The 65th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance raised $1,900,461 for charity. The amount was announced at a luncheon honoring the charitable partners of the Concours.
“While we strive to set the bar high for concours everywhere, celebrating great automobiles and the people behind them, we also want to do our best for the local community,” said Bill Perocchi, CEO of Pebble Beach Company. “Our goal each year is to raise a substantial sum of money to help people in need, and we are pleased and proud to, once again, raise a record amount for local charities.”
The Concours has now raised more than $21 million for charity over its 65-year history, making 2015 a milestone year for the internationally recognized event.
“Collector car enthusiasts are passionate about their cars, but they also care greatly about people — and they often put their cars in service to the community, sharing their cars at events like ours and raising charitable dollars,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button. “Judges donate their expertise, hundreds of volunteers donate their time, and sponsors donate luxury items for opportunity drawings. All of these people come together to not only enjoy the cars on our show field but to help others.”
During Wednesday’s luncheon, Perocchi and Button stressed their gratitude to the charitable partners of the Concours who make certain that charity dollars are distributed wisely.
Pebble Beach Company Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Pebble Beach Company that just celebrated its 40th anniversary, serves as the primary charitable partner of the Concours. The Foundation benefits nearly 100 local nonprofit programs, with a focus on youth education and literacy. It also works with the Concours to oversee the Phil Hill Scholarships, encouraging the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.
Additional charities that benefit directly from the Concours include United Way Monterey County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Natividad Medical Foundation, Kinship Center and Animal Friends Rescue Project.
The 66th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is scheduled for Sunday, August 21, 2016. For information, go to www.pebblebeachconcours.net.