Over one hundred exotic car owners made their way to Atlanta Motorsports Park June 2 to give children battling pediatric cancers the experience of a lifetime.
For the 13th year, Ferrari Maserati of Atlanta in Alpharetta has given back to the community with their Rides to Remember fundraiser in the honor of a teammate whose family member was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Proceeds from the event went to organizations fighting pediatric cancer including Ronald McDonald House Charities of Atlanta, CURE Childhood Cancer and Camp Sunshine.
“It’s really fun. So far I think everyone has a lot of excitement and I know the kids are excited to ride in the cars,” said Public Relations Manager Jennifer Sheran. “It’s an experience that not many people get to have really to ride in these exotic vehicles and kind of go that fast around so I think it’s going to be something that’s really fun.”
Exotic car owners caravanned up to Dawsonville from Alpharetta to make children’s dreams come true. One by one, expensive Ferraris, Maseratis and other luxury sports cars lined up, ready for kids to choose their favorite ride for a race around the AMP track they won’t soon forget.
“It’s a great event,” said Tim Pierce who volunteered as a driver. “You love seeing the kids come out and enjoy it and you get to chat with them for a little while when they’re in the car. They always have just heartbreaking stories. It makes you feel fortunate for what you have.”
Pierce drove Ferrari 458 up to Dawsonville for his second year as a driver.
“It’s a great way to do something good for people and have fun,” said Pierce. “If the kids want an opportunity to enjoy cars, come out because there’s so many people that love to do stuff like this and love the opportunity to spend time with the kids. I would encourage everybody to participate and enjoy the day.”
But some kids weren’t interested in the fancy sports cars and instead turned their attention to the police cars from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, choosing to ride with officers around the track. Kids grinned ear to ear as they chased the exotic sports cars around the track.
The kids and their families had a lot to get excited about beyond racing in the sports cars. A DJ kept the party going by playing music, a donut truck offered free donuts, there was a virtual reality game truck, face painting stations, bouncy houses and therapy dogs at the event to keep the smiles going all day long.
“It’s very heartwarming to be here…just fun to see people forgetting their worries for a little while and having fun,” said Sheran.