‘Impact’ nominee helps organize ‘Cruise for a Cause’ car show

FAIR OAKS RANCH –– As Nichole Mariakis made her way around Saturday’s “Cruise for a Cause” car show, few people would have guessed it was her first time attending such an event.

After all, Mariakis –– an American Heart Association of San Antonio “Women of Impact” nominee –– helped organize the occasion.

The cars went on display in the Fair Oaks Emergency Care parking lot in the Napa Oaks Plaza, on the Interstate 10 West access road and about a mile south of Fair Oaks Parkway.

“I’ve never been to a car show,” Mariakis said. “It’s really cool to see the people and the camaraderie and the community that comes out around it and supports it.”

About 50 cars parked for viewing at the plaza, including a 1952 Chevrolet Bel Air, a 1957 Chevy 210, a 1962 Ford Falcon, a 1973 Corvette, a 1978 MGB, a 2016 Dodge Challenger and everything in between.

Mariakis was nominated for the Heart Association’s “ Woman of Impact,” a nine- week campaign for five nominees who are raising funds and awareness about cardiac health for the nonprofit.

The campaign ends April 9. “It’s important to know that for women, (heart disease) is our No.1 killer, but we’re also 70 percent less likely to receive CPR just by being a female,” Mariakis said, stressing the general care that comes with heart-health awareness.

“It’s important to know about dietary things, about moving your body and getting outside and generally taking better care of ourselves,” she said.

Through various contacts, Mariakis got in touch with the Classic Street Knights of San Antonio, which spread word among other car clubs, helping with such show essentials as a DJ and prizes.

“They made it easy for me. I just posted and shared it, and invited the vendors,” she said.

Israel Tellez, a physician with Fair Oaks Emergency Care, said his facility was glad to help when contacted about hosting “Cruise for a Cause.”

“We love to have this event for the community and to be a part of it,” Tellez said of the clinic, which opened in October 2024. “We’re excited for any opportunity to reach out and serve the community around us.”