When was the last time you climbed into an expensive sports car for a spin on a beautiful spring afternoon? If it's been too long for your taste, you missed your chance Saturday.
"It's much more fun than a ride at Lagoon," said Amber Parry, 10, as she and her friends jumped out of a shiny red 1990 Carrera 2 Cabriolet Porsche Saturday afternoon at the South Towne Mall in Sandy.The event was a fund-raiser to benefit United Cerebral Palsy. For a two-dollar donation, professionally licensed drivers took participants on a screaming two-minute ride around a curving course in the Porsche of their choice. Although it will be years before Parry and her friends can possibly buy such a car, they received an Honorary Ownership and Official Porsche Co-Pilot Certificate, as well as Domino's pizza, balloons, and a picture of themselves in the flashy, $70,000 sports car to show their friends.
Ted Ford came up with the idea while living in Las Vegas. His neighbor called to tell him that all her child wanted for his birthday was a ride in Ford's red Porsche. Ford, too, remembers the feeling he had riding in a new Corvette in 7th grade, and thought it would be a fun way to raise money for a good cause.
"I've had kids just giggle the whole way," said Steve Clifford, a professional car racer for seven years. His dealership, Steve Clifford Motors in Provo, provided the cars, which can reach top speeds of 165 mph. Clifford said it was an enjoyable thing to do, good exposure for his dealership and a way to raise money for United Cerebral Palsy.
Over 150 people attended the event, which will help buy wheelchairs - a $6,000 investment - and adaptive devices for people with cerebral palsy. Dusty's Custom Vans donated the balloons and photo developing; Domino's provided the pizza and soda; and Sunset Press did all the printing.
Ford hopes to continue with similar fund-raisers throughout the valley.