Record-breaking 'Funken Cruise - Ride for Matt' supports local causes

The Funkenhauser Family from Guelph combines their love of cars with a passion for helping others at the annual 'The Funken Cruise - Ride for Matt.'

The popular car cruise and show event is held in memory of Matt Funkenhauser who passed away in 2016 after his battle with liver cancer. He was 52.

With each year since, Matt's brother, Chris Funkenhauser said the event continues to grow in donations to support the causes that mean most to the Funkenhauser family.

"It's been such a great time and with so many great people that come out. It's been fun. But it's not just about the car show," Chris said.

"It's always been in an effort to raise money for a good cause, about getting together, hanging out and having a good time."

The family (the Funken Cruise Crew) feels the event, which for the last eight years has been held on the third Saturday in September, has been their vehicle in helping to bring people together, to honour a special man, Matt Funkenhauser, and to support the facilities that take care of those facing life-limiting diagnosis and their loved ones.

In previous years, donations raised went to support Hospice Wellington in Guelph.

But with this year's record-breaking amount, proceeds also went to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, towards a new and updated chemotherapy chair.

The 2024 Funken Cruise raised $17,600, surpassing last year's total of $13,000. Hospice Wellington received over $10,100 and $7,520 went to the chemo suite at Grand River Hospital.

"My bother meant a lot to me. That's why we started doing it in the first place. We called it the 'Ride for Matt' at the beginning. We would do the cruise and all of his buddies would come out. Then we thought, well, this is cool. Maybe we should do this every year," said Chris, owner of Funken Auto Spa in Guelph.

"The hospice was such a good place. Matt wasn't there for very long, but my whole family could tell what a great place it was. The hospice really does depend on volunteers and donations, so we thought, let's do this and support them."

In August, another family member was diagnosed with lung cancer.

This year, as a result, the Funken Cruise Crew thought there might be some other important causes worth supporting too.  

"Those chemo chairs have to be comfortable. People spend a lot of time on them," Chris said.

"There could be there for six hours receiving treatment. They are $7,000 a piece and come from Australia."

Grand River Hospital is grateful for the donation and says that thanks to the incredible success of the Funken Cruise event and the generosity of the community, enough funds were raised to purchase a new chemo chair for the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre.

As a token of gratitude, the hospital will place a small plaque on the side of the donated chemo chair in recognition of the Funken Cruise and will serve as a lasting reminder of the impact the event has made in supporting cancer care in the community.

"The cruise has been held all over the place. We usually start at my shop, here in Guelph. A bunch of us meet here, and then what we usually do is cruise up to West Montrose, to the the covered bridge, and then up through Elora," Chris said.

"This year, one of my clients offered his place just outside of Elora. Next year, it's looking like it will be in Aberfoyle. We were out there a couple years ago, and they have offered to have us out there again this year. We do raffles, we have a bbq, and a car show. It's  a really good time."

Chris said the event is about getting together to raise money for a really good cause.

"I play lacrosse for the Halton Hills Rams, the masters lacrosse team, and we always raise money though out tournaments," he said.

"This year, they helped us out and donated $4,000. I was really happy about that."

As they look forward to next year, the Funken Cruise Crew said every donation matters as they work collectively to support facilities in the community.

"One year, we had about 150 cars. Next year, we want it even bigger," Chris said

"Maybe next year, we can even beat this year's total."