Cars & Carnivores Street Festival

March 23, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 

Last year, we celebrated a triumphant inaugural event, and this marks our second year in this endeavor. In collaboration with WakeMed Health & Hospitals, the Rotary Club of Wake Forest proudly introduced a groundbreaking initiative to erase cancer patients' medical debts in our Wake Forest community. This transformative program, "Wake Forest Medical Debt Relief," seeks to provide much-needed relief from financial burdens for patients and their families during challenging times.

Notably, in our inaugural year, we were able to pay off the past-due medical debt of 26 patients, marking a significant achievement in alleviating the financial burdens they faced.

To bolster the resources for this crucial initiative, the Rotary Club of Wake Forest is thrilled to announce the return of the Cars and Carnivores Street Festival, slated for March 23rd, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, in the heart of Downtown Wake Forest. This exciting event will feature classic cars, delectable culinary delights, and a spirited steak cookout competition. The proceeds from this festival will be channeled towards settling the past-due medical debts of cancer patients receiving care at WakeMed Health & Hospitals. By extending your support to this cause, you become a pivotal agent for positive change in the lives of these patients and their families, relieving them of one less worry as they dedicate their efforts to health and recovery.

We cordially invite you to join us at the festival, where your presence will not only create cherished memories but will also make an indelible impact on the lives of our local cancer patients. Your participation is a testament to solidarity with those battling this formidable disease and their loved ones. Additionally, donations can be directly contributed to the Wake Forest Rotary Foundation's "Wake Forest Medical Debt Relief" initiative. For further details or to contribute, please do not hesitate to contact Brad Walker at 919-745-0377 or email at wakeforestrotary@gmail.com. Together, we can play a vital role in the fight against cancer and offer unwavering support to the members of our community in their times of adversity. We eagerly anticipate your presence at the festival and extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support.

Steak Cook-off Competition

Following a successful inaugural year, we are thrilled to announce that the Rotary Club of Wake Forest is gearing up for our second annual Steak Cookoff Competition, sanctioned by the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA). This exciting event promises to be a grill master's paradise, inviting steak enthusiasts to showcase their culinary prowess and compete for coveted cash prizes, trophies, and fantastic awards.

Our focus remains on steak, and this year, we've upped the ante with a remarkable $1,000 first-place prize. In addition, we'll be recognizing and rewarding the top ten steak competitors. Whether you're a seasoned grilling pro or just starting your culinary journey, this competition provides the perfect stage to demonstrate your kitchen skills.

In partnership with SCA, the Rotary Club of Wake Forest ensures a level playing field by providing all the steaks. We employ a double-blind judging process to maintain integrity, guaranteeing fair and honest competition.

But that's not all! We're delighted to introduce two exciting ancillary events, allowing cooks to submit dishes featuring pecans. We're also introducing a dessert competition around pecans for those with a sweet tooth. These additions bring even more flavor and fun to the competition, expanding your culinary horizons.

Make this an unforgettable family affair by teaming up with your spouse, father, son, or perhaps even three generations of your family. SCA events are renowned for their family-friendly atmosphere, emphasizing the joy of cooking rather than financial status. Join us and become part of the #SCAFAMILY, where you can make new friends and enjoy a day filled with fun, food, and friendly competition while celebrating your love for grilling and the great outdoors.

Ready to fire up the grill and showcase your skills? Sign up for the competition now at (Coming Soon) and participate in this sizzling, mouthwatering event that will delight your taste buds and competitive spirit!

Car Show

Get ready for a day filled with thrilling sights and sounds at the second annual Cars & Carnivores Street Festival! This unique event brings together car enthusiasts and food lovers for a memorable experience that you won't want to miss. From the roar of engines to the tantalizing aroma of delicious food, you'll be surrounded by excitement from start to finish.

The car show portion of the festival is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of cars. You'll be able to admire a wide range of stunning vehicles, from classic to modern sports cars, all gathered in one place for your viewing pleasure.

What makes this festival even more remarkable is its family-friendly and alcohol-free atmosphere. You can bring the whole family and enjoy a fun day in a safe and welcoming environment. So why wait? Mark your calendar, and don't miss the second annual Cars & Carnivores Street Festival – an ultimate celebration of cars and cuisine!

Fundraiser for Medical Debt Relief

In 2020, the Rotary Club of Wake Forest in North Carolina impacted the local community by successfully eliminating $169,000.00 of overdue medical debt for local residents. This initiative provides immediate relief from financial distress for individuals and families and generates a profoundly positive ripple effect on the well-being and economic stability of the entire community.

Building on the success of our inaugural year, we are thrilled to report that in 2023, we were able to pay off the past-due medical debt of 26 cancer patients, marking another significant milestone in our mission to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

The "Wake Forest Medical Debt Relief" initiative has proven to be a powerful force of positive change, offering several significant benefits:

• Easing Financial Burden: This initiative empowers individuals and families to shed the weight of exorbitant medical bills by settling past-due medical debt. This liberation allows them to concentrate on their physical and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of security and peace.
• Enhancing Credit Scores: Beyond financial relief, paying off overdue medical debt also has a constructive impact on credit scores. It allows individuals to rebuild their financial reputation, making it easier to access loans, credit cards, and other essential financial services in the future.
• Boosting the Local Economy: As the heavy burden of medical expenses is lifted from individuals and families, they are more likely to channel their resources into other goods and services within the community. This increased consumer spending, in turn, plays a vital role in stimulating the local economy.
• Showcasing Community Support: The Rotary Club of Wake Forest's unwavering commitment to this initiative exemplifies the community's genuine care and concern for its residents. It serves as a tangible demonstration of the community's willingness to take tangible action to support those in need.

The Rotary Club of Wake Forest's ongoing dedication to settling overdue medical debt remains a beacon of hope, illustrating how a community can unite to uplift its residents, fortify well-being, and bolster economic stability. The far-reaching benefits of this initiative underscore the substantial and positive impact that collective action can achieve in supporting those who require assistance.