I was asked to become part of the Gasparilla Concourse d’elegance the first year that Brando and Joanne Pistorius established the Concourse. These two have brought their expertise and love of vintage automobiles to this very exciting event. Drawing on their combined knowledge of the historic automobile world they have created one of the outstanding exhibits of Concourse cars that raises funds for a great charity (Friedreich's Ataxia, known as FA) while at the same time it is great addition to the Tampa Bay area’s events. The Gasparilla Concourse d’elegance provides a wonderful look back at the marvels of automobile history while being exceedingly valuable as a look back into our history.
I’ve been involved with both GCDE’s as a volunteer on event day. I’m amazed at how efficiently both events have been run and the success of both. All staff are volunteers and willing to do whatever it takes to make the event successful. I think it’s because everyone understands the goal of the event and its importance in terms of giving to those who need and deserve the good coming from the GCDE. At the end of the day, you’re bone tired but ready to do it all over again. IMHO, the GCDE has become a very important part of the Tampa Bay community. Volunteer if you can. You’ll do good and feel even better.
Shriners Healthcare for Children-Florida was fortunate to benefit from the inaugural Gasparilla Concours d'Elegance and it was a spectacular event! It was an ambitious endeavor to plan and host the first event and it exceeded everyone's expectations. Our patients, families and staff were very excited to be a part of it. They raised over $20,000 to benefit our seating program that designs and builds custom wheelchairs for our young patients. We are very grateful to the Gasparilla Concours d'Elegance organizers and participants for supporting our mission in such a meaningful way! With gratitude,
Alicia Argiz-Lyons, Director of Development, Shriners Healthcare for Children-Florida
Gasparilla Concours dElegance is a fabulous organization, sharing excellence in automotive history while raising funds to help children with disabilities. The organization is run by automotive and organizational experts, as well as dedicated and generous volunteers.
Rewarding experience that made available many one of a kind historic cars as well as raised money for the Shriners Kids Hospital. Truly a win-win...
Last years inaugural Gasparilla Concours d’Elegance couldn’t have been more successful.
The all volunteer staff lead by the Pistorius’ was able able to fulfill all of its goals, including presenting the Tampa Shriners Hospital for Children with a $22,000 check for the kids.
It’s great to see what can be accomplished by a group of caring, big hearted individuals who feel blessed and just want to pay it forward for the kids.
This years event is poised to be even bigger and better than last years.
Until the Gasparilla Concours d'Elegance was created, there were no opportunities for the Tampa Bay area to enjoy the Art of Vintage Classic Automobiles and the Judging process.
Then you add the support the GCDE is providing to the Shriners Hospital for Children in need and it doesn't get any better.
Joanne and Brando Pistorius have created an amazing Automotive themed Charity that focuses on the needs of children, thus "Kids and Cars".
Thank you and Way-to-Go !! Job well done !!
Well organized and great attendance. Especially for its first year. Event was located right on the downtown river with good access and parking.
Gasparilla Concours D Elegance
Well organized, highly efficient, when ever a question arose there was always someone nearby, great people to volunteer for. Would do it again
Dawn Wood
I have been with the Gasparilla Concours d’elegance almost since Brando and Joanne Pistorius unveiled their idea of having this event. I have never worked with anyone that have worked so hard putting together a dream and followed it through like they have. They have put a team together from every walk of life, that have a passion to work hard for the reward of helping those in need. The Shriner’s Hospital was the goal to generate enough money to pay for the much needed wheelchairs to help those that are less fortunate and can’t afford them. I was amazed how many volunteered wanted to be on this mission, to make it an event the first year so profitable, it would grow for years to come and fulfill that dream. The 2019 event was a success and now the work has already started for an even greater 2020 Gasparilla Concours d’elegance. Angelo Rumore Jr., Judges Chairperson
I got involved with Gasparilla Concours d' Elegance in September of 2018. I volunteered to help with the organizational committee with the entertainment for the event. I had a lot of fun planning the event and to see it all come together was a great sight! My husband and his parents also got involved the day of as volunteers. It made me so happy to see the Shriners children and families come out and have a day of fun. At the end, we raised over $20,000 to give to Shriners for wheelchairs for children in need. It was a great way to give back to the community while also adding to the seasonal fun of the Gasparilla season here in Tampa Bay.
I heard about the Gasparilla Concours D Elegance and being a car guy wanted to get involved. I was amazed at how professional everyone was and how the goal was to maximize the donation we'd be able to make from the event. No one was compensated for their time. It was 100% volunteer. Some people were putting in more hours per week than their full time jobs. This is an outstanding nonprofit that not only gives to the Children's needs but also encourages tourism to the area. It doesn't get any better than this. When asked to sit on the Board, there was no way I could say no.
John T. Smith
Sawyer Products Inc.
The Gasparilla Concours d'Elegance provides value to their charity as well as the entire Tampa Bay area. For the second consecutive year, the Shriner's Hospital for Children in Tampa is the selected charity, receiving thousands of dollars in a donation that comes directly from the Gasparilla Concours event. This donation helps the hospital provide wheelchairs and care to children born with birth defects. Additionally, the Gasparilla Concours d'Elegance classic car show provides entertainment to and educates thousands of local residents about the vehicles of a bygone era. It's a rare glimpse backward in time yet benefits children of today and the leaders of tomorrow. --Michael J. Mikuliza, Clearwater Beach, FL