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Motorists support Sun Up with ‘Magnifique’ road rally

VERO BEACH — Saturday, a glorious, breezy, dry Spring day, attracted 30 drivers, who were happy to support the activities of Sun Up Center, an organization that assists individuals with special needs, as well as to show off their sporty cars. They participated in the annual Vero Road Rally Magnifique, getting to know the Treasure Coast a bit more thoroughly and spending time with other automobile aficionados.

The drivers received encouragement and caution from Vero Road Rally Magnifique Chairman Karl Steene and each car received bright yellow bags containing directions from volunteers dressed in bright yellow pit crew t-shirts as the contestants departed the Sun Up Center parking lot with varying degrees of competitive fervor and noise.

Island Club residents Stewart and Beth Fish were the last ones to depart and were experienced, having participated in the European style road rally.

“Last year we learned the things you don’t do,” said Beth Fish, the navigator. “But you can’t really strategize until you see the packet.”

Following the mysterious route, drivers made their way to the Sebastian Airport, after a tour of the Treasure Coast that included stops at McKee Jungle Gardens, tasks involving counting the number of light poles on the 17th Street Bridge and answering questions such as “In what year was Sebastian established?” and “Whose names are above the Vero Beach Museum of Art?”

The finish line party and champagne awards ceremony, sponsored by Lopresti Aviation, included displays of rare cars, airplanes and automotive memorabilia. County Commissioner Wesley Davis oversaw the live auction and guests were entertained by car music from the 1960s.

For the grand finale, stunt pilot Corkey Fornof put on a mini-air show, which included members of Sky Dive Sebastian, who dropped in before thunderstorms rolled through.

“It’s a great thing,” said Mary Jacobi, a Sun Up board member and parent of a Sun Up client, who handed contestants their packets at the starting line, “because there are a lot of car people in Vero.”

Being the first to the finish line was no assurance of a win. Drivers, and their passengers who served as navigators and light pole counters, had to make sure they had made it to each check point, answered all the questions correctly, and gained points for different tasks, such as being closest to a foam pole without knocking it down.

Kevin Bailey, who drove a friend’s Mercedes SL convertible with his girlfriend of two years as his navigator, admired the cars and laughed when asked if the competition put any strain on his relationship.

“We worked well together,” he said, answering diplomatically.

The night before the road rally, more than 250 people showed up at the Vero Beach Elks Club for a Casino night, where guests enjoyed cocktails and various games of chance, with proceeds from the evening benefitting Sun Up.

Sun Up’s Executive Director Dennis Bartholomew said rally proceeds would benefit programs, services and residential opportunities for developmentally disabled individuals with special needs.

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