- Carroll Shelby Foundation makes a push at MCA 40th event in Indianapolis to raise funds that help surpass its goal of $200,000 for COTA
- COTA raises life-saving dollars for transplant-needy children and young adults
- Carroll Shelby's legacy of supporting organ transplants continues
GARDENA, CA – During the Mustang Club of America’s 40th Anniversary Celebration in Indianapolis, the Carroll Shelby Foundation conducted a series of activities to raise money and surpass its goal of donating $200,000 to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. Through live auctions, a matching funds challenge, contributions and silent auctions, CSF raised over $13,000 during the weekend to pass the donation milestone.
“As one of the oldest living double organ transplant recipients, Carroll was passionate about helping provide medical assistance to children and young adults in need,” said Neil Cummings, Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International, CEO of Carroll Shelby Licensing, Co-Trustee of the Carroll Hall Shelby Trust and Board member of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. “COTA’s work represents the embodiment of his legacy by giving people access to life-saving treatment and the opportunity to enjoy life at full-throttle.”
In addition to the Carroll Shelby Foundation booth at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Team Shelby conducted a live auction during its banquet at the Dallara factory with Aaron Shelby on Sept. 2. With all of the monies committed over the weekend, the Foundation has now donated more than $200,000 to the charity over the past several years.
“It’s rewarding to see my grandfather’s legacy live on through these efforts,” said Aaron Shelby, Carroll Shelby Foundation Co-President and grandson of Carroll Shelby. “And it’s appropriate to pass the ‘200’ mark at the Speedway where 200 mph laps are the norm. Carroll was such a part of the scene at Indy, from entering a turbine powered car in the 1968 Indy 500 to pacing the race in 1991. I’m confident he’d be proud of what has been accomplished here.”
Founded in 1986, COTA has helped more than 2,000 children and young adults receive transplants. To date, the association has raised nearly $100 million for transplant-related expenses and provides resources and support to transplant families at no cost. In addition to children, COTA also works with adults with single-gene disorders such as Polycystic Kidney Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sickle Cell Disease.
“Carroll’s spirit lives on through the Carroll Shelby Foundation and organizations like COTA,” said Jenni Shreeves, Executive Director, Carroll Shelby Foundation. “We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with COTA and creating additional opportunities to help raise awareness and resources.”
About The Carroll Shelby Foundation
The Carroll Shelby Foundation was created by legendary racer and automotive manufacturer Carroll Shelby. Headquartered in Gardena, Calif., the Foundation is dedicated to providing medical assistance for those in need, including children, educational opportunities for young people through automotive and other training programs and benefitting the Shelby Automotive Museum. For more information visit http://www.shelby.com.
About the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA)
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association is a national 501(c)3 charity that provides fundraising assistance and support to transplant families. Since 1986, COTA’s priority is to assure that no child or young adult is denied a transplant or excluded from a transplant waiting list due to a lack of funds. 100% of all funds raised in honor of transplant patients are used for transplant-related expenses. For more information please visit www.COTA.org/mmc