Kean University Hosts Second Annual ‘Rep Your Ride’ Car Show, Raising Nearly $100,000 for Students

Kean University welcomed community members, families and car enthusiasts to its Union campus on Sunday, May 31, for the second annual ‘Rep Your Ride’ car show.  

The event raised nearly $100,000 through sponsorships, donations and vehicle registrations. Proceeds will benefit the New Jersey City University (NJCU) Foundation and support students on Kean’s newest campus, Kean Jersey City, following the merger of the two institutions this summer.  

“This year’s event is bigger than last year’s, all because of you,” Kean President Lamont O. Repollet told the crowd. “They say if you build it, they will come, and today is an example of that. We have car enthusiasts, community members and students showing off their cars, all to support scholarships, Travelearn programs and research.” 

Building on the success of its inaugural event, ‘Rep Your Ride’ has quickly become a signature University event, bringing together automotive enthusiasts from across the region while generating support for students.  

The event showcased hundreds of vehicles spanning generations and styles, from vintage classics and muscle cars to luxury and high-performance models. Guests also enjoyed food trucks, music and family-friendly activities throughout the day. 

“The opportunity this represents for the students is amazing,” said Lizette Delgado-Polanco, CEO of the NJCU Foundation. “It’s going to expand our resources and give students in Jersey City access to programs that we’ve never had.”  

Among the featured vehicles was a 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 owned by Parlin resident Frank Spinella, who attended the event for the second consecutive year.  

Spinella, a member of the event sponsor Venom Outlaws car club, said the event’s mission keeps him coming back.  

“This day is about our club giving back to students, and that’s the most important thing,” Spinella said. “This is one of our favorite shows to come to.” 

Participants competed for awards across multiple categories, but Ilan Vilevsky took home the event’s Best in Show award for his 1966 Oldsmobile 442.  

Kean student Elijah Adams won the Best in Show Student category, showcasing his 1993 E36 BMW and was awarded $3,000 in scholarship money.  

For many attendees, the event also provided a chance to celebrate the local community.  

“This is an awesome show,” said Mike Jones, who displayed his 2020 Corvette C8 Z51. “I was here last year as well, and this show is great for the communities of Roselle, Linden, Elizabeth and Union. It’s a community show with a great university behind it, and it’s been outstanding.” 

Sponsors and community partners once again played a key role in the event’s success. More than 10 sponsors supported this year’s car show, helping expand attendance and enhance the experience for participants and visitors alike.  

“The atmosphere is good, and there’s a little bit of everything,” said Johnny Diaz, president of Legendary Muscle Cars Auto Club. “We like car shows where there’s a little bit of everything because that’s what we have in our car club.”