There’s never a bad time for car enthusiasts to get together to show off their rides and meet up with old friends. Such a get-together is always for fun, but sometimes it’s for a cause as well. This was the case Sunday, November 4, 2018 when the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation hosted its annual Corvettes for Chip event at the Carlisle Expo Center. With sunny skies, “warm” temperatures (in the upper ’50s) and the support of the York County Corvette Club, this was a near-perfect event!
Corvettes for Chip attracted a few hundred guests and as many Corvettes, including some from places as distant as Canada. The showcase of gorgeous cars was to benefit one of their own, National Corvette Hall of Famer and Amyloidosis victim Chip Miller.
The day had a few purposes – to show off cars, of course, but also to honor Miller and advance the fundraising and awareness efforts of the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation. Special guests included Santa Claus and Toni Watson, a young woman returning to the event after a long battle with Amyloidosis and subsequent treatments. Watson is the only person in the world known to have the disease in her bones. Santa added some festive fun to the event, greeting Watson and the rest of the guests as well as posing for photos alongside the cars and monies from that went to the CMAF.
Even more funds were raised with an auction, the CMAF merchandise table, baked goods and more. In total, the event garnered a solid $8,000 for the CMAF. The day even featured a DJ spinning tunes, an awards ceremony, some Corvette focused vendors and a mid-day engine rev – again, all to celebrate Chip Miller and the CMAF. It was rather like a mini Corvettes at Carlisle, with all the fun and camaraderie present the actual event, which is held each August.
“The weather could not have been better – my father was smiling down on us during the show,” noted CMAF President Lance Miller. “The attendees and show-goers were all smiling from ear to ear and the Corvettes spanning all generations certainly helped, combined with the weather. We offered many awards and I had the task to select ‘Lance’s Choice.’ I chose a beautiful ’58 Corvette owned by John Giardina. I’m grateful to the York County Corvette Club for running and organizing the Corvettes for Chip event and as a foundation, we are thankful for all of their love and support.”
Miller concluded his thoughts on the day by commenting, “This year’s event showcased the amazing Carlisle Expo Center and proved that this event has great potential. I can’t wait to do it again in 2019.”
The final CMAF event of 2018 takes place this Sunday, November 11, in Millville, New Jersey. Experience Track Day at New Jersey Motorsports Park, go fast and have fun, all while helping the CMAF. There are door prizes, great food, hands on instruction and of course the chance to see what your ride can do in a controlled setting. Complete details, including links to register or donate can be found at www.chipmiller.org or by calling 717-243-7855 x113.