occur, says Thomas. The first was held at the Max Bell Centre in Clgary and attracted over 70 vehicles

In the meantime, representatives of Show Your Ride continue to attend other show and shines to promote the Aug. 27 event at the University of Calgary parking lot 10. Already nearly 600 vehicles have registered and more are expected. Besides the chance to view some incredible rides, the gigantic event also includes an onsite dyno, battle of the technicians, children's events and a 167-ft. skylift to give you a bird's eye view of the area.