Grand Prix Americas Grants $500,000 to M-DCC Foundation

MIAMI, March 25 -- The Grand Prix Americas, Downtown Miami's premier auto street race, has committed to a $500,000 donation to the Miami- Dade Community College Foundation to help educate area students.

After last year's inaugural race, the Grand Prix Americas donated $25,000 to the M-DCC Foundation, and it will continue to donate money to the foundation for the next nine years. As part of the agreement, M-DCC will be one of the beneficiaries of the Grand Prix Americas Foundation featuring the Charity Ball taking place September 25, 2003.

"This $500,000 pledge is a symbol of the Grand Prix of Americas' commitment to this community," said Dr. Eduardo Padron, president of Miami- Dade Community College. "The entities that contribute to the M-DCC Foundation make it possible for the college to provide the innovative educational programs, high-tech equipment and scholarships that help the members of our community find better jobs and live richer, fuller lives."

The M-DCC Foundation provides 3,000 scholarships a year to local residents attending Miami-Dade Community College, and it funds critical college functions such as curriculum and faculty development which help prepare students to meet the demands of local employers.

Miami-Dade Community College's Wolfson Campus will continue to be the media center for the Grand Prix Americas. The college will also serve as the registration and accreditation center for the race. Last year the Wolfson Campus received praises as its staff delivered a top-notch media center including two big screens showing the races. This year, the races will occur Sept. 26-28.

"We are excited to partner with an event such as the Grand Prix Americas," said Dr. Wasim J. Shomar, president of M-DCC's Wolfson Campus. "Many students at Miami-Dade Community College will be able to benefit from the generosity of the Grand Prix Americas."

Grand Prix Americas is a week of festive social events, including the FanFest at Bayside, Grand Prix Americas Street Festival in Coconut Grove and the Grand Prix Americas Foundation Charity Ball, that culminates with two of North America's premier racing events.

"We are extremely happy to help the students of Miami-Dade Community College receive scholarships," said Grand Prix Americas President and General Manager Chuck M. Martinez.

"Miami-Dade has been a cornerstone of education in downtown Miami, and we look forward to a long relationship with the college."