Saturday, February 21, 2026, provided the perfect backdrop for Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee to pause, reflect, and celebrate the people who have helped shape the group into what it is today. The gathering marked the organization’s eighth anniversary— drawing 55 vehicles—a mix of new faces and longtime members who have been there from the beginning.
For coordinator, Johan Gallo, the day was about more than cars—it was about gratitude. He emphasized that the success of Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee has always been rooted in the willingness of its members and supporters to show up and give back. “We have an excellent group of people with heart and a willingness to give back,” Gallo said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome over the last eight years, and I thank all of you for your support.”
Reflecting on the milestone, Gallo explained that anniversaries, like this one, offer an important opportunity to recognize those who consistently step in to help—whether behind the scenes or front and center. He noted that sometimes seeing everyone together—longtime supporters alongside new members—makes it especially clear why recognition matters. “We cannot do what we do, without ALL of you,” he said.
That sense of gratitude carried naturally into a series of recognitions honoring members and businesses whose generosity, reliability, and genuine care for the community have defined Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee's mission over the years.
The first award was presented to “Chuck” William Cecil and his wife, Beverly Cecil. Since joining, the Cecil family has promoted and supported nearly everything Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee has undertaken. Chuck, along with his daughter, Carrie, son-in-law David, and grandson Alex, has been involved in monthly gatherings, toy drive cruises, collections and distributions, Community Day, Veterans Day, and phase one of the San Bernardino County Sheriff Substation renovation. Gallo praised Chuck’s dependability, saying, “I know I can always count on Chuck to jump in to help me.”
Another example of long-term commitment came from Sam and Stephanie Cereceres, who were recognized for their continued involvement since joining the Santa Claus Toy Drive Cruise in 2021. They quickly became active participants in events, such as the Blue Mountain Festival and Mickey’s Car Show, and have continued to support every effort since. Gallo highlighted Sam’s selflessness in regularly bringing a fire engine from San Bernardino—a vehicle that gets just 2.5 miles per gallon—and refusing gas money even when offered by the Mayor and others.
Consistency and dedication were also celebrated through awards presented to Daryl Bruhl and Rob Burleson, the group’s longest-serving and most reliable attendees since 2018. Daryl is known for always making the coffee, while Rob helps with table setup. Along with Guy Portillo, they were three of the original seven members. Gallo emphasized how their steady presence has helped anchor the group through years of growth.
That same spirit of reliability was evident in the recognition of John Ivan Alonzo and his family, long-standing members known for stepping in whenever help is needed. This year, they stepped in to assist with toy drive sorting and distribution, and John and his wife, Alma, played a major role in the Sheriff Substation project, by helping secure the best pricing on tile work and other needs. Gallo said their response to any request is always 'yes', and that willingness was especially evident during the anniversary gathering, when Sam and Stephanie’s Ford Galaxie suffered a broken steering coupler, just as they parked. Gallo recalled John’s immediate response: “No problem!” John retrieved his tools and began working on the car during the event. Another member, Chuck Penry, happened to have the needed part at home and brought it over. The repair was completed on the spot—a moment Gallo said perfectly reflected the group’s collective support, especially given how close the couple had come to being stranded on the freeway earlier that morning.
Support from local businesses has also played a vital role in Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee’s success, including longtime partner Christy McGuire and Get Loaded Guns and Ammo. They were honored for their continued support and for serving as one of the businesses that collect toys each year. They were also the first to step up for last year’s Sheriff Substation project, providing a microwave, coffee maker, supplies, and ongoing contributions.
Equally essential to the group’s growth has been the Grand Terrace Lions Club and the unwavering support of Ed and Becky Giroux. Ed Giroux and Tim Lunstrum volunteer annually as the collection vehicle and trailer for the toy drive cruise, including transporting Santa Claus, who now has a prominent place on Shad Boals’s Jeep. Through Ed Giroux and the Lions Club, Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee has secured insurance for its gatherings, as well as a second meeting location that served the group until it outgrew the space. Ed and Becky Giroux have also donated funds for both phases of the Sheriff Substation project, and remain consistent supporters of every Cars & Coffee effort. In return, Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee proudly supports the Lions Club through events, such as the Blue Mountain Festival, the parade, and the GT Lions’ Mickey’s Car Show.
City leadership was also recognized as a key factor in the group’s journey. Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee expressed appreciation for Mayor Bill Hussey and the City Council, noting that the group faced early challenges and benefitted from Hussey’s support throughout his service as council member, mayor pro tem, and now mayor. That backing helped Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee grow into an organization focused on giving back and strengthening the community.
Longtime sponsors, Michael Miller and Lori Anne Miller, of Woody’s Classic Grill were also thanked for supporting Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee from day one. Gallo recalled sharing his vision of creating a welcoming space for car enthusiasts to gather, have fun, and give back to the community in as many ways as possible—a vision he believes the group has fulfilled and will continue to expand.
The celebration also included appreciation for Elci’s Original Photography, for capturing the event and introducing Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee to her new group, Pinups for Cancer, which supports cancer survivors and those currently battling cancer. Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee looks forward to working together in future efforts.
As the engines quiet and the coffee cups empty, the heart of Cars & Coffee remains strong. Through generosity, teamwork, and a shared commitment to service, the group continues to prove that it is about far more than cars. 8 years in, Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee remains a place where people come together, lift one another up, and strengthen the bonds that make the community feel like home.