La Carrera Panamericana

Editors Note:  Peter Vigliano and the Austin, Texas TCHF group entered in this race in part to help raise funds for TCHF.  Peter has a web site  which he updated during the race with digital photos and news of their progress.  Visit his site at: http://www.eimsdirect.com/race  The following is excerpts from a letter Peter sent to prospective corporate sponsors.  You can contact Peter at: eims@bga.com  or toll free 888-404-3467

Each year there is a very colorful and exciting road rally that takes place in Mexico called “La Carrera Panamericana”.  The race began in 1950 to celebrate the opening of the Pan-American Highway that runs the length of Mexico.  The Mexican government in 1954 canceled the event but some of the original drivers were able to resurrect the race in 1988 and it continues to this day.  The race begins in the southern state of Chiapas and ends at the Texas border.  I think you will find this rally interesting for several reasons.  A good place to get more information is at their web site www.lacarrera.com.

I am writing to you because this year I am entering the race with a 1969 Alfa Romeo and I plan to use the race to raise money to help feed the Tarahumara Indians who live in the Copper Canyon located in Northern Mexico.  Our non-profit organization is headed by Father Luis Verplancken, S.J. who has dedicated the last 40 years of his life to the cause of the Tarahumara people.  You may be familiar with the devastating drought conditions in this region and the high death rate due to starvation, malnutrition and disease.  We have a wonderful web site that I encourage you to visit to find out more about Fr. Verplancken’s work.  It is www.giveaminute.org.

Each year in Austin, Texas we have a fundraiser for Fr. Verplancken and this year it will center on the race.  I have purchased the car and my company will pay all the expenses related to the event.  As a result, 100% of the money donated will go to the Tarahumara Children’s Hospital located in Creel, Chihuahua, Mexico.   The race is held in October, and I would like to know if there is any way you can participate in our fundraiser as it relates to the race.  We are asking for donors to pledge $ 1.00-$ 5.00 per mile of the rally we complete.  The race is a total of 2,500 miles and we certainly plan to finish but this is a grueling competition and anything can happen.

Please let me know if you need any additional information in order to consider our request.  I can be reached at my Austin office toll free at 888-404-3467 or by email at eims@bga.com .

Thank you for your consideration,

Peter Vigliano

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