As a reflection of its motto, “It’s not just the cars, it’s the people,” the CVR Board has approved a basic mission to give back to our
community by both making financial contributions and giving our time to the following charities and causes.
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is our principal charity for 2009. Founded by Paul Newman – actor, philanthropist, racer (and Porsche person) – the camp in Ashford, CT provides children with cancer and other serious illnesses
(AIDS, Sickle Cell Anemia) a camping experience of the highest quality, while extending year-round support to their families and
health care providers. Through the camp’s programs, on-going outreach to hospitals and clinics, and other services for children,
families and caregivers, it serves more than 1,000 children in our region annually, free of charge. Each summer, these children,
between the ages of seven and fifteen, attend The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford. Retreats are organized for the
children’s parents at locations around the country offering respite, counseling, mutual support and positive activities. For hospitalized
children with serious illnesses, the Camp’s Hospital Outreach program takes “Camp-in-a-Suitcase” programs to New England hospitals and
clinics, where it provides a bedside experience to raise the spirits and help sustain youngsters for the road ahead.
For 2009, CVR contributed $10,000 to Hole in the Wall Gang, earmarked specifically to honor the legacy of Paul Newman, with the funds
substantially obtained from the proceeds of the auctions held at last year’s Hippie Happening. This year we are planning to have another
benefit auction at our 50th gala as well as host a number of the camp’s children at our Lime Rock DE in August where they will be able to
sit in an open wheel race car, watch us go around the track and take a parade lap in our cars. It should be a great experience for all of us.
Survive the Drive is an “Automotive Violence Prevention” program that teaches teens (and adults) the causes and effects of driver errors. This is a risk-awareness program that focuses on driving behaviors and the Newtonian forces on the car and driver. The consequence of any inadvertent or unintentional collision can be worse than damage or expense. Through presentations at High School assemblies, Survive the Drive focuses on the individual’s conscious understanding of the ever-present operational hazards of heavy, moving equipment. The primary goal of Survive the Drive is to reach every newly licensed or soon to be licensed teen, in order
to give each of them another tool to foster safe driving practices. Survive the Drive Pepsi Fresh Appeal
The Charter Oak Challenge Foundation was founded to help children and families who have the ability to succeed but need financial support to realize their potential. The nearly 95 students in Charter Oak’s scholarship program are among Bridgeport’s finest. They have excelled academically and contributed significantly to their communities despite tremendous financial and personal hardships. Each of the 15 students accepted annually into the program receives a scholarship over four years, a laptop computer and a trained mentor. The results have been impressive. Charter Oak’s retention rate is 95 percent, nearly four times the 25 percent graduation rate among all Bridgeport students who go to college.
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