Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix makes record donation

30 years, two charities, 1200+ volunteers. What does that equal? Over $3.2 million dollars. That is what the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has donated to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. Just last week was the annual Victory Lap Check Presentation at the Frick Museum in Pittsburgh (don't take photographs here). This year was a record setting donation to the charities. $250,000 or $125,000 each.

Since 1983, the PVGP has grown from a single day car show and race to a 10 day motorsport festival consisting of two vintage race weekends, car shows, cruises, parades, and parties. The event is entirely driven by over 1200+ volunteers, some of whom are pictured here. and all proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. Both of which help to provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh area.

The PVGP stands as one of the largest motorsport festivals in the nation, and the oldest continually run in the nation. It also stands apart as the racing is held entirely on public streets, bringing American sports car racing back to the way it used to be. “This event continues to amaze me” said Executive Director Dan DelBianco. He added, “To hold 10 days of events and turn a city park into a race circuit is a huge undertaking. There is no admission fee for spectators at the Schenley Park Race Weekend and the cost of staging the events is quite challenging so it is truly astounding that this event generates a quarter of a million dollars for local charities. Our success can be credited to the incredible support of our volunteers, sponsors and city officials coupled with the generosity of our racers and spectators. The Grand Prix now encompasses a dozen events spread over 10 days and nearly every single event is either sold out or near capacity.”

Source: Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. 

By: Austin On 10:51

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Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix raises $200,000 for charity

Being a Pittsburgh based car guy and racing fan. I brag about the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix throughout the year. Not only do I show cars and participate in the events, but I also serve as a member of the Car Show Committee. Be it the car shows, the races, the fun of enjoying a nice weekend in the park, what ever fits your fancy, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has a little bit of everything. The best though is that ALL proceeds from the PVGP events benefit two awesome charities, the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. This year, the PVGP set a new record, donating $200,000 to both charities at the recent "Victory Lap" check presentation ceremony. Representatives from the PVGP, event sponsors, car manufacturers, and participating car clubs were on hand at the Allegheny Valley School's campus for tours, a checkered flag waving and Terrible Towel wave (Myron Cope, inventor of the Terrible Towel sat on the board of AVS and the PVGP, and sales benefit AVS also). Each charity will benefit equally, receiving $100,000 each. This money will be used to provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh area.

Since 1983, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $2.95 million dollars for both charities, with no signs of stopping.

For more information on how you can donate to the PVGP, volunteer or find out about the 2012 event, please visit http://www.pittsburghvintagegrandprix.com

Charity Ambassadors representing each charity;  Anita Iyengar -Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Brandon Fisher - Allegheny Valley School were on hand to receive the $200,000 check. 

left to right: PVGP Showside Director Bob Speer, Shop 'n Save's Rich Haeflein, Autism Society's Dan Torisky and PVGP Race Director Rocky Farrar with the 2011 check for $200,000.

By: Austin On 07:45

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