Corvettes at Carlisle Benefit Auction funds research of rare disease

Carlisle Events has decided that this years Corvettes at Carlisle Benefit Auction will support Amyloid research. Miller, co-founder of Carlisle Events, was diagnosed with primary Amyloidosis in December 2003.

CARLISLE, PA (PRWEB) February 17, 2004 --As members of the automotive hobby rally to support Chip Miller in his battle with Amyloidosis, Carlisle Events has decided that this years Corvettes at Carlisle Benefit Auction will support Amyloid research. Miller, co-founder of Carlisle Events, was diagnosed with primary Amyloidosis in December 2003. The rare plasma cell disorder affects about 2,000 people each year. Currently, there is no cure, but it is usually treated with chemotherapy.

The outpouring of support for Chip and his family has been overwhelming since he was diagnosed in late December. We have a tremendous opportunity to use one of our highest profile shows to create awareness, educate and raise a significant amount of money for research." said John Detrick, Carlisle Events CEO. We all care a great deal for this man and plan to do everything we can to see him well."

Over the years, Carlisle Events has raised more than $70,000 through the Corvettes at Carlisle Benefit Auction, which has previously funded the American Cancer Society. This years Corvettes at Carlisle takes place Aug. 27-29 at the Carlisle (Pa.) Fairgrounds, and the auction will be held the afternoon of Aug. 28.

To help kick the auction off, Miller has donated his 1957 Corvette, which could bring $100,000. Miller is the third owner of the matching-numbers Corvette. In the early 1990s, Richard Robinson Restorations of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., put the finishing touches on this vintage Corvette. Complete documentation, including the original sales invoice, service policy and registration card, accompany the car. The Corvette has been garaged since new and stills wears its original chrome, which is mint," according to Miller. The only chrome thats not original is on the taillight housings.

The 57 has traveled 113,247 miles and is in excellent condition. The 283-ci engine pumps out 220 hp. This was the first year Corvette offered the four-speed manual transmission. Other options purchased with this car include the heater, AM signal-seeking radio, whitewall tires, auxiliary hardtop, two-tone paint (Aztec Copper with beige inserts) and positraction rear axle (3.70:1 ratio).

I want this to happen," Miller said of donating the car. When youre faced with fighting a terminal disease and realize that you can do something for others in the future with that same disease, its an easy and a logical thing for me to do. The overwhelming support of my family validated this decision."

In Chips Choice last year, my 57 attracted onlookers like no other," he said of why he chose to donate this particular vehicle. It seemed like the right car. During the years that Ive owned it, this car has brought me tremendous joy, but not as much as knowing the good it will do in helping Amyloid research."

Another reason that the 57 means so much to Miller is that Bob Gold was his co-pilot in the car in the Corvette parade during the last Corvettes at Carlisle before Gold died. A close friend of Millers, Gold restored Corvettes and ran the Corvettes at Carlisle auction for 10 years prior to his death. It was a special car to him," Miller said, and is even more special to me for that reason."

There will also be a discretionary contribution from the auction to CaringBridge.org. Miller uses this site to keep in touch with his friends and the Corvette family around the world. I personally have found it to be a tool useful above my wildest dreams," Miller said of CaringBridge.org. It allowed me to do everything possible to pursue medical help and save my own life, while still being able to stay in touch with those I care about and who care so much about me." To read Millers journal or sign his guestbook, visit www.caringbridge.org/pa/chipmiller.

Anyone interested in donating items for the auction should contact John at (717) 243-7855, ext. 127. For more information on Corvettes at Carlisle, visit www.carsatcarlisle.com or call (717) 243-7855. Learn more about the disease at www.amyloidosis.org.

Carlisle Events, host of 12 collector car, truck and motorcycle events a year, attracted more than half a million people to its events in 2003. Included in the annual schedule are two huge automotive swap meets and individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, motorcycles, sport compacts and imports. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, the Cars at Carlisle" shows have attracted automotive enthusiasts from around the world.

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