Vaughn Gittin, Jr. and Monster Energy to Support Henry Ford Health System Fundraiser

DETROIT, Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vaughn Gittin, Jr. will headline the "Monster Energy Pit Party" to be held September 22, 2012 as part of Henry Ford Health System's "Get Your Heart Racing" fundraiser.  Gittin, one of drifting's most iconic figures, and his machine, the Monster Energy Falken Tire Ford Racing Mustang RTR, one of the sport's most identifiable cars, will offer a heart-pounding demonstration of his big smoke style of drifting. 

"Monster Energy doesn't do traditional advertising," said Vaughn Gittin, Jr.  "Rather, Monster supports the scene, their athletes, and their fans by being involved in just about everything awesome. I am pumped that the Monster Energy family is so supportive of this charity event; the private track experience, sick cars, and an exclusive day-long itinerary that is essentially a drivers' paradise is exactly the type of fun we love to have. I can't wait to get crazy out on the test track and I look forward to doing my part to help support the Henry Ford Health System."  

The Monster Energy Pit Party guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, music, Monster-gear and a slew of automotive themed activities all staged on the legendary and ultra private Ford test track in Dearborn, Mich.  One very lucky guest will walk away with the ultimate door prize – a customized 2012 Ford Focus upgraded with a "Euro Series" body kit!

Gittin recently won his second consecutive Formula Drift event before a sold-out crowd at Evergreen Speedway in Washington.  With the victory, Gittin is the current Championship Series points leader. 

Get Your Heart Racing is more than just Henry Ford's most successful fundraiser – it's a car enthusiast's dream come true – an exclusive opportunity to experience Dearborn's renown test track and proving ground with an assortment of thrilling driving events and demonstrations.  Drive many of Ford's most exciting products on coned courses or drag races or hop in with pro drivers for drifting hot laps or wet pad demonstrations, to name just a few.     

"September 22nd was already one of the most eagerly anticipated days on the automotive calendar," said Sandy Hudson, chief development officer at Henry Ford Hospital.  "The addition of the Monster Energy Pit Party and drifting champion Vaughn Gittin, Jr. in attendance has it soaring to new heights.   Whether you're part of the full day activities or plan to come just to the Pit Party, Get Your Heart Racing is a can't miss experience for the auto enthusiast!" 

Get Your Heart Racing offers two ticket opportunities.  The full day Shelby driving tickets are $1,000 each or $1,750 for a two person team and offer a one-of-a-kind, day-long driving experience that includes both right-seat and left-seat activities in high-performance Ford vehicles.   Monster Energy Pit Party tickets are $250 each and offer participation in all the evening activities including the Vaughn Gittin, Jr. drifting demonstration.  Both tickets include sumptuous food, beverage, music and the drifting demonstration.  All guests can participate in a special live auction which will be highlighted by a 1-of-1 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 with massive 662 horsepower V8 engine.  The auction will include a variety of other unique opportunities like American Idol final tickets and a suite to a Detroit Lions game.  Additionally, all guests are entered to win the customized Ford Focus.  With only about 600 tickets to be sold to this exclusive event, odds of winning might never be better. 

Event proceeds benefit the important work of the Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular Institute at Henry Ford Health System. 

For more information, to see a video from last year's Get Your Heart Racing and/or purchase tickets to this year's event, please visit www.getyourheartracing.org .

About the Edith and Benson Ford Heart & Vascular Institute:
With a history that spans more than 90 years, the institute has earned international recognition as a leader and innovator in comprehensive cardiovascular care, research and education. Established in 1946, the cardiac training program is one of the longest running in the U.S., and the first in Michigan. The program is one of only three in Michigan for advanced heart failure treatment options and one of the few programs in the U.S. offering robot-assisted laparoscopic aortic surgery.

SOURCE Henry Ford Health System