HERSHEY, Pa., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Organizers of The Elegance at Hershey on Monday announced an expanded schedule of vintage and collector car events June 8-10, 2012 at The Hotel Hershey®. The first-ever The Elegance at Hershey weekend this year raised more than $200,000 for its designated charities that include the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the AACA Museum and the AACA Library and Research Center.
"The outstanding success of our first Elegance at Hershey weekend in June leads us to announce an even bigger and better schedule for 2012," noted John W. Rich, Sr., founder and board chairman of The Elegance at Hershey. Rich also announced that because of its successful debut in 2011, the initial contract to conduct The Elegance at Hershey at The Hotel Hershey® has been expanded from three years to at least five years.
"We are thrilled that Hershey Entertainment & Resorts has agreed to host The Elegance at Hershey through 2016 at the exquisite setting of The Hotel Hershey® and we look forward to another great series of events next June," Rich said.
The Elegance at Hershey 2012 weekend again includes a reincarnation of the Hershey Hill Climb, now named The Grand Ascent, expanding next year to two days of racing up the famed Hershey Hill Climb course. The 2012 Grand Ascent plan includes expanded classes featuring even more vintage race cars, many from the pre-World War II era. The Grand Ascent is open to the public and includes special viewing areas, an intimate pit/paddock area, a wide variety of cars on display and food and vendor areas. Rides up the Grand Ascent in vintage cars with famous drivers and other VIP's are offered during the lunch hour for a donation to The Elegance at Hershey charities.
Preceding the Grand Ascent runs on Saturday in 2012 is a new event; a runners' "Race to the Top" up the historic 7/10-mile hill climb course. Using the same state-of-the-art technology used to time cars on their journey up the steep and winding Hershey hill climb road, runners will get certificates noting their times as part of their "Race to the Top" package, according to David L. George II, Grand Ascent chairman and a member of The Elegance at Hershey Board. Runners' entrance fees, pledges and other sponsorships will help raise money for The Elegance at Hershey charities, George noted.
A gala dinner and auction at The Hotel Hershey® are once again part of The Elegance at Hershey weekend on Saturday, June 9, 2012. The gala was an immediate sell-out in 2011, with the auction raising in excess of $60,000 for the Elegance at Hershey charities.
The Elegance at Hershey weekend next year concludes on Sunday June 10, 2012 with The Elegance, an invitational showing of more than 60 of the world's most sought-after collector cars, in the unique setting of the formal gardens at The Hotel Hershey®. The Elegance, steeped in the rich tradition of the original Concours d'Elegance exhibitions in Europe, is open to the public, with special exhibits, vendors, food and beverages and an opportunity to see some of the world's most beautiful "automobile art" in an intimate, casual setting. More information is available at www.theeleganceathershey.com.
The Elegance at Hershey represents "Cars for Causes" with all proceeds benefitting The Elegance at Hershey designated charities: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the AACA Museum and the AACA Library and Research Center.
"Arguably, The Elegance at Hershey is fast-becoming the region's most unique and successful charity event," Mr. Rich said. "Based on feedback from the 2011 show, we are quickly gaining national recognition as one of the best events of its kind in the East," he concluded.
The Elegance at Hershey is currently seeking high-quality vendors and sponsors for its 2012 lifestyle events. A wide range of vending and sponsorship opportunities exist. Vendors and businesses interested in sponsoring and/or exhibiting at The Elegance at Hershey 2012 should contact 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
