Calvin Ayre Foundation is investing in the future of nearly a hundred Filipino students, with its participation in the Sports Cars for a Cause charity event for the first time.
The show draws together sports car owners and enthusiasts every year in the interest of philanthropy. Its fifth edition took place at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Metro Manila, on February 11.
In partnership with venture capital firm Ayre Group and blockchain technology company
nChain, the Calvin Ayre Foundation was the top donor at this year’s Sports Cars for a Cause. The Antigua-based charity donated $100,000 to the initiative, directly funding the education and living expenses of 93 students of the Sisters of Mary School.
Hundreds of sports cars revved their engines and lined up along 4th Avenue in BGC on the day, attracting a crowd of onlookers looking to take pictures with their favorite cars. Participants shared an intimate breakfast and attended a short program where students and special guests performed.
Setting students up for success
nChain’s Business Development Lead in the Philippines, Stephanie Tower, joined the organizers in cutting the ribbon of the event. She told CoinGeek that this was a very important cause to their companies, explaining that they “see value and help shape the future of these students and also set them up for success.”
For Charlie Rufino, one of the main organizers of the project, it’s all about leveling the playing field and giving less fortunate students an advantage. “You remove them from [a position] where they’re not really a part of and enjoying the economy, and then you give them a chance,” he said.
Sisters of Mary School Superior General Sr. Elena Belarmino added that the program is a big help to children who are otherwise unable to study because of poverty.
“With this, we can provide food, clothing, shelter, and education to many poor children,” she said.
Sports cars, charity come together
Fueling the charity’s success is the participants’ shared love for sports cars. And there are few people who love sports cars more than motorsports racer Angie Mead King, one of the celebrity guests at the celebration.
Now, in her second year attending the event, King brought a Ferrari 458 Italia that served as a beautiful centerpiece of the entire car show.
“Everyone here is lovely, and it’s nice to see all the cars,” King told CoinGeek, commenting on the great turnout of participants. “And different types of cars. It’s not all supercars; there are some eclectic cars, there are some old, air-cooled Porsches, some old muscle cars.”
King said that one of the things she really loved about the event this year was that so many children were in attendance. She called it a “lovely sight to see” and said it gives her hope that the future generation will still be into automobiles.
King fully supports the car show’s charitable objectives, saying she is open to attending future editions of the event.
“Super good job that you guys are doing with this ‘Sports Cars for a Cause.’ I’m happy to be a part of it,” she addressed the organizers. “If you guys need any more help in the future, I’m all ears. And congratulations on a super successful event!”
‘The world is your oyster’
With the fifth edition of Sports Cars for a Cause ending in a massive success, there are plans for creating bigger and better versions of the event moving forward. Rufino said they are looking to introduce more skills and courses to the students, especially in areas of tech such as coding and cybersecurity.
Meanwhile, nChain is hoping to set the stage for developing blockchain talent in the Philippines even earlier in students’ careers. Tower said that she is excited to see the efforts to cultivate young talent in the country, reminiscent of how blockchain incubator Block Dojo Philippines is investing in promising blockchain startups.
“My message to the students of Sisters of Mary School [is to] continue working hard, focus on your studies, and be open to understanding and developing your own skills,” she said. “Be open to the world; the world is your oyster. Let the sisters of your school provide you the support and guidance, and hopefully, we’ll see you soon!”
With help from the Calvin Ayre Foundation, Ayre Group, and nChain, Sports Cars for a Cause saw its biggest donation yet in 2024, with enough proceeds to fund a total of 146 students enrolled in different campuses of the Sisters of Mary School.
Watch: nChain delivers on its promise to boost Philippines digitalization
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