UNIVERSITY PARK — After a brief hiatus, the Reverse Car Drawing is back.
Coaches vs. Cancer of Penn State will host its 15th annual Reverse Car Drawing at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14, at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Up for grabs is a replica 1965 Shelby Cobra. Tickets for the event are $350 and are on sale now. The ticket covers two attendees.
Steve Greer, former director of both Coaches vs. Cancer of Penn State and the Bestwick Foundation, talked about the excitement surrounding the return of the Reverse Car Drawing.
“The energy in the community is starting to swell with the knowledge that the Reverse Car Drawing is back. Remember that without a doubt that the RCD was the premier social event of the fall … if not the year,” Greer said. “People put it on their calendars every year because of the fun, classiness, reason to participate in raising money in the community and a chance to win a chic car.”
Greer said the Reverse Car Drawing has all the elements of a big event in Happy Valley — great food, drink and music. Plus, the opportunity to win a classic automobile.
“We used to say that if you can’t have a great time at the Reverse Car Drawing, we’ll return your money for the ticket. We served food from the best caterer in the Centre Region and had enough beverages — even a unique drink — to satisfy your fancy,” Greer said. “We had helicopters, people jumping out of planes to deliver the American flag, fireworks, live local music. … We even had the Blue Band! Now seriously, who gets to see the Blue Band at a fundraiser?”
The Reverse Car Drawing will support the nearly 730 people diagnosed with cancer in Centre County every year. The mission of CVC is to bring hope, help fund research and provide direct support to those battling the disease through programs like the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery and the Hope Lodge Programs.
There is also a partnership with the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund, which ensures that a large amount of the funds raised stays local, supporting those in the community who need it most.
This year’s event will be an emotional one. The Reverse Car Drawing will be dedicated to event founder Dan Rallis.
According to Greer, the Reverse Car Drawing went away for a few years during the pandemic.
“COVID was the driver for stopping the Reverse Car Drawing and also primary reason for closing down the Bestwick Foundation,” Greer explained.
The Bestwick Foundation was founded by Jamie Bestwick, Rallis and Greer.
“It was the sole benefactor of the Reverse Car Drawing, where the proceeds were distributed to local nonprofits, families and individuals in need of financial support,” Greer said.
However, Greer noted that a change was necessary, even prior to COVID.
“Dan, Jamie and I decided to turn the Reverse Car Drawing over to Coaches vs. Cancer, as we also had strong ties to CVC. CVC and the American Cancer Society are a much larger machine than the Bestwick Foundation, and we are confident that they will continue the commitment to keeping this a top-notch event and keeping the legacy of Dan Rallis flourishing,” Greer said.
The person holding the winning ticket on Sept. 14 will have the opportunity to take home a 1965 Shelby Cobra replica. It was built by Factory Five Racing and completed in late 2022. There are approximately 200 miles on the car. It features a 300 horsepower Ford V8 engine and a five-speed manual transmission.
Only 500 tickets will be sold, and a portion of the ticket cost is tax deductible. Attendance is not necessary to win the vehicle.
“(We) are all thrilled that the Reverse Car Drawing is being run by Coaches vs. Cancer and the American Cancer Society,” Greer said. “The resources at CVC/ACS will provide the opportunity to make the RCD an even greater event and continue our founding pledge to raise money for neighbors in need.”
IF YOU GO
What: 15th annual Reverse Car Drawing
When: 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14
Where: Medlar Field at Lubrano Park
More info: cvcreversecar.org
