FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deb Pollack (t) 805.320.9248
info@drivetowardacure.org
www.drivetowardacure.org
DRIVE TOWARD A CURE’S “GREAT SOUTHERN ADVENTURE” REGISTRATION OPENS
Classic, Contemporary and Exotic Vehicles Take on Roads Less Traveled While Raising Funds and Awareness for Parkinson’s Disease
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to take the road less traveled, join Drive Toward a Cure’s “Great Southern Adventure”, September 27-30th offering an exhilarating drive from North Carolina to Atlanta, while raising funds for Parkinson’s Disease research and patient care. This second Drive Toward a Cure event for 2017 will explore the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains – including the more than 318 curves in just 11 miles of the famed ‘Tail of the Dragon’ scenic byway – while demonstrating that driving has never meant more.
According to Deb Pollack, founder of the non-profit Drive Toward a Cure charity rally, the ability to blend cars and camaraderie to support such a meaningful cause is quickly becoming recognized as the newest communal fundraiser within the automotive industry. “Last April we raised more than $26,000 through our inaugural “California Adventure” drive and we learned that the friends that drive together, thrive together” said Pollack. “Joining passion with a meaningful cause has taken on a whole new emotional meaning.”
While legendary gentleman racers like Phil Hill, David Love and Sam Posey shared their love of racing, they too shared the challenges of Parkinson’s – but that didn’t stop their love and participation in the industry. Pollack has taken on the challenge to ask those that too love to drive to partake in the type of drives that can benefit finding a cure for this progressive and debilitating disease that affects many, many more on a global basis – more than 5 million worldwide. Whether you can commit to participating in the upcoming “Great Southern Adventure” or simply make a donation, she’s hoping you’ll view www.drivetowardacure.org and help to spread the word.
The upcoming 3-day program, begins in Asheville, NC with a two-night luxury stay at the Omni Grove Park Inn, before making its way to the the Chateau Élan Winery & Resort in Braselton, GA for a third night.
The rally drive intentionally concludes at the site of the Atlanta Concours, (www.atlantaconcours.org) providing participants with yet another reason to join the adventure, as well as opportunities to partake in an entire weekend full of Concours activities, including the chance to show their own cars on the lawn during Saturday’s ‘Driver’s at the Chateau’ event. The “Great Southern Adventure” is expected to host as many as 40 registrant vehicles, and 80 guests for a luxury trip that will traverse more than 600 miles.
The Drive Toward a Cure concept, as an alternative to ‘for profit’ driving programs, began as an opportunity to grow interest in the Parkinson’s cause among automotive aficionados and potential automotive sponsors, and grew into a full 3-day event that benefitted both the globally renowned Michael J. Fox Foundation and the California-based Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center. The “Great Southern Adventure” is expected to bring the same warmth, camaraderie and funding to the Southeast region.
“We are looking to build both an adventure and a movement within the automotive community that will create a groundswell in finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease,” said Pollack. “Having been in the car industry for several decades – blending cars and camaraderie has always been something of second nature. But when I lost my Mom to Parkinson’s in 2006, I realized there were meaningful ways to share friendships and the emotional bonds and gratification that driving can bring, to support the challenges others may face.”
As this newest rally grows within the automotive field, all levels of car enthusiasts are encouraged to join through participation and/or donation. Those seeking more information can visit www.drivetowardacure.org .
Current Drive Toward a Cure supporters include Hagerty, Intelliga Communications, Sports Car Market Magazine, Piloti, Michelin, Pennzoil, Singer Vehicle Design, McLaren Automotive, BRM Chronographs, Automobile Magazine, Alliant Insurance, DriveShop, Garage Style Magazine, and The Event Designs Company, to name a few. For a full list of supporters, visit www.drivetowardacure.org/sponsors. For future sponsorship opportunities, please see www.drivetowardacure.org/sponsorship-opportunities .
About Drive Toward a Cure:
The Drive Toward a Cure program pursues an alternative to the numerous ‘for profit’ rally driving programs through the creation of events that team cars and camaraderie to raise funds in support of the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease, benefiting research and patient care. Drive Toward a Cure events are carefully designed to provide a premium experience while raising much-needed funds to continue the search for a cure, through beneficiaries The Michael J. Fox Foundation and The Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center. For donations, sponsorship and event registration, please visit www.drivetowardacure.org
About Parkinson’s Disease:
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, meaning that physical symptoms continue and worsen over time. Nearly one million people in the US are living with Parkinson’s disease. The cause is unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage its symptoms.
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