The 8th Annual Rides N’ School Supplies Charity Car & Bike Show returns to O’Fallon Park YMCA with more than $10,000 in scholarships, 1,200 JanSport backpacks, family activities, and a mission that’s transforming lives one student at a time.

Every summer, engines roar, music fills the air, and hundreds of families gather at O’Fallon Park YMCA for what has become one of St. Louis’ most anticipated community traditions.

But make no mistake—Rides N’ School Supplies (RNSS8) has never been just about cars.

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the 8th Annual Rides N’ School Supplies Charity Car & Bike Show, powered by NASCAR, returns with a bigger purpose: investing in students, supporting families, and creating opportunities that extend far beyond one day.

Since its founding in 2019, RNSS has awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships, distributed thousands of backpacks and school supplies, connected families with valuable resources, and built a movement where automotive culture becomes a catalyst for education, mentorship, and community impact.

A Celebration With Purpose

For RNSS President and Co-Founder Derrick Walker Jr., the annual event represents something deeply personal.

“Honestly, it amazes me every time I read that number,” Walker said, reflecting on surpassing $60,000 in scholarships awarded over the past seven years.

“Somewhere along the way, awarding $10,000 in scholarships became the goal I set for RNSS each year, and thanks to NASCAR, our community partners, and the incredible support through our fundraising activations, we’ve been blessed to reach that goal four years in a row.”

The event is held every year during Walker’s birthday weekend, giving the celebration an even greater meaning.

“There’s no better way to spend that weekend than sharing $10,000 in scholarships among multiple students and families who have worked so hard to get to that moment.”

Watching scholarship recipients continue through college and pursue their dreams has become one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

“I truly believe we’re only getting started,” he said. “One of my biggest dreams is to partner with a university and one day award a full-ride scholarship through the RNSS Charity Car & Bike Show.”

More Than Backpacks—Building Confidence

This year, RNSS will distribute more than 1,200 JanSport backpacks featuring over 20 different styles and sizes, along with free school supplies for local students.

That decision was intentional.

“We never wanted to simply hand out school supplies—we wanted to recreate the excitement of back-to-school shopping,” Walker explained.

Rather than receiving whatever remains available, students are encouraged to choose backpacks that reflect their own personalities.

“Watching kids light up when they spot the backpack they want is one of my favorite moments every year.”

Walker believes that excitement matters.

“Starting the school year with something you’re proud to wear can completely change how you walk into that first day of class. We want every student to feel confident, prepared, and genuinely excited about going back to school.”

Where Car Culture Meets Community Impact

Thousands of spectators will attend RNSS8 to admire custom vehicles, classic cars, motorcycles, lifted trucks, and specialty builds from across the Midwest.

But according to Walker, the vehicles have always served a larger purpose.

“The cars were never meant to be the destination—they were simply what caught people’s attention.”

Once families arrive, the focus shifts to building relationships, connecting them with resources, and exposing young people to new opportunities.

That vision has expanded through initiatives like RNSS’s Automotive Symposium in partnership with Ranken Technical College, where students gain hands-on experience changing tires, learning oil changes, exploring skilled trades, and meeting professionals working throughout the automotive industry.

“We use automotive culture as the bridge,” Walker said, “but inspiration and opportunity have always been the destination.”

Inspired by Family Values

Walker says the foundation for RNSS began long before the nonprofit was created.

Growing up, he remembers listening to stories from his Great Uncle Sheldon about his treasured 1968 Plymouth Road Runner.

“It represented pride, responsibility, and hard work,” Walker recalled.

“He always said having something you cared for could fill your soul if you were willing to invest in it.”

Combined with lessons from his parents about discipline, education, and creating opportunities through hard work, those experiences eventually became the blueprint for RNSS.

“I wanted to take the best parts of my own upbringing—the passion, the exposure, the mentorship, and the belief that hard work creates opportunity—and build something that could provide those same experiences for thousands of other young people.”

What Families Can Expect at RNSS8

Visitors can expect one of the region’s premier family-friendly community events, featuring:

  • Hundreds of custom cars, trucks, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles
  • More than $10,000 in scholarship presentations
  • 1,200 free JanSport backpacks filled with school supplies (while supplies last)
  • Live DJ entertainment
  • Food vendors
  • Community organizations and resource partners
  • Free haircuts
  • STEM activities
  • Interactive displays
  • Family activities for all ages

“RNSS isn’t just an event you attend—it’s something you experience,” Walker said.

“Whether you’re five years old or fifty-five, there’s something here for you. We invite the entire St. Louis community to come celebrate, connect, and help us kick off another school year the right way.”

A Community Built Together

RNSS has grown because of the people who continue to believe in its mission.

“RNSS simply wouldn’t exist without our partners,” Walker said.

“Every backpack, scholarship, volunteer shift, sponsorship, and donated hour represents someone choosing to invest in our youth.”

From NASCAR and local businesses to schools, churches, nonprofits, volunteers, and community organizations, each partnership has helped transform RNSS from a small grassroots idea into an event serving thousands of families each year.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is that people don’t just support the event—they become part of the mission.”

How You Can Get Involved

As the final countdown to August 1 begins, RNSS is actively seeking:

  • Sponsors
  • Volunteers
  • Vendors
  • Community organizations
  • Car and motorcycle registrations
  • Businesses interested in supporting local students

Walker says everyone has a role to play.

“We need people who believe in our youth.”

“Every volunteer, every sponsorship, every shared social media post, every registered vehicle, and every conversation helps us create an experience that reminds thousands of students they’re supported by an entire community.”

“If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference,” he added, “this is your invitation. We’d love to have you join the RNSS family.”

The Lasting Impact

While scholarships and school supplies remain central to the event, Walker hopes every child leaves with something even more valuable.

“I hope every child leaves believing they’re capable of something great.”

Some students will discover scholarships.

Others will discover mentors.

Some may be inspired toward careers in engineering, entrepreneurship, education, or the skilled trades.

“Backpacks are temporary. Belief lasts a lifetime. That’s the impact we’re chasing.”

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on RNSS’s growth since 2019, Walker says there wasn’t one defining moment that confirmed the nonprofit was making a difference.

Instead, it was something much simpler.

“When families started planning their summers around RNSS.”

Parents began telling organizers, “We’ll see you next year.”

Children asked throughout the year when the next event would take place.

“That’s when it really hit me that we weren’t just organizing a car show anymore—we had become part of the community’s tradition.”

Looking toward the future, Walker envisions RNSS becoming much more than a single-day event.

“Our vision has never been limited to one day in August.”

He hopes young people will engage with RNSS throughout their lives—attending the car show, participating in the Automotive Symposium, receiving mentorship, earning scholarships, exploring careers, and eventually returning as volunteers, sponsors, and mentors themselves.

“If we can continue creating spaces where young people are exposed to opportunity, challenged to dream bigger, and supported by a community that believes in them, then RNSS will continue making an impact for generations to come.”

“That’s the legacy we’re chasing.”

Event Information

RNSS8 – Rides N’ School Supplies Charity Car & Bike Show

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location:
O’Fallon Park YMCA
4343 W. Florissant Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63107

For sponsorship, volunteer opportunities, vendor registration, scholarship information, or event details, visit www.ridesnschoolsupplies.org.

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