[TR] Triumph Trans-America Charity Drive 2009 - Announcement at Triumphes...

[MMoore8425 at aol.com]

Several years ago, I attended the dedication of the TR Memorial.
I was privileged to be asked to navigate for a driver in the  Macmillan 
Parliamentary Classic Car Rally. It was a memorable experience as  I was able to 
meet some MP's, had tea in the MPs tearoom, listen to a brief  presentation 
about the value of the Macmillan Fund, and manage to make a fawning  fool of 
myself for half an hour with Sir Sterling Moss. 
 
Of all the things I remember about that fabulous time was how much money we  
raised. The driver and I raised a few thouand. It was very easy. I just  asked 
people to sponsor me at the rate of  a cent a miles or so.  (I had several 
subcontractors working for me, and they were exceptionally  easy!) 
 
I didn't realize we were supposed to raise money until a couple of  days 
before the rally. All sorts of cars attended, as well as an antique bus.  They all 
came to the Parliamentary Palace in London from all over England,  Scotland, 
and Wales. We parked in the MP's parking spots as it was a  Sunday.
 
As I recall there was a pretty large 6 digit amount raised and given  to the 
fund. We had free tea and biscuits, and listened to an inspiring  message from 
a cancer victim about how much the Macmillan fund meant to  her.
This experience prompted me to do volunteer work for a charity car  show 
every year (7 years now) which raises a lot of money for United Way.
I just attended a very nice show last weekend which donated $2000 to a  fund. 
With 165 cars there, if people had collected ahead of time "sponsors" (in  my 
experience very easy)  I can see where that amount could have been  way 
significant, like $16,500. 
Pebble Beach this year was $250 a head (for charity also). I can imagine at  
$250 a head, that show could have turned over $41,000 plus.
I will never criticize what people do supporting charities as I respect any  
one who does, and I'm ok with those who say no, its going to waste. 
Undoubtedly  some amount does.  I just really get turned on by a serious charity effort  
associated with cars. I think its a powerful combination which not only  does 
good for the charity, but also for the hobby. 
I would love to hear about the proposal.It sounds like a noble effort. I'd  
like to see a big goal, significant to the recipient.
Thanks, Mike Moore 



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