The PVGP Sets Another Record with $410,000 Donation to Charity.
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) and its presenting sponsor, the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association, (GPADA) presented a record $410,000 check to the PVGP Charities. The presentation took place on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at the “Dancing with the Cars” party – the opening preview of the Pittsburgh International Auto Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The check represents the funds raised by the PVGP throughout 2018, combined with the proceeds from the GPADA’s Dancing with the Cars party that night.
(left to right) Unveiling the donation check are John Putzier – CEO Greater Pittsburgh Automobile dealers Association, Brian Urban – PVGP Assistant Race Director, Bernie Martin – PVGP Cortile and Social Media, Elizabeth Humphrey – Merakey AVS Ambassador, Anita Iyengar – Autism Society of Pittsburgh Ambassador, Dan Wind – President GPADF, Matt Diehl – President GPADA and Dan DelBianco – Executive Director PVGP. Photo by Amy Rocini.
“This was the 7th time in the last 8 years that we were able to set a new record for fundraising and the 11th time in the last 14 years.” said Dan DelBianco, executive director of the PVGP “we are proud of our growing success and we are so appreciative that the GPADA’s Foundation holds this event and donates the proceeds to our charity partners.
John Putzier, CEO of the GPADA said “our partnership with the PVGP has turned out to be a win-win-win for the GPADA’s Foundation, the PVGP and for the charities. Together we can do so much good by combining the two biggest automotive events in Western PA to generate funds for autism and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Dan Wind, president of the foundation, agreed stating “Dancing with the Cars is truly one of our city’s premier charity events, and it is because of the generosity of the GPADA’s 250 dealer and associate members, the event’s wonderful sponsors, and our ticket-holding guests that makes this event the annual success that it is. We are excited that this year’s event, kicking off the 75th edition of the Pittsburgh International Auto Show, will add to our record-setting relationship with the PVGP and their charities.”
“We are extremely fortunate to have a great organization like the GPADF step up and support our year-long efforts,” DelBianco said. “Since our inaugural race in 1983, the PVGP has now donated more than $5.5 million to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Merakey Allegheny Valley School.
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to host an annual world-class vintage automotive event for charity. It is the region’s premier automotive event with 250,000 attendees. The 2019 Race Week runs July 12-21, starting with Historic Races at Pitt Race Complex, continuing with Race Week events throughout the city and culminating with the vintage races and car show in Schenley Park on July 20-21 weekend.