Keller Car Show Aims for $1 Million Before Final Auction
Organizers announced the event as the final installment of a series that has raised $825,000 for military families since 2015.
By Ella Cox ·
The SSG Alex Viola Memorial Car Show concluded Sunday with organizers stating it will be the final annual event. The gathering took place outside Keller Town Hall, drawing nearly 400 class cars and hot rods to the streets. Proceeds from the event go directly to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation.
Frank Viola, the father of the soldier the event honors, said the group has raised and donated $825,000 to date. He expressed hope to reach a total of $1 million with the revenue from this final show. The funds support the families of fallen soldiers and current warriors in the U.S. Army.
The event began in 2015 as a tribute to SSG Alex Viola, who died at age 29. Viola was serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom when he was injured by an improvised explosive device. His father, Frank, noted that both he and his son shared a passion for cars, which inspired the creation of the car show.
Frank Viola said his family lost Alex on Nov. 17, 2013. He described the impact of the loss on his wife and his own life, emphasizing the importance of honoring their son while supporting military families. The event serves to keep the memory of the young soldier alive in the North Texas community.
Veterans attended the show to display their vehicles and contribute to the cause. Ret. U.S. Army Maj. Richard Fisher, a helicopter pilot who served in Vietnam, brought his 1932 orange Ford three-window coupe. Fisher, whose parents were also in the military, spoke about the need to recognize those who gave their lives while others served.
The SSG Alex Viola Foundation spent six and a half years restoring a dark green 1954 GMC truck. The organization plans to auction this specific vehicle for charity. The sale is expected to generate additional funds to continue supporting veterans and their families beyond the $825,000 already collected.
