Classic cars are going to make MSU’s campus a safer place this weekend.

Cars on Campus and the MSU Alumni Association are sponsoring a weekend of charity events to benefit MSU Safe Place and Highfields Inc.

MSU Safe Place works to help those who experience domestic violence within the MSU community. Highfields Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides home-based counseling, care, education and support programs for families, youth and communities throughout mid-Michigan.

The third annual Charity Concours d’Elegance will showcase about 200 classic cars. The cars will be from several manufacturers and span all eras of the auto industry.

The weekend is kicked off with a collectors’ and custom car show from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday outside Breslin Student Events Center. After the cars are shown, the vehicles will line up for the “Highfields Grand River Cruise for Kids,” which will parade down Grand River Avenue.

“You can look at cars aesthetically, but when you can see them run it is kind of like moving sculpture,” said Gary Witzenburg, chairman of events for Cars on Campus.

On Saturday, a reception and dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Wharton Center. The dinner is $75 per person. All proceeds will go to charity and seats are still available.

The dinner is highlighted by an auction. Autographed sports memorabilia and an all-expenses trip for two to Salt Lake City for the Olympic Games were all donated for the auction.

The events will wrap up with the Concours d’Elegance on Sunday. The event is the only invitational car show competition in Mid-Michigan.

“This is a subject that is dear to many of the hearts of alumni who have worked in the auto industry,” said Patrick Scheetz, assistant director of the Alumni Association.

Cars on Campus, he said, invites owners of classic vehicles from all over to take part in the show.

“The intention of this is to pick the cream of the cream and from all the different eras,” he said.

MSU Safe Place spokeswoman Lisa Mulcrone said Cars on Campus has been steadily adding activities and events to donate more money to charity. The first year it was held, she said, was totally different from now. The dinner was added just last year.

Mulcrone said she has been to the show every year.

“The cars are really top-notch, they are very specific in who they pick,” she said.