When top automotive industry brands align, rather than compete, there must be a greater cause – and the likes of McLaren, Singer Vehicle Design, Michelin, Piloti, Automobile Magazine and more than 30 other distinguished brands have all come together to support non-profit Drive Toward a Cure in its inaugural effort to team cars and camaraderie in support of Parkinson’s Disease research and patient care. With two simultaneous drives heading to the Central Coast of California during the weekend of April 28-30th, more than 60 owners and navigators of vintage and modern day ‘driver’s cars’ will be taking the scenic route to raising funds and spreading a strong awareness for the cause.
According to Doug Clark, Vice President for lead sponsor Hagerty Classic Car Insurance, a good part of his business includes getting to know driving enthusiasts and encouraging them to drive their cars. “A program like Drive Toward a Cure not only inspires collectors to get their cars moving, but provides an even better reason to enjoy the road,” said Clark. “And if we can channel our involvement in a worthy way, driving becomes even more of an important pleasure!”
Drive Toward a Cure Founder, Deb Pollack says, “The excitement is building for all involved in this first program, and the fact that April is Parkinson’s Awareness month only adds to the realization that ‘driving has never meant more.’” Pollack has been involved with teaming cars and camaraderie for Parkinson’s for nearly a decade after losing her own mother in 2006 to complications from the disease. “If we can help others by supporting new research programs and other means to finding a cure, then we too are making a difference.”
McLaren Automotive chose to offer their rally entry to the CEO of the Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center based in Northern California – the organization is a major recipient of funds raised throughout the weekend. Dr. Carrolee Barlow and her husband will be driving a brand-new McLaren 560 GT sports car for the entire weekend and will be among an eclectic group of vehicles ranging from a 1953 Chevrolet Pickup Truck and a 1960 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, to modern day Porsche 911s, several Ferraris and the all-new 2017 Acura NSX http://www.drivetowardacure.org/2017/03/22/california-adventure-entries-last-week-register/ .
With two simultaneous spirited drives along portions of the most scenic and challenging driving roads in both northern and southern California, the premiere Drive Toward a Cure rally will focus on a weekend of driving bliss, gourmet dining and luxury accommodations centered around the Paso Robles area. Its registration success has spread throughout the western region, with participants coming primarily from California, but also from as far as Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Washington State. The organizers have responded by adding a Saturday ‘Paso Robles for the Day’ (www.drivetowardacure.org/paso-robles-for-the-day) excursion for Central Coast locals interested in joining the group.
Friday morning entrants (participating in the larger 3-day program) will gain unparalleled viewing access to some of the world’s most prized car collections, including the ultra-private John Mozart Collection and the famed Mullin Museum. Local aficionados anxious to partake in Saturday’s program will join the entire group to enjoy a full day of driving, relaxation, wine tasting, camaraderie, great food, great roads… from breakfast through dinner.
Drive Toward a Cure benefits The Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center in Sunnyvale, Calif., and the globally-renowned Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Registration for the one-day inclusion in Paso Robles remains open until April 20th at www.drivetowardacure.org, with plans for additional fundraising drive programs to be scheduled in the United States and Europe later during 2017 and 2018. Donations can be made online, where information about sponsorship opportunities can also be found. All donations of $500 or more gain recognition as a “Friend of Drive Toward a Cure,” entitling such donors to have their name or logo and URL included on the website for one year.
Current Drive Toward a Cure sponsors, partners, friends and supporters include Hagerty, Singer Vehicle Design, Michelin, McLaren Automotive, Piloti, Intelliga Communications, BRM Chronographs, Alliant Insurance Service, ICON 4×4, Blackhawk Museum, Petersen Museum, Sports Car Market Magazine, Hydes Leather, CarsYeah, Wrapabull, Car Week Concierge, 000 Magazine, DriveShop, Garage Style Magazine, Automobile Magazine, thecarcguy.com, Ferrari Club of America (both the Southwest Region and the Sacrament Region), Porsche Club of America (San Gabriel Valley Region), and The Event Designs Company (formerly known as Rally Race).
