Introducing Drive for Smiles (D4S) 2nd event in Calgary!

I helped organize a new charitable event last year called Drive 4 Smiles. This year they made me the Chairperson for Calgary's event. It's put on by the Starlight Foundation who organize and supply in-hospital and out patient programs for sick kids at the Childrens' Hospital. The Drive 4 Smiles events in Canada started in Montreal and Toronto and then added Vancouver a few years ago. It's first Calgary event was last year and they raised $50K which was the most they have ever raised for a first year event. This year's event is on Jun 20, 2026 at Rocky Mountain Motorsports.

I want to thank everyone from the PCA who came out and supported the event last year and made it an amazing success. It was the largest fund raise for a first year event ever! I would like to invite you all to participate this year! The event is on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Rocky Mountain Motorsports.

Please check it out and consider registering at: https://d4scalgary.com/

What is Drive for Smiles?

Drive for Smiles is a national charitable initiative run by the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada (https://www.starlightcanada.org/) whose mission is to help sick kids across the country through a blend of programs in the childrens' hospitals and at home. This event brings together car enthusiasts to provide seriously ill children and their families with a day of joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories. Participants offer “dream rides” in their exotic/supercars.  Starlight transforms the area around the track creating a carnival-like atmosphere complete with food trucks, entertainment, and activities for all ages. The Starlight Children's Foundation started in Los Angeles in 1982 by filmmaker Peter Samuelson and actress Emma Samms and has Steven Spielberg is their Chairman Emeritus.

Here is a video from last year's event as an intro to how it is organized. https://youtu.be/1Ji3PDgOs4M

The event has taken place for over 14 years in cities across the country.  Last year’s D4S events in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver raised over $1,000,000 collectively, benefiting more than 1,000 children and their families. 

It is similar Cardel's Ride of a Lifetime where you give kids 2 or 3 laps in the passenger seat of your car. However there are a lot of differences. Your rides for the entire day will be for the sick kids and their families. There are no rides sold to the general public. We also do not encourage super fast laps. A 50-60% speed lap is fine for the kids to give them a thrill. Many of them are not strong enough for anything faster than 50% IMO. Run groups are separated into experienced and novice drivers so don't worry if you haven't been to the track. You will be put into a group with others that have the same experience so you won't be stressed about holding someone up. The main thing is to give your passengers a fun and safe time and a day to remember to relieve their normal daily stress from their illness. Days like this have been proven to have a significant affect on positive outcomes for the kids recoveries so you will be a big part of that.

How You Can Get Involved

The Starlight Foundation is seeking passionate drivers to volunteer their time and vehicles for this incredible cause. By participating, you’ll:

• Provide thrilling rides to children who face daily health challenges.
• Be part of a community event that celebrates compassion and unity.
• Help raise funds to support programs for seriously ill children.

If you own an exotic or cool car and want to use it to create real joy, your presence would mean the world to these families. Please note that rides will be a very safe 50-60% pace in a lead-follow format to maximize safety for the kids and provide a nice thrill. You do not need track experience to drive in this event. If helmets are required the charity will provide them.

The expenses for this event are extremely low. Last year 95% of the money raised went to fund the programs for the kids.

Join Us

If you’re interested in participating or would like more information, please visit https://d4scanada.com/  There is a registration page that is now live on this webpage. Let’s come together to make Calgary’s 2nd Drive for Smiles event a huge success!

Thank you for considering this opportunity to give back to our community in such a unique and impactful way.

Note there is a $500 registration fee for each registration. A tax receipt will be emailed to you automatically for your donation.

Date: Sunday, June 7
Location: Schott's Lake Conference & Resort, Sundre, AB
More info & to RSVP: CLICK HERE (must be logged in to view)

Every year the club hosts a BBQ gathering to welcome new members into the Porsche family with open arms. All new & existing members are invited to join this day filled with fellowship, food & fun.

We're going to Schott's Lake Resort (near Sundre) for a fantastic Western-themed BBQ lunch. We'll have their entire lakefront patio just for our group, and there is indoor space in case of inclement weather. Lunch & non-alcoholic drinks are on us, and you can purchase euro car themed drinks from the bartender.

What's for lunch? There's SO much food, that instead of typing it out, I'll attach a screenshot of the menu:

The available spot has 15 AMP power if you need it.

Dates: Thursday, June 18th - Sunday, June 21st

Full details are here: https://www.porsche.ab.ca/events/event/700-pca-camping-trip/

You would just e-transfer your payment directly to them to claim your spot. Easy-peezy!

Reply here or email Danielle at events@porsche.ab.ca if you want in on the goodtimes.

Whiskey Barrel Outpost in Water Valley is a newly opened restaurant, so we're going for a scenic morning drive to check it out for breakfast. Guests can order from the menu & gluten free options will be available.

There is a limit of 25 guests, and we currently have a few spots left, so RSVP ASAP if you'd like to join next Sunday: 

Reservations are now open! Pre-payment is required, 1st come 1st serve. 

For full details & to reserve your spot, go here: https://www.porsche.ab.ca/events/event/700-pca-camping-trip/

*SOLD OUT: ALL SPOTS HAVE BEEN RESEVRED
 

Next one is Saturday, February 14th

fyi - I noticed on the menu board that they now serve light breakfast fare.

Location: Fenyk Coffee & Social - 10 Canada Olympic Common SW

Time: 8:45 am

Please click here & RSVP so that we can claim enough chairs for the group.

Join us for Covers & Coffee @ Fenyk near Canada Olympic Park.

There is plenty of space in this fancy cafe, but the place gets busy quickly so this is one for the early-risers among us.

