2012 Dana Point Concours D’Elegance Celebration To Raise Money For California-based Charities

DANA POINT, Calif. – March 28, 2012 – Fabulous cars will be the vehicle for the public to support critical charities this summer at the 2012 Dana Point Concours d’Elegance, scheduled June 23-24, at the St. Regis Monarch Beach resort in Dana Point, Calif.  A celebration of everything automotive, the Dana Point Concours will feature more than 250 collector cars and motorcycles, all competing for Best of Show.  Proceeds from the Concours will benefit charities, including the Carroll Shelby Foundation, South Orange County School of the Arts, Pet Project Foundation, Petersen Automotive Museum and the Art Center College of Design.

“The Dana Point Concours d’Elegance was established in 1983 as a way to give back to the community,” explained Jeff Spellens, president of the Dana Point Concours.  “Our goal is to generate money for charities based in this area to help sustain their mission.  Today, this statement still rings true as thousands flock to the golf links of the St. Regis each year to celebrate So Cal’s unmatched car culture and help others in need.”

Located in Gardena, Calif., the Carroll Shelby Foundation was created by legendary racer and automotive manufacturer Carroll Shelby.  The Foundation provides financial support and other assistance to children, hospitals, medical professionals, as well as others in need of assistance in addressing the challenges of life-threatening health issues. The non-profit also funds continuing education programs for those interested in the automotive industry.

Another charitable organization that shares an enthusiasm for wheels is the Petersen Automotive Museum.  Dedicated to the exploration and presentation of the automobile and its impact on American life and culture, the Petersen Automotive Museum features more than 150 vehicles in its exhibit at one time and rotates displays several times a year.

“As a not-for-profit organization, the Dana Point Concours is thrilled to raise money for such important charities,” stated Spellens. “Through attendees’ ticket purchases and contributions, we’ll help these organizations meet their goals, whether it’s saving an animal’s life or offering children a brighter future.”

Also attending the Concours is The Art Center College of Design in Southern California, which inspires its artists and designers to make a positive impact in their chosen field, as well as the world at large. For more than 80 years, the college has built a reputation for its rigorous curriculum, expert faculty members and a commitment to socially responsible design.  Students of the college will be on-site during the Concours weekend, building a clay-model concept car to celebrate the history of automotive design.

Another charitable organization dedicated to providing its students with a better tomorrow is the South Orange County School of the Arts.  Housed at Dana Hills High School, the organization is a visual and performing arts academy for students within the Capistrano Unified School District.  It provides students with intensive training in the arts through a diverse curriculum in the visual arts, dance, musical theatre, acting, directing, television production and script writing, and much more.

Man’s best friend will also be represented at the Concours’ two-day festival through the Pet Project Foundation, an all volunteer non-profit 501(c)3 organization that supports the pro-humane San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. For nearly 30 years, the Foundation has been dedicated to providing a safe haven for the lost and abandoned animals of these communities.

Guests interested in attending the Concours Reception can purchase tickets online or at the gate.  Enthusiasts who want to enter a vehicle can download and complete an exhibitor registration form and send to the appropriate chairman as noted on the form.  Deadline to register is May 18, 2012, for inclusion in the program.