#125 podcast, Drive Toward A Parkinson’s Disease Cure

Deb Pollack has been involved in the automotive industry for decades. She's worked for small and large companies and several manufacturers, Ferrari to Maserati and General Motors to Mitsubishi Pollack's work in public relations, which the Los Angeles-based businesswoman describes as the "blending of cars and camaraderie," has also resulted in her national philanthropic efforts with the organization she founded, Drive Toward A Cure (www.drivetowardacure.org). Deb Pollack (driving) is the founder of the non-profit Drive Toward A Cure. It raises money to benefit the fight against Parkinson's Disease. Image courtesy of Deb Pollack. In addition to currently working as the publicist for the boutique restoration house Singer Vehicle Design, Pollack advocates the ability to team cars and camaraderie to raise funds to benefit the battle against Parkinson's Disease. Pollack is our guest on Episode #125 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with the organization's founder how her idea — fundraising automotive-travel events around the country — has grown, and what's planned this year. "Having been in the car industry for several decades — blending cars and camaraderie has always been something of second nature," said Pollack, based in Los Angeles. "But when I lost my mom to Parkinson’s in 2006, I realized there were meaningful ways to share friendships and the emotional bonds and gratification that driving can bring to support the challenges others may face." The first of a diverse series of Drive Toward A Cure events this season is the organization's inaugural 'weekend getaway.' Specifically, it's The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Getaway. As Pollack describes the weekend: "It's a full day of unlimited Touring Lapping at the NCM Motorsports Park before heading to Louisville. After we’ve checked into the historic Brown Hotel, we’ll hit a local 'speakeasy' for great food and libations, and a chance to unwind. "Saturday will feature a relaxing day touring several hand-picked Kentucky Bourbon distilleries and three great meals. Finally, on Sunday we apply the tried-and-true Drive Toward a Cure formula of great back road driving, crossing state lines into Tennessee and changing time zones with great visits to the Bavarian Bierhaus in Nashville and the Lane Motor Museum!" In addition to other rally-travel days, Drive Toward A Cure also recently expanded its fundraising efforts to support for those challenged by Parkinson’s Disease by establishing an all-new "Special Assistance Fund." It will provide financial assistance to qualified applicants following extenuating circumstances, such as the recent devastating tornado in Nashville, Tennessee. Since its inception, Drive Toward A Cure has raised more than $300,000, including contributions that provide financial assistance for research and patient programs. For program details and this season's schedule of events, visit: www.drivetowardacure.org The Weekly Driver Podcast encourages and appreciates feedback from our listeners. Please forward episode links to family, friends and colleagues. And you are welcome to repost links from the podcast to your social media accounts. Support our podcast by shopping on Amazon.com. Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected]. All podcast episodes are archived on www.theweeklydriver.com/podcast Every episode is also available on your preferred podcast platform: Google Play iTunes Spotify Stitcher iheartradio