BURLINGTON - A cruise-in Saturday night at the Wal-Mart parking lot in Burlington brought out car enthusiasts from across the Tri-State.

The car show, featuring vintage and later model showpieces, was organized by Andrew's Buddies of the Tri-State. The event was to raise money and awareness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a group of diseases that affect the motor neurons of the spinal cord and brain stem, causing muscle weakness and even death among those afflicted by it.

Jeff Ball, a member of Andrew's Buddies of the Tri-State and a father of a child with SMA, said he was pleased with the turnout.

"I think we have more than 100 cars here, and the weather is cooperating," Ball said. "We're here to have fun, but we're also here to let people know what SMA is and hopefully raise money for a cure."

Becky Cremeens of Kitts Hill is also a member of the local chapter and has a daughter who suffers from SMA. Cremeens said she is thankful for the show of support from the community.

"We want them to know that they've helped us in finding a cure for SMA. And this also makes them more aware of what SMA is, and that kids who have it are just like any other kids."

The cruise-in was also sponsored by the River Cities Corvette and Chevy Club. R&M Delivery, Killer designs and Big Sandy Superstores provided door prizes and other support for the event.

According to the Andrew's Buddies Web site, it is estimated that SMA occurs in between one-in-6,000 and one-in-20,000 births. It is usually an inherited disorder.