Our Charity Partners

A Race Where Everybody Wins

On December 2, 2024, the staff and residents of Merakey Allegheny Valley School appeared with the check resulting from the 2024 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Our mission is to produce a world-class vintage automotive event to raise funds to help provide residential care, treatment and support for individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities in the western PA region. Because of the generous support and contributions from our sponsors and attendees, and the dedication of our volunteers, we have been fortunate enough to donate over $7 Million  to Autism  Pittsburgh and Merakey Allegheny Valley School.

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Charity Ambassadors

Starting in 2005, the PVGP selected ambassadors from each of our charities. Anita represented the Autism Society of Pittsburgh, and Brandon represented Merakey Allegheny Valley School. Over the years, Anita and Brandon have become part of the Grand Prix family. They even got to meet NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon when he attended the PVGP in 2007! They both make appearances throughout the year at Grand Prix events, attend the Blacktie Gala, visit the race track at Pittsburgh International Race Complex and ride in the Opening Ceremony Parade at Schenley Park.

The PVGP Ambassador Program has been such a great success that after 10 years, we decided to expand it and add even more ambassadors from each charity.  Each person represents our event and charities’ impact on our community. Thousands of lives have been dramatically improved through the educational and residential programs that the Autism-Pittsburgh and Merakey AVS provide. Our ambassadors help to put a face on the charities and let the public see that their donations and efforts have a real and lasting effect.

Autism Pittsburgh addresses the needs of individuals with autism in 14 counties in Western Pennsylvania through a comprehensive array of information, advocacy and referral services, provided to their families and the caring professionals and service providers who work with them. This includes creating, developing and improving programs and approaches in diagnosis, treatment, education, training and social adjustment.

Autism is a neurological disorder that impairs behavior and communication; often tragically. More than 42,000 families in Western Pennsylvania have individuals with this disability-over 18,000 alone in Allegheny county. The CDC indicated a national rate of 1 in 44 births are children with autism. Their families are often overwhelmed by the enormous task of discerning and providing for their complex needs.

Jesse Torisky, CEO of Autism-Pittsburgh, stated “Our office is proud to express our gratitude for the hard work and dedication of so many people who work to make the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix a top-level fundraising event. This enables us to continue to serve the autism community in fifteen counties here in Western Pennsylvania, such as our first responder and judicial autism training, our extended school year and autism service dog programs, our information and referral services, and our Azure autism concert series.”

Merakey Allegheny Valley School (AVS) provides compassionate care to support more than 600 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across Pennsylvania. Over the years, contributions from the PVGP have funded hundreds of initiatives at various locations, significantly improving the lives of the individuals, their families, and dedicated staff. These donations have enabled Merakey AVS to upgrade facilities and to enhance programs throughout Western PA. This year, PVGP funding supported the installation of a new pool lift, ensuring safer and more comfortable access to the therapeutic sensory pool. It also made possible the addition of fire-safe doors in the Memory Care Home, improvements to outdoor areas, a new security system, and several other key facility upgrades.

While Medicaid covers essential operational costs – such as housing, food, medications, utilities, and staffing – it does not fund critical needs like equipment, renovations, or program expansion. Donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, and organizations like the PVGP are vital to bridging this gap. These investments enhance daily living for those served, and also promotes greater independence and accessibility.

We are excited to share an update on projects supported by PVGP grant funds. Over the years, PVGPA contributions have supported hundreds of projects at numerous locations and positively impacted the lives of those with IDD receiving our services, their families, and our staff. Support from the PVGPA enhances facilities and programs throughout Western Pennsylvania. Funds have supported numerous initiatives (see details below), and many more are planned.

Mounted Transfer Lift at the Pittsburgh Campus Medical Suite
Merakey AVS’s Pittsburgh Campus is home to 110 individuals with IDD. The campus has an on-site Medical Suite that can be used by visiting doctors and the M/AVS Medical Department. With the installation of the Liko Overhead Lift, individuals can be transferred safely from their wheelchairs to an exam table. The new equipment provides a secure and stable transfer method, minimizing falls, accidents, and injuries for the individual and staff member. Using the lift system reduces physical strains for staff while using minimal effort and maximum safety.
PVGPA’s total investment in this project to date is $8,583. 

Roof and Wall Repair at the Pittsburgh Campus Pool
Merakey AVS’s Pittsburgh Campus is fortunate to have an on-campus therapeutic Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool. The pool is used for Aquatic Therapy and recreation, providing a weightless, relaxing atmosphere for those participating in the aquatics program. The building’s roof and wall needed to be repaired to maintain a safe structure for all who use the facility. The old wall, window jambs, lumber, and window panels were removed and rebuilt, along with the installation of new roof shingles.
PVGPA’s total investment in this project to date is $31,500

New Air Conditioning Unit at Galey Home
An air conditioning replacement unit was installed at the Galey Home located in Beaver County. Galey is home to four women.
PVGPA’s total investment in this project to date is $6,250

New Doors at Edward J. Zapp Program Center
Two new aluminum doors were installed in the lower level at the Zapp Program Center. More than 85 individuals attend programming four days per week at the Center. In addition, Zapp has 70 Merakey AVS employees who work in departments located at the building. The doors provide a secure entry into the building for all who enter.
PVGPA’s total investment in this project to date is $2,158.26

Kitchen Improvements at the Crestview Home
Crestview is located in Allegheny County and is home to three women. The kitchen area was outdated and in need of renovations. New cabinets, hardware and countertops were installed in the home. The women assist in meal preparation in the kitchen area and are thrilled with the updates.
PVGPA’s total investment in this project to date is $18,009.38

Ceiling Lift at Regina Home
A SureHands lift system was installed at the Regina Home. The new system allows individuals to safely transfer between rooms in the house using a ceiling track. The lift is also safer for staff members as it reduces the strain of lifting and lowering when transferring from a wheelchair to other areas of the home. The new equipment was installed in February 2024 and is currently being used by two individuals living at the home.
PVGPA’s total investment in this project to date is $14,649

Bathroom Renovation and New Flooring at Pittsburgh Campus
Building 3B at Pittsburgh Campus was in need of a bathroom renovation including shower drains, a trench drain, and rerouting waterlines. New heavy-duty grab/slider bars were installed to make the bathing process safer for those who reside at 3B. New flooring was installed in the bathroom after the drains were completed.
PVGPA’s total investment in this project to date is $14,500 

Tovertafel Interactive Sensory Gaming System
The Tovertafel is sensory equipment to stimulate movement for people with IDD and Dementia. Tovertafel means ‘Magic Table’ in Dutch, and magic is exactly what the technology delivers to those with cognitive challenges and their staff. The Tovertafel is a projector that emits lights, sounds and infrared sensors that detect hand movements and transforms any surface into an interactive experience. Anticipated outcomes of the Tovertafels include, but are not limited to, skill development, range of motion, social skills, cognitive functioning, sensory (visual and auditory stimulation), and communication. Due to the unique programs and how the activities can be projected to any surface, this equipment will provide the opportunity for positive, interactive, and independent participation for all. The Tovertafel also promotes group activities and socialization between the residents and staff. Family members who visit their loved ones will also be able to play on the equipment. This will encourage high demands for usage, positive interaction, and reaction. Most importantly, the use of the Tovertafels will improve the person’s overall quality of life. The equipment has recently been installed at four Merakey AVS locations.
The PVGPA’s investment in this project is $12,580.05