2nd Annual Danville "Tour d'Elegance" Takes Vintage, Collectible & Modern Day Car Enthusiasts On Scenic Napa Journey while Supporting Parkinson's Research & Patient Care

DANVILLE, Calif., Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual Danville "Tour d'Elegance," returns for its 2nd year on Saturday, September 15, 2012, providing a day of driving, dining and most of all, car gazing, in support of Parkinson's research and patient care through the Danville d'Elegance (DDE) Foundation.  This year's theme, "Legends of Racing, Heroes of Parkinson's," honors race car drivers David Love, Sam Posey and Phil Hill – all globally renowned, yet each one challenged with the effects of Parkinson's disease.

Beginning on the morning of September 15, 2012, the Danville "Tour d'Elegance" departs Lafayette, Calif., before winding its way along wine country's scenic and twisty 'off-the-beaten-path' backroads and enjoying lunch at the lavish Cardinale Winery.  Tour participants pay a donation fee to drive their current or collectible vehicle; or if preferred, take part in the "Thrill Ride" behind the wheels of brand new luxury and exotic choices provided by sponsoring manufacturers and local dealerships including McLaren, Fisker, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini.

According to Jim Edlund, DDE's co-founder, the "Tour" program has been an interactive way for automotive enthusiasts to merge their passion with a great cause.  "Each year we're trying to inspire more and more individuals to get involved with our organization," said Edlund.  "The Tour provides a great opportunity to not only support Parkinson's but build a camaraderie among car fans while capturing the spirit of those racing legends that came before us – and it's a lot of fun!"

Last year's inaugural "Tour" and "Thrill Ride" program brought 34 vehicles on a scenic journey through some of the most spectacularly bucolic winding roads the Napa Valley offered and for 2012, the "Tour" enhances its driving fun and beauty, but will be limited to only 45 vehicles. The memorable day trip will begin at the Lafayette Park Hotel, includes a catered lunch stop, and will return in time for the Foundation's annual dinner/auction at the famed Blackhawk Museum.  To register for the "Tour," please view: http://www.danville-delegance.org/register.aspx

The annual Danville "Tour d'Elegance" is part of weekend of charitable automotive events sponsored by the Danville d'Elegance (DDE) Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, which is entering its 8th year in support of Parkinson's.  The 2011 weekend, raised more than $330,000 which benefitted both The Parkinson's Institute in Sunnyvale, Calif., and the globally recognized Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF).  This past spring at a reception in New York City, DDE earned the number three spot of fundraisers in MJFF's "Top 10" and was acknowledged within the annual "Team Fox MVP Awards Honoring Highest 2011 Fundraisers."

Since its inception in 2004, DDE has raised more than $1.3 million for Parkinson's research and patient care.

About Danville d'Elegance Foundation
Danville d'Elegance Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations in their pursuit to find a cure for Parkinson's disease, while specifically raising funds to benefit the advancement of Parkinson's research and patient care.  Since 2004, and through the generous support of corporate and personal sponsors, the Foundation has raised in excess of $1.3 million for this debilitating cause.  All of the annual weekend activities for Danville d'Elegance are planned, supported and completely run by a team of volunteers, a majority whose lives have been touched by Parkinson's disease.  The Foundation's funding efforts are aligned with both The Michael J. Fox Foundation and The Parkinson's Institute.

For more information, please visit www.danville-delegance.org

About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research 
As the world's largest private funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding more than $250 million in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world. Now through December 31, 2012, all new, returning and increased giving to The Michael J. Fox Foundation will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis with the $50-million Brin Wojcicki Challenge, launched by Sergey Brin and Anne Wojcicki.

To learn more, visit www.michaeljfox.org or www.facebook.org/michaeljfoxfoundation

Contact: Deb Pollack. +1-805-320-9248, [email protected]

SOURCE Danville d’Elegance Foundation