CARMEL, Ind. -

The annual ADESA Boston Classic Car and Motorcycle Run, now in its 12th year, will be held this Sunday, Sept. 16 in Massachusetts.

The fundraising event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in charitable donations over the years, ADESA reports, and today boasts more than 200 motorcycles and 100 vintage vehicles in its 30-mile police escorted run through towns including Framingham, Weston, Waltham and Newton.

The idea for the run came from a 2001 conversation between ADESA chief executive officer and president Tom Caruso and ADESA Boston general manager Jack Neshe.

“One day I was talking motorcycles; Tommy was talking classic cars, and the idea just clicked,” said Neshe. “Today, this event, and the amount we’ve been able to donate to a variety of children’s charities, have both grown substantially throughout the years.”

ADESA Boston has donated nearly $450,000 to children’s charities to date, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Children’s Hospital Boston, and Northern New England Down Syndrome Congress. This year, funds raised through the event will benefit Autism Speaks, ADESA noted.

“Thanks to all of the support we receive from our employees, our customers, local businesses and local law enforcement agencies; no expenses are taken out of the proceeds and all the money raised goes directly to the charity,” Neshe explained.

Along with the classic car and motorcycle run, this year’s event will also feature live music by the band Tension; cuisine from The Chicken Bone; live auction of sports memorabilia; kids bicycle rodeo; and fire engine tour.

The event is held at ADESA Boston, 63 Western Ave. in Framingham, Mass., and will run from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration for cars and motorcycles is $25 per vehicle, with a check-in time of 9 a.m.; the run begins at 11 a.m.

Cost is $7 per person at the door, with children 12 and under admitted free. Additional information is available by contacting Glenda Ivey at ADESA Boston, at (508) 626-5401.

“What an amazing journey,” said CEO Caruso. “Jack and I were able to take something we love and turn it into an event that benefits so many people in the community. And to think, 12 years later, it’s still going strong.”