Burbank Historical Article

Burbank Road Kings Car Club Honors First Responders

Many of you know that the Burbank Road Kings have been around since 1952, but did you know that its primary mission is to help and serve the citizens of Burbank whenever possible? Recently, the Road Kings put their heads together to figure out how to honor our hospital nurses, doctors, and staff, as well as our Fire and Police Departments. Playing to its obvious strength as a car club, members quickly came up with the idea of a rolling car show and took to the streets of Burbank. Member Don Baldaseroni called St Josephs and two of our Fire Stations to coordinate timing. While scheduling the event, Don found out through his police contact that the specific day they selected for the event was also the 5th birthday of a little Burbank girl. At the police officer’s request, Don also included ‘little Olivia’ in the club’s drive-by schedule. So on a beautiful Saturday, about 50 classics, Several cars adorned with signs thanking all first responders, drove the streets of Burbank honking and cheering to everyone. Several Road King members dropped off gifts to the birthday girl while she sat on her chair in the driveway smiling from ear to ear. The tour drove by the homes of a few of Burbank’s senior citizens who were waiting on their lawn applauding all the cars driving by.

Members were stoked at the end of the run and wanted to continue, so another rolling car show was scheduled with the Road Kings hitting the streets for a second time. For this run, they scheduled drive by times with all six Fire Stations and the Police Department. Word got out that the cruise was on, so this time 152 cars showed up to thank first responder. You may have been out and about when a line of beautiful classic cars rolled by, again honoring our first responders for their valiant effort in dealing with COVID-19. It has been a tremendous drain on their strength and mental health, so we all need to thank them for their continued care of our loved ones stricken with this horrible virus. By: Sue Baldaseroni