Newport News Car Show Funds Free Project Lifesaver
The Newport News Sheriff's Office hosts its 14th annual car and bike show to keep its wandering-person locator service free for families.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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The Newport News Sheriff's Office held its 14th Annual Project Lifesaver Car and Bike Show on November 8, 2026, to raise money for the program. Project Lifesaver helps locate individuals prone to wandering, including those with Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome, or traumatic brain injuries.
Why it matters
The car show raises funds so the locator service remains free for residents who need it. Families are not charged for the service, and the sheriff's office hosts the event so no family in need is turned away.
Newport News currently has nearly 75 clients using Project Lifesaver, and the sheriff's office located four wandering individuals this year, typically within 30 minutes of receiving a call. The initial setup cost is $350 per client, which the department covers through fundraising, though the amount raised at this year's show was not disclosed.
The players
Newport News Sheriff's Office
The Newport News Sheriff's Office is the local law enforcement agency that runs the Project Lifesaver program and hosts the annual car show to fund it.
The details
Participating car clubs bring five to 10 cars each for about 25 nursing home visits per year so residents can enjoy them. The fundraising keeps Project Lifesaver equipment and service free of charge for local residents, which serves individuals with Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome, or traumatic brain injuries.
Timeline
November 8, 2026: 14th Annual Project Lifesaver Car and Bike Show held.
Big Picture
Project Lifesaver, the radio-bracelet locator program that Newport News and neighboring cities use for people prone to wandering, depends on local fundraising to remain free to families. This car show follows that model, with the sheriff's office raising money locally to cover the $350 setup cost per client.
Families of people with Alzheimer's or related conditions can enroll in Project Lifesaver at no cost to the family, since the program is funded by the sheriff's office. Caregivers concerned about wandering can contact the Newport News Sheriff's Office to learn about enrollment.
The takeaway
Local fundraising is what keeps wandering-prevention services free for families in Newport News. Caregivers who want to support or learn more about the program can reach out to the sheriff's office directly.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore more on Alzheimer's care and safety resources.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAVY-TV 10 Hampton Roads.
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