Photography by Elliot Bulger.
For most collectors, sharing a special car means taking it out for a drive, bringing it to a show or occasionally handing someone the keys. For Angelo Paletta, it became the basis for something bigger.
Paletta, of TNG Exotics & Limited Editions, created HorsePower 4 Hospital as a way to combine his enthusiasm for cars with a long-standing commitment to supporting Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington. He brought fellow local philanthropist and automotive enthusiast Vince Molinaro, of Paradigm Condominiums, into the fold and together, they have helped turn it into one of the area’s standout automotive fundraisers.
The fifth annual HorsePower 4 Hospital took place this September at Paletta Lakefront Park, where the field included machinery as varied as a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition, a McLaren Elva, a Gulf-liveried Ford GT and a Lamborghini Aventador, alongside a broader mix of modern exotics and collector cars.
The show itself is free to attend, giving families and enthusiasts a chance to get close to cars that are rarely seen in public. Sponsors and registered participants begin the day at Joseph Brant Hospital before a police-led procession to Paletta Lakefront Park, followed by the public portion of the event.
For Paletta, that accessibility is a big part of the point.
“Cars are a universal language,” he says. “It’s also something that can be family oriented and the kids love the cars.”
Molinaro brings a similar history of local philanthropy to the event, including previous charity work of his own and longstanding support for Joseph Brant Hospital.
“We’re both passionate about philanthropy and giving back and we’re both passionate about cars,” Molinaro says. “So we kind of join those two passions together to create this event.”
That community focus extends beyond the cars. This year’s edition included a kids’ area with face painting and balloons, plus appearances from Hamilton Tiger-Cats players, cheerleaders and the team mascot.
The community support has translated into significant fundraising. More than $500,000 was raised this year, bringing HorsePower 4 Hospital’s five-year total to more than $1.4 million. Paletta says the money is directed toward equipment for Joseph Brant Hospital, something he sees as essential to giving hospital staff the tools they need to provide care.
Last year, the event raised just under $350,000 toward a new CT machine. This year, the fundraising target was tied to equipment including ultrasound and echocardiogram technology, and the final total surpassed that initial goal.
“You’ve got to give them the best equipment so the best staff can give us the best care and treatment,” Paletta says.
But the event is also an invitation to the broader collector community. Paletta is keen to see more owners bring their cars out of their garages, drive them and put them to work for a good cause.
“Do not be afraid to go and drive your cars,” he says. “I get a lot of personal growth and happiness just watching the expressions of kids and folks that come and see the cars.”
There is room for more, too. Paletta says the event has capacity for at least 100 cars and hopes more collectors will take part in future editions.
“If we can put an extra smile on their face, why not?” he says.
