Charity
The Driving Young America Charitable Fund was established in 2007 by the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival (Concours), for the purpose of generating, administering & distributing funds to those non-profit organizations and individuals who meet the selection criteria and mission of the Fund.
The Concours was established in 2002 by a small group of volunteers who shared an interest in cars & music. The goal of the original one-day event was to raise funds to support the many youth oriented programs of the Hilton Head Island Symphony Orchestra. Eight years later the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival had exceeded everyone's expectations and developed into a multi-day event earning international recognition.
Throughout its brief history, the Concours has recognized the importance of its legions of volunteers, who make the event possible, by giving back to those organizations who have provided either the volunteers or facilities necessary to stage the event. During that time the Concours has contributed funds (direct and in-kind) in excess of $170,000. Primary recipients to date have included the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Youth Symphony, the local chapter of the Boys & Girls Club and the Coastal Discovery Museum, the venue for the event. And, in 2008, Driving Young America awarded its first scholarships to Nick Heinkel, who plans to return and work in the Hilton Head Island area after he finishes his studies Spring 2010 at the NASCAR automotive facility in North Carolina, and Palmetto Advancement in Learning Motorsports (PALM).
Driving Young America presented two additional scholarship awards in 2009. The first, a $3,500 grant, was awarded to Palmetto Advancement in Learning Motorsports (PALM), a program that offers motorsports training and education to unskilled, unemployed, disadvantaged teenagers. Since receiving their first award in 2008, PALM was awarded a federal training grant where they became faculty to forty students enrolled in a three month course in which they received on-the-job training. All forty students have since completed their training and have entered the workforce. The other, the Dr. Paul Doerring Award, a $2,500 grant, was given to Ashleigh Justice. Currently enrolled in the Calhoun Honors College of Clemson University, Ashleigh, who is pursuing a career in mechanical engineering, is taking her first automotive engineering class this semester.
Under the inspirational leadership of its Chairman, Dr. Paul Doerring, the Concours organization has never lost sight of its original goal to help young people achieve their dreams.
Driving Young America is a "designated fund" of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry (Foundation). One of over 700 community foundations active throughout the United States, the Foundation provides the investment expertise, administration and facility to maximize the tax advantages of charitable giving. Their fees, based on fund assets, are less than 2% per year.
With their support and guidance, the Advisory Group responsible for Driving Young America is able to concentrate on its mission and seek ways to grow the Fund.
The Mission of Driving Young America is to:
- Support the education, inspiration and creativity of young people who have an interest in the design, performance, restoration, safety and historical significance of the automobile
- Give back to the Community by supporting youth oriented programs sponsored by organizations that provide significant resources critical to the success of the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival.
The Fund's Advisory Group organizes special fund raising activities during the Concours and throughout the year. For example, this year2009's schedule of events included the Southern Belle Fashion Show, a partner effort with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra League, in conjunction with the Motoring Festival. Proceeds from this event benefitted both Driving Young America and the Symphony Orchestra's youth programming.
Driving Young America also benefited from contributions made by individuals and organizations who not only support and enjoy the Concours but also share an interest in our charitable mission. In 2009, the Driving Young America Chauffer's Society welcomed the following members:
Mr. and Mrs. K. Ted Allenbach
Mr. Jeff Boetticher (Wm. F. Hilton Company)
Mr. Andrew Edmonds
Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards
Mr. and Mrs. Gene Epstein
Mr. William Gerrard
Mr. Gerald Greenfield
Mr. and Mrs. Merry Harlacher
Mr. Marvin Hill
Dr. William Jackson
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Justice
Mr. Timothy Mullins
Mr. Jim Schmidt
Mr. William Templar
Mr. Jan Bordewick
This is just one more step in the impressive growth of the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival. Long term, Driving Young America expects to make a significant contribution to young people in the Lowcountry, our Community and to those non-profit organizations that share our vision and support the Event.
You can help us "jump start" the Fund right now by making your own tax-deductible contribution.
Send your contribution payable to the:
POST OFFICE BOX 21733
Hilton Head Island, SC 22925
If you are interested in learning more about the Foundation or making a contribution with your credit card log on to... www.cf-lowcountry.org
Click on the "Donate Online" link and select Driving Young America in the drop down box.
Contributors with donations of $250 or more will become members of the Chauffer's Society.