BY TERESA ACKERMAN
Gazette Newspapers
PAINESVILLE TOWNSHIP – The lives of the Stewart family changed forever when Corey Stewart lost his battle with mental health on April 26, 2022.
Josh Stewart and his family have made it their goal to bring awareness to mental health and to break the stigma of asking for help.
The fourth annual Breaking the Stigma Charity Car Show will be held on Saturday, June 6, at the Lake County Fair grounds in Painesville Township.
“Last year we held the show in the memory of one my best friends, Eric Brininger,” said Josh Stewart. “It really hit him hard when Corey passed away.”
“We are doing the show this year in honor of Jo Hrisko (who is from the Geneva area),” said Stewart. “We put a questionnaire out asking people if they had a family member that they wanted honored and why. So many friends and family nominated her (Jo Hrisko). They shared their stories about her. This is the first year that we did this.”
“Jo’s best friend, Sara, shared that one of Jo’s favorite quotes was ‘you cannot control other people or their actions, you can only control your own.’ Sara said she thinks of the quote daily and that it either makes her smile, angry or sad,” said Stewart.
Stewart said that friends and family described Jo Hrisko as being very patriotic, really loved her country, eagles, camping and starry nights.
Stewart said that the purpose of the car show is to create conversation and that is why they do not have similar cars next to each other in the show.
Stewart said that the car show is continuing to grow.
“Last year we had over 1,000 in attendance and 300 cars on display,” said Stewart. “That it is open to all makes and models makes it more of a community event.”
Stewart was excited to share that they have something new this year – Hollywood Row.
“Hollywood Row will be a designated area for tribute vehicles – the ‘Supernatural’ car, ‘Gone in 60 Seconds,’ The General Lee, Daisy’s Jeep, Bandit Trans Am and the Mystery Machine,” said Stewart.
Some of the tribute vehicles have been autographed by actors who were in shows and movies with the vehicles.
Stewart said he had yard signs made that will be put up in Hollywood Row. He also said that he has done some videos hyping Hollywood Row.
“We are trying to get the community together in a more relaxed environment to open up and have conversations about mental health,” said Stewart.
Stewart said that they had law enforcement vehicles at the car show last year and that they will be there again, along with ‘touch-a-truck.’
Stewart shared that they will have a “memory corner” set up inside the merchant building.
“There will be a table in memory of Jo Hrisko. There will also be tables where people can set up pictures and stories of loved ones that they want to honor. If anyone wants to share their loved one’s story, bring it,” said Stewart. “There will also be a table in memory of my son, Corey.”
Stewart stressed that he appreciates all the people that volunteer to help with this event and is thankful to their current board members.
“We do this for Corey. Corey is the reason why we are doing this,” said Stewart. “It does me good as a father to see the word is getting out there. As Corey’s son, Jason, grows up he will see that we are trying to help people.”
Stewart said this event is free to the public.
“Enjoy the day. It is family-friendly with a kid’s zone and they can win prizes,” said Stewart. “The first 150 cars that register get a goody bag and a dash plaque. And we want to make sure that those who win a trophy in the car show stay for pictures for the calendar.”
More information about the Breaking the Stigma Charity Car Show can be found at www.breakingthestigmacarshow.com and on their Facebook page.
