Construction is well underway on fencing and concrete barriers that will make up the track of the 2011 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach this April, but preparations are being made away from the continent’s oldest street race, as well.<\/p>\n
And the off-track events could have an even greater effect on the Long Beach community than the racing itself.<\/p>\n
The Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach will hold two fundraising events in the coming weeks to benefit local charities. Last year, the foundation donated more than $150,000 to the Long Beach Memorial Miller Children’s Hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Orange County and the Long Beach Area Special Olympics. The foundation also supports the Robert E. Leslie Scholarship Program for graduating high school seniors and a variety of other locally-based charities.<\/p>\n
The first event is the Toyota Grand Prix Charity Golf Tournament at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach on Monday, April 11. Later that week, the foundation will host the black-tie Toyota Grand Prix Charity Gala at the Westin Long Beach on Friday, April 15.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith low administrative costs and a volunteer base of over 200 local citizens, 90 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to charities selected by the Foundation\u2019s Board of Directors,\u201d said Rick Duree, president of the Grand Prix Foundation. <\/p>\n
The weekend of racing is one of the most glamorous in the country, with several racing series and leagues converging on Long Beach to accelerate through the streets and alongside the picturesque marina. It’s known to racers as the Monaco of America. Last year, the racing spirit spread beyond downtown as drivers visited hospitals and schools, while children held a Solar Grand Prix<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re justifiably proud of the role the Foundation plays in improving the quality of life in our community,\u201d Duree said.<\/p>\n