Children’s Cancer Organization Helped By Des Moines Concours D’elegance

November 20, 2015

November 20, 2015

DES MOINES – The gathering of 170 iconic cars and motorcycles on a beautiful Iowa day has provided $25,000 to support families of Iowa children affected by cancer. The Iowa Automobile Heritage Foundation, organizers of the 2015 Des Moines Concours d’ Elegance automobile exhibition, today presented the proceeds of the September 13th event to Children’s Cancer Connection. The funds represent the contributions of corporate sponsors of the show held at the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Major contributors included Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Nationwide, MidAmerican and Iowa Realty. The event also partnered with American Dream Machines, who presented an $8,000 check to Children’s Cancer Connection.

“This year, the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance celebrated the art and design of the automobile, including the first cars built by the Duesenberg brothers here in Des Moines. We do this to support the families of Iowa children whose lives have been turned upside down by cancer,” says Aaron Cooper, co-chairman of the event. “Judging by the crowds that attended and the corporate contributions, the Des Moines Concours succeeded on both counts.”

An estimated 12,000 people attended the two-day event to see antique, classic, collectible and exotic cars as well as special classes featuring Auburns/Cords/Duesenbergs, factory-built high performance cars, small cars, and a reunion of classic Iowa State Patrols cars. Also on display were 24 vintage motorcycles, and a collection of classic tricycles.

Mark Slocum, executive director of Children’s Cancer Connection, said the contribution from the Concours will assist in a wide variety of support services and recreational programs the organization provides to children diagnosed with cancer and their families. Services include camps and retreats, hospital-based programs, support services, family outings, and survivorship services. The nonprofit organization serves approximately 500 Iowa families annually.

“Children’s Cancer Connection is grateful for the generosity of individuals and corporations throughout Iowa for supporting the families we serve,” Slocum said. “We are especially appreciative that the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance has shined a spotlight on the need to support families of children with cancer.”

American Dream Machines also presented a check for $8,000 to Children’s Cancer Connection. “In addition to our sponsorship of the Des Moines Concours, we hosted an ‘American Graffiti Night’ on Saturday, September 12th, to raise money for Children’s Cancer Connection” said Doug Klein, owner of American Dream Machines. Located adjacent to the show field, American Dream Machines is one of the largest full service classic car shops in the country.

“Wellmark congratulates The Iowa Automobile Heritage Foundation for their work to benefit the Children’s Cancer Connection through the Concours auto show,” said John Forsyth, CEO of Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “The community continues to embrace this world-class event and the true beneficiary are the families of Iowa kids with cancer.”

“Our long heritage of serving drivers at Nationwide Insurance, along with our partner Hagerty Insurance, creates a natural bond with the Des Moines Concours,” stated Jeff Rommel, president of P&C Independent Distribution at Nationwide. “Supporting the great efforts of Children’s Cancer Connection as they help families through the challenges of childhood cancer give us pride in our sponsorship.”

In addition to presenting the check to Children’s Cancer Connection, organizers announced that the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance will return to the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park on the weekend of Sunday, September 11th, 2016.