HERSHEY, Pa., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Organizers of the first-ever The Elegance at Hershey, a series of charitable vintage automobile events conducted at the Hotel Hershey® in June, Monday presented checks totaling $205,000 to its three beneficiaries. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) received $105,000, while the AACA Antique Automobile Museum and the AACA Library and Research Center each received checks for $50,000.
"Because of the generosity of our sponsors, donors and patrons who came to see some of the most beautiful cars in the world, we are not only able to support these important charities, but also begin to plan for The Elegance at Hershey in 2012 and beyond," noted John W. Rich Sr., Elegance Founder and Chairman of the Board.
Dubbed "Car for Causes", the two-day The Elegance at Hershey on June 11 & 12 included a re-running of the historic Hershey Hill Climb, now renamed "The Grand Ascent", a gala dinner and auction and The Elegance itself, a showing of some of the world's most prized and sought-after vintage automobiles, presented in the unique setting of the formal gardens at The Hotel Hershey®.
Rich noted that an agreement has been reached with The Hotel Hershey® to host The Elegance at Hershey events annually through 2016. "The beautiful venue of the historic Hotel Hershey®, coupled with the outstanding support and cooperation of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts management and staff were important ingredients to our success. We look forward to a continued strong working relationship with our Hershey partners to carry that success forward," Rich said.
"Helping to find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes, coupled with a desire to preserve the rich historical resource of our automobile heritage was the impetus for establishing The Elegance at Hershey as our 'cars for causes' events," Rich explained, noting that members of his family are directly affected by Juvenile Diabetes. "I'm proud to stand here today to say we are meeting our goals."
Rich also publicly thanked the several hundred local volunteers who worked "tirelessly" to ensure a successful event. "No effort of this magnitude is ever possible without a hard-working cadre of volunteers, many of whom helped weeks in advance and then spent their entire weekend - and beyond - supporting The Elegance at Hershey", Rich noted.
JDRF International Board Chairman Frank Ingrassia accepted The Elegance at Hershey contribution on behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, accompanied by JDRF Central PA Executive Director Susan Harral, Ellen Rubesin, Executive Director of the JDRF Eastern PA Chapter headquartered in Philadelphia, and Michele Moccio Mullikin, JDRF's East Central PA branch manager.
"This is an amazing amount of support, and it wouldn't be possible without the dedication and vision of the Rich family," said Ingrassia during the ceremony. "The family has done much for JDRF and we truly appreciate their commitment to supporting our mission. Thank you, as always, for all you do for JDRF and for everyone with type 1 diabetes."
Michael J. Barrett, Executive Director of the AACA Museum accepted The Elegance at Hershey contribution on behalf of the antique automobile museum. The AACA Museum in Hershey houses one of the nation's largest collections of original and restored cars, trucks, and buses in unique themed settings and attracts thousands of visitors to Hershey each year.
"We would like to thank Mr. Jack Rich and the Elegance Board for including the AACA Museum as one of the beneficiaries of The Elegance at Hershey. It is really great when automotive enthusiasts can also help support organizations like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation," Barrett said.
Chris Ritter, Head Librarian, accepted The Elegance at Hershey check on behalf of the AACA Library and Research Center. Located at the national AACA Headquarters in Hershey, the AACA Library houses one of the nation's most comprehensive collections of antique automobile documents, films, other resources and "automobilia". In accepting The Elegance at Hershey donation, Ritter explained that the entire $50,000 contribution will assist in development of a unique travelling exhibit in a 1955 Chevrolet 3600 Bookmobile, currently being restored.
"This important contribution will go a long way toward making awareness of our resources available to thousands of antique automobile enthusiasts around the country," Ritter explained.
The second annual Elegance at Hershey events will be held June 8-10, 2012 at The Hotel Hershey® and are open to the public. Corporate sponsors and donors are now being sought to support the 2012 events. For more information go to www.theeleganceathershey.com or call The Elegance at Hershey office at 717-534-1910.
Proceeds from The Elegance at Hershey events are a result of combining cars and causes. Granted 501(c)(3) status, The Elegance at Hershey is an independent non-profit charitable organization established to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes and to protect the rich resource of our automotive heritage. All donations are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
SOURCE The Elegance at Hershey
