In 2009, thousands crowded Baltimore’s Harbor East to see a stunning display of elegant dream cars – Lamborghini, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo models – alongside Italian motorcycles at the Viva Italia Concours D’Elegance showcase. The upcoming Sept. 26 festival, now in its fifth year, returns to Rash Field and continues to raise funds for The Children’s Guild, a Maryland-based nonprofit that serves children with behavioral disorders due to family dysfunction, autism and other disabilities.
The show expects to showcase up to 100 cars and motorcycles and features a family-friendly carnival atmosphere with live entertainment from local artists. VIP patrons will enjoy a gourmet brunch and open bar at seafood eatery Rusty Scupper, free access to Trawler Fest – a three-day boat show for the cruising-under-power community put on by PassageMaker Magazine – in the Inner Harbor, an awards ceremony, gift bag and auctions. Also on hand for the day-long event is former international racer and TV director Bruce Kessler, who will appear at the Rusty Scupper as part of the show’s VIP activities.
Lori Trumble, the event’s co-chair, said the eye-catching cars serve a great purpose for adolescents and teens involved with The Children’s Guild. “The cars are so beautiful, they’re truly works of art. You could eat off them,” said Trumble in a statement. “And because it’s such a public event, The Children’s Guild has the opportunity to share its vision with thousands of people.”
All proceeds from Viva Italia: Concours D’Elegance’s ticket sales, auctions, raffles, sponsorships and other contributions benefit programs at The Children’s Guild, which currently aids more than 700 young Marylanders. In 2009, the event raised more than $25,000 for the nonprofit and drew thousands to Baltimore. Founded in 1953, The Children’s Guild operates three school campuses in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel and Prince’s George’s counties. In addition, the program runs several group homes, a foster treatment care program and offers mental health support services to local school systems.
This free event takes place Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Rash Field, 201 Key Highway. For more information, visit viva-italia.org or call 443-413-6020. Learn more about The Children’s Guild at childrensguild.org.