For classic car lovers and supporters of a meaningful cause, the annual Rock’n August Classic Car for a Cure Lottery is back and this year’s grand prize is already turning heads.
The star of the show is a fully restored 1956 Mercury M100 truck, a rare and beautifully preserved piece of automotive history valued at $70,000. With its gleaming chrome, vintage lines, and meticulous “nut and bolt” restoration, this truck is more than just a prize, it’s a statement.
“The prize is a beautiful truck and it fits in any car show around,” says Rick Dory, president of Rock’n August.
Every detail, from engine components to interior finishes, has been returned to its original glory, making it the kind of vehicle that could command attention at any major car show. What makes the Mercury M100 even more exceptional is its heritage. Built exclusively for the market, this truck shares its DNA with the iconic Ford F-series, but boasts its own distinctive badging and trim.
Ticket sales are now closed, but the winner has yet to be announced. The grand prize draw will take place live during the Rock’n August Kick-Off event at Century Casino, marking the official start of the five-day festival. The event showcases over 550 classic cars and draws more than 50,000 attendees, including enthusiasts, collectors, and families.
Choosing the right vehicle is no small task. The Mercury M100 was handpicked by a small, passionate committee dedicated to blending classic car culture with charitable impact.
“Every year, we aim to find a vehicle that captures attention and nostalgia,” Dory said. “This truck does both, and then some.”
But beneath the shining chrome and rumble of vintage engines lies a more serious mission.
The event proudly partners with the Alberta Diabetes Foundation (ADF), helping to fund cutting-edge diabetes research right here in Alberta. Over the past two decades, Rock’n August has raised more than $1.8 million to support innovative diabetes projects, including groundbreaking work on islet cell transplants and new treatments aimed to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.
For the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, the lottery is more than a fundraiser, it’s a lifeline.
“It helps fund projects that are now moving into clinical trials,” said Lindsay Burnham, ADF’s executive director. “It’s incredible to see how an event like this can directly support research that changes lives.”
This year's truck symbolizes more than just nostalgia; it represents hope and progress. Enthusiasts who purchased a ticket aren’t just vying for a classic; they're contributing to a vision of a healthier future.
