"Little School That Could" to Survive Crippling State Budget Cuts With Support of Private Sector and Rare Autos

TORRANCE, Calif., April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A small school in Torrance, CA has made a big difference in the lives of many children with special learning needs for the past decade.  To continue its much needed program in the community, it is turning to the private sector as well as some show-stopping automobiles for support.  The sixth annual Rev'ved Up 4 Kids Car Show benefiting The Center For Learning Unlimited (CLU) will take place Sunday, May 1, 2011 at Vic's Garage 510 Madrid Ave. in Torrance, Ca.  The event, which is presented by Edelbrock, LLC, will last from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and will showcase over 600 rare cars and feature the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow engine building competition for teens, live music, children's amusements, auto industry manufacturer displays, and a beer garden.  

"We are asking everyone in our community to start their engines and join the celebration so we can continue turning around lives of many children with special learning needs.  This is a community event by the community, for the community," said Virginia Mathews, Ed.D, BCET, Executive Director of CLU.  "With the recent budget cuts in Sacramento, it's more important than ever for our people to stand-up for education, and we'd like to thank our partners at Edelbrock for their continued support."

Rev'ved Up 4 Kids provides car enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the legendary Vic's Garage, which is only open to the public for this one day each year.  Car connoisseurs will be in auto heaven as Vic's Garage displays its world-renowned collection of classic autos including Vic Edelbrock Sr.'s original 1932 Ford Roadster, a prime selection from Hot Wheels, and feature some of America's favorite vehicles from Star Cars Central – a collection of vehicles that have been immortalized by Hollywood on the silver screen.  It's a rare chance to get up close with some of the rarest cars in the world. The event also features a special meet and greet with Vic and Christi Edelbrock, who will also be signing autographs, all for the benefit of the children of CLU.

"We are so thankful that we are in a position to support such an outstanding cause, especially with the recent state and federal budget cuts," said Rev'ved Up 4 Kids founder Christi Edelbrock.  "CLU produces real results, and it is imperative the community contributes to help them continue making a positive effect on the lives of so many children.  Rev'ved Up 4 Kids happened organically as a result of a caring community, and we are thrilled to be a part of this special event."    

CLU is dedicated to serving the social, emotional and educational needs of bright, complex children and youth with histories of poor performance and adjustment in mainstream school settings.  A majority of the students are ultimately able to transition back into their regular public or private schools, graduate and go on to post-secondary education.

CLU's work has evolved to include a major focus on the complex interventions required with students impacted by Asperger's Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).  Most of these students possess above average learning potential, but falter due to neurologically-based difficulties that compromise the integrity of their social awareness, adaptability and learning styles.  The result is that they are often seriously challenged in their efforts to function independently at school, home and in the community.   

"The public school system does not offer the level of teaching CLU is able to provide. This is where private companies like Edelbrock, as well as private donors, fill in the gap which changes the lives of many children who otherwise could not benefit from this very unique education that allows them to reach their full potential," said Virginia Mathews.

For more information on Rev'ved Up 4 Kids visit http://www.revvedup4kids.com

For more information on The Center For Learning Unlimited visit www.cflu.org

SOURCE Rev'ved Up 4 Kids