Each year, as the racing season comes to a close, Demaras Racing organizes a fundraiser in support of SickKids Hospital. It’s become a tradition to try and make an even greater impact for the families who depend on SKH.
Last year, the GEARHEADS GIVING BACK campaign raffled off a drive in Daniel Demaras’ Formula 1200 car. The idea of driving an open-wheel race car with a standard transmission wasn’t for everyone, limiting ticket sales and fundraising potential.
This year, partnering up with GTA Exotics helped create a truly unforgettable experience for one lucky automotive enthusiast—and, in doing so, took fundraising efforts to new heights. GTA Exotics is Canada’s leader in exotic car rentals providing gearheads with ‘track day experiences’ since 2003. On short notice, GTA Exotics saved the day and donated the grand prize of 10 laps in a Ferrari at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The original grand prize fell through at the last minute, and it seemed like the event was doomed. But one phone call to Stu at GTA Exotics about the SickKids Hospital fundraiser, and he was all in.
With zero advance notice, advertising or promotion, the team assembled in Cayuga for the CSCS Racing grand finale. While some spectators came for the drifting and others the drag racing, Chris and Daniel Demaras were there to make a difference in the community. Pierre from GTA Exotics arrived before the spectators arrived and unloaded an IMSA Ferrari Challenge race car from his trailer.
With help from hype-man Davin on the mic, DJ Roscoe and the CSCS crew, the crowd soon understood why a $400,000 Ferrari race car was in the paddock.
Such a simple fundraiser. Drop by the GTA Exotics booth and check out the Ferrari race car. Make a $20 donation to SickKids and receive a raffle ticket. At the end of the day, a randomly chosen winner would receive the chance to drive the Ferrari at GTA Exotics upcoming ‘track day experience‘ at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on October 10th, 11th and 12th.
Every time donations slowed down, Pierre would fire up the engine and draw attention from the crowd!
At 5pm sharp, raffle ticket sales were halted and the Ferrari Challenge race was driven up to the main stage. Pierre gave the appreciative crowd another quick rev of the engine before thanking them for their generosity with this year’s fundraiser.
The winning ticket was drawn from the brass raffle drum, and Pierre called out the number,. Immediately, drag-racer Hussein held up his hand in victory. An IT professional with a personal connection to SickKids Hospital, Hussein was the perfect recipient. When he bought his raffle ticket he commented that it wasn’t about winning; he just wanted to support the hospital that helped him as a child.
But once squeezed into the Ferrari’s racing seat, Hussein was all smiles, and admitted he was was really looking forward to that special weekend in October.
The total amount of donations really isn’t important, because GEARHEADS GIVING BACK, TOO is about inspiring others in the car community to do some good however they can. Whether it’s organizing a food drive during the holiday season, or volunteering at the local hospital any time of the year, there’s plenty each of us can do to help our fellow Canadians in need.
Even though the prize raffle has ended, anyone willing to make a small donation to SickKids Hospital, please use this above link. Your donation is greatly appreciated.
That’s awesome and what a thrill to win!
Yes, on Oct 10 the raffle winner (plus our team and friends) will go to the track to drive Lambks and Ferraris and have a blast. Very happy for the raffle winner as he told us he spent MONTHS at SickKids with surgeries as a child. A strong connection to the hospital.
Perfect!
Bravo! Loved this idea!
Thanks! It was such a simple fundraiser, brought in donations, but I hope also gave others at the event to do the same. Creat their own way to support a charity.
.
Plus driving a Ferrari is SO cool!