Cruising for a Cause: Muscle Meets Heart during Woodward Dream Cruise

The Woodward Dream Cruise is best known for its display of horsepower, but in certain places up and down Woodward Avenue, the power of giving will also be on full display.

Companies such as . and Olga's Kitchen will be partnering with local charities throughout the weekend to raise funds and collect goods for those in need.

Ross Mortgage is accepting monetary donations and nonperishable food items to give to Pontiac-based Lighthouse of Oakland County, which provides food and clothing to low-income families. Ross Mortgage will have a private party for employees and customers Friday and a public party noon-9 p.m.Saturday at its Royal Oak location, 27862 Woodward.

Parish will host its 11th annual private parish party in Shrine grade school's west parking lot at 12 Mile and Woodward 4-9 p.m. Friday. Shrine will host a party open to the public 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, with music from 4-9 p.m.

"It is a parish party and it is right on Woodward, and although it's called a parish party, the public is welcome," said Matt York, Shrine Parish council member. "We're right at 12 (Mile) and Woodward. You can buy dinner there, watch the cars go by, sit under the tent, there's a band playing. It's a nice community event put on by the parish."

The event will feature children's games, food and soft drinks. 

"Proceeds that are raised go back into the schools and education," York said. 

Those giving to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan will have a chance to win something in return. Make-A-Wish will be raffling a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible valued at $35,305. Tickets cost $25 each, or five for $100, and since the car was donated, "100 percent benefits the foundation," said Kedrin Gall, stewardship director at Make-A-Wish.

The car, donated by Make-A-Wish board member Don Hamilton of Hamilton Chevrolet in Warren, will be on display at , 31717 Woodward Ave., from 4-8 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday. The drawing will take place Oct. 7 at the dealership.

Northwood Shopping Center at 13 Mile and Woodward will be home to various organizations on Saturday. The Boys & Girls Club of South Oakland County and lead partner will be on site with General Motors, Chrysler, WOMC,, Royal Oak Kiwanis Club, Kroger, Buffalo Wild Wings, Safety City, Northwood Merchants Association, Oakland County Sherriff's Department and various other partners. There will be vendors with hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, ice cream and beverages. Live, recorded and amplified music will be played from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

While the Boys & Girls Club will not be accepting donations on site, its participating business partners will be making "a significant contribution to the charity," according to Brett Tillander, chief professional officer. 

Olga's Kitchen and the Salvation Army Southeast Michigan Adult Rehabilitation Center (SE ARC) will hold an outdoor food and beverage concession as part of a Salvation Army awareness campaign. A Salvation Army truck will be in the Olga’s parking lot at 30332 Woodward Ave. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, ready to be filled with donations of clothing and home goods.