Charities were the big winner at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2014, as this year’s event raised $1.9 million — a record amount of giving — for charity. This was the ninth year in a row charitable donations have topped $1 million.
“We’re proud to host an event that strives to set the bar for excellence in the automotive world while also doing all that it can to help people in need in our local community,” said Pebble Beach Company CEO Bill Perocchi. “True success is when both of these aspects come together in a substantial way to make such an impact, and each year that is our goal.”
The Concours has a tradition of charitable giving that dates back to its founding in 1950. Since inception, it has raised more than $19 million, with this year’s giving exceeding last year’s record-breaking total by $439,000 — a 30 percent increase.
“My respect never wavers for the heartfelt generosity of my friends from the car collector community,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button. “People bring their cars to this concours to share them with enthusiasts from around the world, and at the same time, they give generously to our charities.”
Pebble Beach Concours proceeds, donations from participants and sponsors, and the efforts of many volunteers, all contribute to the year’s total. Television personality Jay Leno also made a special guest appearance at the event, where he offered tours of his Big Dog Garage and quickly raised another $78,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County.
Pebble Beach Company Foundation, the primary charitable partner of the Concours and the philanthropic arm of Pebble Beach Company, benefits nearly 100 local nonprofit youth programs and provides $100,000 in yearly college scholarships. The Foundation also works with the Concours to oversee the Phil Hill Scholarships, encouraging the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.
Additional charities that benefit directly from the Concours include United Way Monterey County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Natividad Medical Foundation, Kinship Center and Animal Friends Rescue Project.
The 65th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will take place on Sunday, August 16, 2015. For tickets and information, go to www.pebblebeachconcours.net.
[Source: Pebble Beach Concours]
