Keller Car Show: Final auction to break $1 million mark

The SSG Alex Viola Memorial Car Show wrapped up its final event on Sunday, having accumulated $825,000 in donations for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation. The gathering outside Keller Town Hall featured nearly 400 classic vehicles, including hot rods, to honor the memory of a North Texas soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Frank Viola, the father of Staff Sergeant Alex Viola, initiated the annual event in 2015. He stated that both he and his son were passionate about cars, which inspired the creation of the show. Alex Viola died at age 29 on November 17, 2013, following injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device during Operation Enduring Freedom. His father noted that the loss fundamentally changed his family's life.

The event serves a dual purpose of celebrating automotive culture and supporting the families of fallen service members. Frank Viola expressed pride in the community's response, emphasizing the goal of raising funds for those who served. The crowd included numerous veterans who displayed their own classic automobiles as part of the tribute.

Among the participants was retired U.S. Army Major Richard Fisher, a former helicopter pilot who served in Vietnam. Fisher brought his 1932 orange Ford three-window coupe to the show. He described his military background, noting that both of his parents also served in the armed forces. Fisher said that recognizing those who gave their lives is essential for the broader veteran community.

To maximize the financial impact of this final gathering, the foundation has been building a custom vehicle for six and a half years. The project involves a dark green 1954 GMC truck that is slated for a charity auction. The sale of the truck is expected to generate additional revenue for the foundation's ongoing work.

Frank Viola described the event as tremendous and confirmed that Sunday's gathering was the last of its kind. The foundation aims to reach a total of $1 million in donations by the end of the year. The funds collected will continue to support military families dealing with the aftermath of service and sacrifice.