Friday, March 29, 2024
19.8 C
Sydney

Revved to help those doing it tough

Most read

Christopher Gerace combines his two great passions – his love of cars and helping others through charity events. Photo: supplied

While most students struggle to keep up with juggling sport, homework and casual jobs in between full time study – one remarkable teenager manages to fit it all in and still have time to organise charity events for those in need.

The young entrepreneur has raised more than $6000 for children’s charity Variety, and is already planning his next event, supporting people living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and its charity Save Our Sons.

Christopher Gerace’s winning formula is simply combining his love of fast cars to help others.

- Advertisement -

The Year 11 student from Freeman Catholic College at Bonnyrigg said while he loves all things cars – he is also passionate about helping others.

And while fitting in his charity work along with all of his other commitments is never easy, he said being able to help people through Super Car Sunday event brings him a lot of joy.

Christopher Gerace is in Year 11 at Freeman Catholic College, Bonnyrigg. Photo: supplied

“I’m extremely fortunate to have supportive parents who guide me along the way with all my ambitions,” he said.

“They encourage me to perform at my best and have fun at the same time. Combining my car show as a charity fundraiser makes the event worthwhile, I’m making a difference and at the end of the event I feel I’ve accomplished something good.

“Hopefully by paying a kind gesture forward it will inspire others that I’m engaging with, to join me and help raise money for those in need.

“When I met with the Save Our Sons charity they showed me videos of how the young boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy live and I realised how fortunate I am to be healthy and how some families are struck with adversity. I had an overwhelming feeling and I knew I wanted to help.”

Proud mum Connie said Christopher is a one-of-a-kind, who “can’t sit still” knowing there are people in need.

“My husband and my daughter are his biggest supporters and that network is growing day by day,” she said.

Christopher Gerace. Photo: supplied

“He gets on the phone and gets things done, people don’t realise they are negotiating with a 17-year-old, but to his credit he organises these incredible events, and the next one will be no exception.”

Planning for the October 21 Super Car Sunday event is well under way, with The William Inglis Hotel at Warwick Farm donating the venue as well as other local businesses offering support.

His networking skills has attracted some of the biggest names in the business with more than 120 cars on show including Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche, Maserati, Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz.

And while the day features hot cars, his inspiration is his family, his community and helping others.

The event is designed for the whole family and will feature jumping castles, food stalls, rides and of course cars.

Save Our Sons founder Elie Eid said he was overwhelmed by the enormous support and generosity shown by Christopher and his family.

“The funds raised through the event that Christopher is facilitating will assist Save Our Sons in continuing to support families impacted by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, through funding medical equipment to improve the quality of life of these children and employing a Duchenne specialist nurse in every major Australian children’s hospital,” he said.

“Duchenne affects 1 in 3500 boys, in rare cases girls and there is currently no cure. By working together, we will make a difference in the lives of all those living with Duchenne. Our collective efforts will go a long way in helping them live a life with meaning, dignity and comfort.

“We are truly amazed that a young man of 17 years of age is mature enough to recognise the needs of others and is giving up his time to organise a fundraiser to support those living with Duchenne.”

If you would like to help support the event or have prizes you can donate for a raffle please contact Christopher at [email protected]

 

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -