VERO BEACH — Vero’s first-ever, European-style road rally…Vero Road Rally Magnifique (VRRM) was unveiled recently by The Sun Up Center for the Developmentally Disabled at a VIP Starting Line Preview Party that introduced attendees to Sun Up’s inaugural signature fundraising event scheduled for Saturday, March 27 from 2 to 7 p.m.
Honorary Chairs Kathi and John Schumann and Honorary Rally Masters Dawn & James Redman along with Sun Up Center Board President Mary Beth Vallar, VRRM Chair Karl Steene and committee members Dennis Bartholomew, Tammy Adams, Dr. Susan Blair Fries and numerous others are gearing up for this unique road rally.
What is a Road Rally? Usually there are two people per vehicle, a driver and a navigator, although additional passengers may be beneficial. All participants in the vehicle are known as a team whose goal is to score points at various checkpoints along the route in order to be eligible to win prizes after the rally.
The Vero Road Rally Magnifique will take in scenic beauty and local history by teams touring on public roads competing in a very casual, family-type outing. VRRM is not a Time/Speed/Distance race but rather a Blind rally meaning the participants will have no idea of the route and how to score points until they receive their rally packet as they depart the starting line! No matter what you are driving, the car does not hold the competitive edge. The team driving a 4-cylinder Toyota Camry can easily outscore the team driving a Ferrari. Vehicles driven will range from antique automobiles to sports, collector and show cars, to the family SUV.
The objective of the VRRM rally is to raise awareness and funds for The Sun Up Center, the Starting Line for the tour. The Finish Line is Kathi and John Schumann’s Westside residence where Rally teams and Finish Line Party attendees will have the opportunity to view their private collection of over 30 of the world’s rarest, most collectible, exotic and antique sports cars; Ferrari’s, Porsche’s, Aston Martin’s, the VERY rare Maserati Birdcage, Jaguar’s, and Alfa Romeo’s to name a few. Everyone may also partake of the hearty hors d’oeuvre buffet, bid on incredible auction items, watch a professional driver race on the Schumann’s mini Sebring course, listen to great car music from the 60’s, and watch Rally participants receive prizes and awards.
The Vero Road Rally Magnifique will be limited to 100 vehicles due to logistics and time constraints and will be held rain or shine. The registration fee per vehicle is $250 and registration is first come, first served through March 25. Registration forms are available at The Sun Up Center or online at www.sunupofir.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for this unique fundraising event.
All proceeds benefit The Sun Up Center. Since 1994, its mission has been to provide programs, services and residential opportunities to those with special needs. In Indian River County there are more than 3,300 developmentally disabled individuals and the state of Florida ranks 47th in the nation in funding for necessary support services for persons with mental disabilities. Community support of VRRM will help provide a brighter future for individuals with special needs that The Sun Up Center serves.
Information: Call Dennis Bartholomew at 772-770-6626 or visit www.sunupofir.org.