What do automotive enthusiasts and charitable foundations have to do with each other? According to one local Boston based 501 (C)(3) foundation that has been revving its engines for the last five years, absolutely everything.

The Stay Driven Charitable Foundation aims to unite the automotive industry by encouraging individuals to give back to those in need. The mission, they say, is to create community by showcasing the good that can be done when motorheads work together in a selfless manner. Through a variety of fundraising efforts the foundation looks to “assist those that need some help staying driven to beat life’s toughest challenges” including: veterans, children fighting life threatening diseases, and underserved communities.

“In simple terms, we are somewhere between a non-profit marketing company and a charity,” says Asa Gladstein, President of The Stay Driven Charitable Foundation. That’s why we are a ‘Charitable Foundation.’ We promote and give back to people and organizations that need some help reaching new audiences. Without companies like ours, the ‘little people’ get overlooked by the giants in the fundraising world.”

​Since launching in 2018, Stay Driven has fundraised and donated over $200,000, proclaims Gladstein. The largest source of donations, he explains, is the charity car rally -which has been dubbed “The East Coast Run.”

The 2023 version of The East Coast Run is gearing up to be the biggest and most extravagant rally to date. Set to “run” from June 23rd through July 2nd, motorists will begin their trip in Sugarloaf, Maine driving their way down the entire eastern seaboard en route to Miami, Florida.

The ten day trip -which kicks off with a welcome party in the scenic Sugarloaf Mountains- includes over night stops along the way in: Boston; Atlantic City; Washington DC; Charlotesville, NC; Charlotte, NC; Savannah, GA; Jacksonville, FL; and Miami.

This year, Stay Driven has isolated two charitable organizations to donate a portion of the proceeds from The East Coast Run’s fundraising to, The Larkin Motors Foundation and Tommy’s Place.

The Larkin Motors Foundation supports veterans in need with vehicle repairs and other automotive essentials to help them get back behind their wheels.

Tommy’s Place, meanwhile, is a vacation home for children who are fighting cancer. Supporting both teens and pre-teens battling the horrific disease, Tommy’s Place hosts kids for a week -including their friends and family- to help raise their spirits.

“We believe both of these organizations land under our umbrella of helping people ‘Stay Driven.'” Gladstein states.

Motorists participating in The East Coast Run will be entering one of three “rally options.” Each has responsibilities to fundraise minimum amounts for the designated charities in order to qualify for the “run.”

The big trip (from Maine to Miami) requires a $9,899 entry denomination and includes two track events (one at Dominion Raceway in Virginia and the other at The Firm Motorsport Park in Florida) an airstrip event, hotel costs, meals, and a professionally installed livery kit for each motorist.

The abbreviated runs -one from Sugarloaf to Charlottesville and the other from Charlottesville to Miami- include variations of the aforementioned perks with a requirement of $4,999 to enter.

“The goal with us now hosting this East Coast Run is to multiply the amount we are able to raise exponentially,” explains Gladstein. “A large portion of the entry fee is now a tax deductible charity donation and 100% of all sponsorships are tax deductible charity donations. We will be able to donate more than ever before.”

Now that’s something we can all Stay Driven to.

All images courtesy of Stay Driven Charitable Foundation. For more information on The East Coast Run, or to help support financially, please click here.