Driven by purpose, powered by passion
Since 2013, vintage automobile lovers have been generously supporting brain health sciences.
The Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance event has drawn vintage auto collectors and aficionados from across North America to a picturesque golf course and community situated on the shores of Georgian Bay. Rob and Rosemary McLeese launched the motoring festival as a way of combining Rob’s love of cars with their shared passion for philanthropy. Each year, event proceeds have jointly benefited Sunnybrook Health Sciences and Owen Sound Regional Hospital.
As lifelong volunteers and event organizers, the McLeeses are committed to their community. “Both Rob and I grew up doing volunteer work; our parents had done volunteer work,” shares Rosemary. “Giving our time and supporting the hospitals is an obligation to our community and that’s something we believe in.” Rosemary is currently a board member with the Foundation and will be the recipient of this year’s Sunnybrook Rose Award for volunteer leadership.
From 2013 to 2016, funds raised from Concours d’Elegance supported Sunnybrook’s Helipad. Since 2017, the event has dedicated support to help build Sunnybrook’s Garry Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre, a state-of-the-art facility providing research and clinical care to revolutionize the treatment of both common and challenging brain disorders, including stroke, dementia and mood and anxiety disorders.
The prestigious classic car event takes place September 13 to 15 with a jam-packed lineup of activities. The festivities kick off with a tour of the area and welcome reception, followed by highlights such as the Concours d’Lemons, a showcase of unconventional and oddball vehicles, as well as a live auction and an automotive-themed fashion contest. The main event on Sunday features an exhibition, judging and awards for the best of the 120 rare and international vintage automobiles on display.
When it comes to encouraging others who are passionate about promoting philanthropy, both Rob and Rosemary agree that all the time and dedication is worth it. “You’ll underestimate how long it will take to generate serious dollars,” says Rob, “but once you get the formula right, it gives you a feeling of satisfaction seeing the dollars raised.”
For Rob and Rosemary, the legacy of the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance reflects their desire to champion the work Sunnybrook does to invent the future of healthcare. “We’ve been so blessed in many ways,” explains Rob. “It’s about paying it forward.” And it all comes back to making their community stronger – and healthier – for everyone.
Check out Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance for more details about the events. To learn more about how you can launch your own fundraiser to support Sunnybrook, contact events@sunnybrook.ca or visit our website for more information.
