Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach 

The Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach was incorporated in January of 1991 as a 501 (c)(3) publicly supported organization whose purpose is to raise funds, through a series of charitable events held in conjunction with the annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Building on the drama and fanfare surrounding the race, which annually attracts crowds in excess of 175,000, the Foundation schedules three exciting events open to businesses and public participation.

Events

On Monday, April 9, race fans can tee off with celebrities and pros in the annual Grand Prix Foundation Charity Golf Tournament at Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach - the ONLY charity event held at the prestigious club. If you're not a member of Old Ranch and have always wanted to play there, this is your chance!  The tournament starts at 11 a.m. and includes prizes and a silent auction.   Registration, a putting contest, the driving range, breakfast and a.m. bar all start at 9 a.m. Individual spots and foursomes available. For more information, call (562) 490-4509.

On Friday, April 13, the Toyota Charity Ball - a gala, black-tie event - is presented by and benefits the Grand Prix Foundation.  The star-studded evening includes cocktails, dinner, entertainment and silent and live auctions.  This year's Charity Ball will take place at the Westin Long Beach with a cocktail party and silent auction commencing at 6 p.m. and dinner, dancing and the live auction getting underway at 7:30 p.m.  For more information, call (562) 490-4509.

Beneficiaries

The Foundation (Federal tax number 33-0446818) was founded as an “all-volunteer” organization and continues to operate as such. Generous support from corporate sponsors, particularly the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach and Toyota Motor Sales, USA, allows the Foundation to keep overhead to an absolute minimum. The Foundation’s activities are governed by a twelve member Board of Directors, each elected to a two year term.

Beneficiaries are selected by a committee and members of the Board and approved by the Board of Directors. Charities, once selected, participate in a three year funding cycle. They then must wait three years before they can apply again for consideration. This allows the Foundation to benefit as broad a cross section of the community as possible and allows it the opportunity to continually re-evaluate the needs of the community.

Scholarship Program

The Foundation, in 1997, established an annual scholarship program which provides a $1,000 grant to a graduating senior from each of the seven high schools in the Long Beach area. Students are selected by a panel of civic leaders and are evaluated on scholastic achievement, potential, extra curricular activities, community service and financial need. To apply, Long Beach high school seniors need only to click on the link at the top of this page.

About

The Grand Prix Foundation, since its inception in 1991, has donated more than $2,000,000 to Southern California charities. In addition, the Foundation donates tickets and hospitality packages to the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and tickets to the Foundation’s “Grand Prix Charity Days” events to charitable and civic organizations to assist them in their fund raising efforts or, in some cases, to bring the physically or mentally challenged to a “day at the races.”

For more information on the Grand Prix Foundation, please call the Foundation office at (562) 490-4509.

To request a ticket donation for a charitable organization in the Long Beach area, please send a letter to: Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, 3000 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806.