Girls gear up for the road with Cupcakes & Conversations: Car Care 101

Press release from Dream on Purpose

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – “I learned where my spare tire is!” “I didn’t even know blinker fluid wasn’t real.” “I’m going to use this to extend the life of my car, so it hopefully lasts me through college. I’m also going to try and do as much car care on my own.”

These are just a few of the lightbulb moments and confidence boosts that girls shared after last year’s Cupcakes & Conversations: Car Care 101. The impact was clear: knowledge turned into empowerment, and uncertainty replaced with confidence.

Back by popular demand, this event is returning to give girls ages 11–18 the tools, tips, and hands-on experience they need to feel safe and in control long before they get behind the wheel. Cupcakes & Conversations: Car Care 101 takes place on October 4th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at City Auto Repair, 4488 NW 6th St, Gainesville, FL.

As part of Dream on Purpose’s 10-year anniversary celebration, this event blends sweet treats with smart skills. Girls will learn the basics of car maintenance, safety, and emergency preparedness when it comes to transportation — everything from checking tire pressure and understanding dashboard lights to changing a tire and understanding how to prioritize safety during a roadside emergency.

“We’re not just handing out cupcakes,” says Shareen Baptiste, the nonprofit’s president and co-founder. “We’re handing out confidence, real-world readiness, knowledge, and community every girl deserves to have.”

This fan-favorite event features hands-on demonstrations, empowering discussions, and free resource kits for all participants provided through the support of Prost! Photography, City Auto Repair, the Wagmore Foundation, and the Community Foundation of North Central Florida.

This event is free to attend; however, few spaces remain. To register or to learn more information, visit dreamonpurpose.org/events/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter).