May 28, 2014 – Pittsburgh, PA
For Immediate Release
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association is pleased to announce that the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Foundation (GPADF) is the new Presenting Sponsor of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. The GPADF is the independent philanthropic arm of the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association (GPADA).
Dan DelBianco, Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Executive Director, said, “The GPADA has always been supportive of our event with its local dealers and manufacturers representing the single largest sponsor segment. The combination of GPADA and its Foundation, with our 100,000+ attendees and enthusiastic volunteers, makes this an ideal fit for each organization.”
Dan DelBianco and John Putzier sign the agreement making the GPADF the new Presenting Sponsor.
John Putzier, CEO of the GPADA and Foundation Board Member, said, “We’re pleased the timing to make this happen is finally right. This opens up many new opportunities to create a powerful synergy between us, benefiting both Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix charities; the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School, as well as the tens of thousands enjoying the various celebratory events throughout the year.”
In conjunction with this announcement, the GPADF has designated the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and its charities as the beneficiary of its Red CARpet Charity Premiere held Thursday, February 12, 2015 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The Red CARpet Charity Premiere is the VIP preview of the Pittsburgh International Auto Show which opens to the public February 13th -16th 2015.
The new logo reflects the traditional PVGP oval with the 1948 MG-TC and the addition of the GPADF as the Presenting Sponsor. Dan Holmes designed it to resemble an automobile badge.
About The Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Foundation and GPADA
The Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Foundation is the independent, philanthropic arm of the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association. It was formed to raise and distribute funds for the support of, and contributions to, charitable organizations. Funds are raised through sponsorship of the Pittsburgh International Auto Show Red CARpet Charity Premiere and other fund-raising events held throughout the year.
GPADA is a metro dealer association representing over 200 franchised automobile and truck dealers and related industries in Western Pennsylvania. Dealer members are primarily engaged in the retail sales of new and used motor vehicles as well as automotive service, repair and parts sales. Associate Members include banks, finance companies, radio and television stations, newspapers, aftermarket services and other companies related to the automotive industry. GPADA, founded in 1924 as a non-profit organization, encourages and promotes trade and commerce by providing and supporting various services, educational and training programs.
The GPADF replaces SHOP ‘n SAVE as the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix’s Presenting Sponsor, a long-standing partnership which the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and its charities have enjoyed since 2001. “SHOP ’n SAVE led us through our greatest period of growth, helping raise more than $2 million for our charities, including a record $350,000 last year,“ noted George Jacoby, Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Board Chair. Rich Haeflein, SHOP ‘n SAVE’s Advertising Manager, said, “We enjoyed our long partnership with the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, and we wish them continued success. Though we are no longer the Presenting Sponsor, we and our independent retailers will continue to support the work of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix charities through other avenues. “
The Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association hosts the Pittsburgh International Auto Show and the Red CARpet Charity Preview held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center each February.
About The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association stages the country’s largest vintage race event and the only one run on city streets. This summer will be the 32nd annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix which draws an estimated 250,000 attendees to the 10-day festival of car shows, races and motorsport activities that run from July 11 – 20, 2014. Since 1983 the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $3.5 million for the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School.
