FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deb Pollack (t) 805.320.9248
info@drivetowardacure.org
www.drivetowardacure.org
TASTE OF MOTORSPORTS NAMES DRIVE TOWARD A CURE AS CHARITY BENEFACTOR
New Driving Experiences and Gala Planned to Increase Fundraising Efforts
PORTLAND, OR – November 23, 2020 – Taste of Motorsports, the Pacific Northwest’s premier automotive lifestyle event, will be expanding its regional and charitable presence with two additional venues outside of Portland and an all-new charitable component planned for next year. Should safety and health regulations allow for larger gatherings, the automotive-related entertainment event will host a total of three events, each aligned with nationally-based non-profit Drive Toward a Cure, in an effort to raise additional funds for Parkinson’s Disease research and patient care.
According to Tom Floyd, founder of the Taste of Motorsports, the organization has had a successful pathway in Portland over the past three years and continues to grow the event which is well known for its track day, car show and gourmet food extravaganza. “No other event matches Taste’s combination of offerings with the opportunity to experience and explore a curated collection of exotic cars, savor delicious gourmet food and drink, and socialize with others who enjoy a rarified lifestyle and understand the passion for luxury automobiles. Our attendees are a balance of enthusiasts, car collectors and families – folks that can appreciate the design, engineering and value these type of vehicles inspire.”
Floyd noted that the addition of a charity element raises the experiential event to a higher standard and shares a spirit of community within a curated Concours d’Elegance setting. Additional event elements beginning in 2021 will include a full day scenic driving program, along with a cocktail party/gala – both organized to benefit the charity. Drive Toward a Cure’s founder Deb Pollack is enthusiastic about the upcoming alignment as the organization has been growing steadily since the Foundation’s inception in 2016.
“Our whole premise has been bringing ‘cars and camaraderie’ together to further increase an audience that can support Parkinson’s Disease in a memorable and pleasurable way,” said Pollack. ‘‘We’re very excited to associate with a prestigious event like the Taste of Motorsports and grow together – especially in new regions.” Future plans and new locations for the Taste programs include next Spring at the Apex track in Maricopa, AZ and September 2021 at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California.
A key feature of Taste of Motorsports includes a “Demo Experience” offering a safe on-track environment to evaluate one’s next performance car purchase. Attendees can learn, explore and experience a first-hand experience from an insider’s perspective with instructor supervision on a proper racetrack.
As Taste of Motorsports continues to elevate its place among noteworthy automotive events nationwide, presenting sponsor Vasek Polak Collection lends a celebration of Porsche racing heritage and credibility to the brand. Longtime and globally renowned figures within the Porsche community, Vasek Polak and his daughter Maurie bring storytelling, memorabilia and on-site involvement to each event. Polak and Floyd have had a friendship for more than 30 years – and complement each other’s joy of racing.
About Taste of Motorsports:
Held annually at the Portland International Raceway (PIR), Taste of Motorsports was conceived as a premiere automotive lifestyle event in 2016 by Tom Floyd, a native of San Diego, California now making his home in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Passionate about racing automobiles and design, Floyd is an entrepreneur and remains involved in several businesses including Elevation Lab, which makes accessories for Apple Products.
About Drive Toward a Cure:
Drive Toward a Cure raises funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease research and patient care. Inspired by the camaraderie found within the automotive culture, the organization’s mission benefits equally from both enthusiast communities and industry professionals. Drive Toward a Cure events harness enthusiasm for cars and driving and turn that power into support for ongoing work to improve the lives of those living with Parkinson’s, as well as the research that will hopefully one day lead to a cure.
Drive Toward a Cure is a 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting beneficiaries including The Michael J. Fox Foundation, The Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center and the Parkinson’s Foundation. For donations, sponsorship and event registration please visit www.drivetowardacure.org.
About Parkinson’s Disease
Affecting nearly one million Americans and 10 million worldwide, Parkinson’s disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the United States. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson’s and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States alone.
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