Location: Fenyk Coffee & Social - 10 Canada Olympic Common SW

Date: Saturday, January 24

Time: 8:45 am

Please CLICK HERE & RSVP so that we can claim enough chairs for the group.

Blastoff is now on the calendar, there are still a few details to be updated but you can already book your hotel room. Dates are Saturday, March 14 to Sunday, March 15, 2026.

We are at the Banff Park Lodge this year and the optional Friday Dinner / Saturday Drive is also posted with more details to come shortly

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE CALENDAR AND LET OTHERS KNOW YOU ARE COMING

https://eurofest.net

Our club will set up two pop-up tents for shade. There will be food trucks there, or you can pack a picnic lunch and join us under the tents.

Bring your folding chairs & snacks and enjoy the great company and hubub of the car show around you.

**UPDATE JULY 17 - Due to weather, the show is postponed to Saturday, July 26th

Date: Saturday, July 26

Location: Stanley Park - 4011 1A Street SW, Calgary

Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Registration starts at 8:00am and all cars must be placed on the field by 10:00am

Registration link: https://vsccc.ca/event-6055287

Please RSVP here if you are entering your car so we can have an appropriate number of parking spots saved.

What's the vibe like? Check out a few pics from the action in the PCA area of last year's show:

Coach and Volunteer Registration at:

https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/trss-bmw-club-southern-alberta-coach-volunteer-rocky-mountain-motorsports-of-748090 · 

Student Registration at https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/trss-bmw-club-southern-alberta-rocky-mountain-motorsports-tire-rack-955256 

If you have additional questions please contact Glen Cook, TRSS Manager, at (403) 274-8716 or gcook@bmwcsa.ca

This is a well recognized training event that PCA is very supportive of and was instrumental in its creation many years ago. Many other PCA regions across North America host these training session. While this is not a Wild Rose Region event we are happy to support the BMW Club with volunteers and instructors, and maybe a few students. 

TRSS 2025 v7.docx

Great event for a worthwhile cause, I'm looking forward to next year's D4S.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19u3LL7N8A/

Join Me in Bringing Drive for Smiles to Calgary – July 12 at Rocky Mountain Motorsports

Introducing Drive for Smiles (D4S) – Coming to Calgary!

I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out to share some exciting news and extend a heartfelt invitation to be part of a meaningful event that combines our shared passion for cars with the opportunity to make a significant impact.

I’m thrilled to announce that Calgary will host its first-ever Drive for Smiles event on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Rocky Mountain Motorsports.

What is Drive for Smiles?

Drive for Smiles is a national charitable initiative run by the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada (https://www.starlightcanada.org/) whose mission is to help sick kids across the country through a blend of programs in the childrens' hospitals and at home. This event brings together car enthusiasts to provide seriously ill children and their families with a day of joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories. Participants offer “dream rides” in their exotic/supercars.  Starlight transforms the area around the track creating a carnival-like atmosphere complete with food trucks, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Here is a video from last year's event as an intro to how it is organized. https://youtu.be/1Ji3PDgOs4M

The event has taken place for over 13 years in cities across the country.  Last year’s D4S events in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver raised over $1,000,000 collectively, benefiting more than 1,000 children and their families. 

How You Can Get Involved

The Starlight Foundation is seeking passionate drivers to volunteer their time and vehicles for this incredible cause. By participating, you’ll:

• Provide thrilling rides to children who face daily health challenges.
• Be part of a community event that celebrates compassion and unity.
• Help raise funds to support programs for seriously ill children.

If you own an exotic or supercar and want to use it to create real joy, your presence would mean the world to these families. Please note that rides will be a very safe 50% pace in a lead-follow format to maximize safety for the kids and provide a nice thrill. You do not need track experience to drive in this event. We do not anticipate the need for helmets but we are currently confirming with RMM. If helmets are required we will provide them.

Join Us

If you’re interested in participating or would like more information, please visit https://d4scanada.com/  There is a registration page that is now live on this webpage. Let’s come together to make Calgary’s inaugural Drive for Smiles event a huge success!

Thank you for considering this opportunity to give back to our community in such a unique and impactful way.

Note there is a $500 registration fee for each registration. If you choose to pay for that yourself a tax receipt will be emailed to you automatically for your donation.

Join us at Fenyk Coffee & Social. There are lots of comfy chairs and enough space for everybody, so we can still get in our social fix for the day.

Location: Fenyk Coffee & Social - 10 Canada Olympic Common SW

Date: Saturday, June 21

Time: 9:00 am

Please comment below if you are coming for coffee, they will reserve space for us.

Calgary Police Youth Foundation's Drive of Champions 2025 edition.  For more information see: Drive of Champions | Calgary Police Youth Foundation 

On the registration form, indicate you will be parking "With My Car Club" and specify "The Porsche Club of America Wild Rose Region"

Every year the club hosts a BBQ gathering to welcome new members into the Porsche family with open arms. All new & existing members are invited to join this day filled with fellowship, food & fun.

Big T's BBQ truck is coming out and providing lunch for us on Saturday at noon in the "Group Area A" at Sandy McNabb Campground.

There is a picnic shelter here, but you may want to bring your own chairs. You're invited to spend the afternoon with the PCA'ers who will be camping here and hang out around the campfire - yanno, make a day of it!

• Smoked Brisket on a bun 
• Coleslaw 
• Baked Beans
• *Vegetarian black bean burger upon request: mention in the comments box if you want the vegetarian option

Date: Saturday, July 5

RSVP: RSVP are required. Exact numbers are needed for the catering.

** RSVP Deadline: June 25th - Please note RSVP's after this date will be placed on a cancellation waitlist because Big T's needs final numbers summitted on this day. For logistical reasons, only people attending lunch can attend the drive.

How to RSVP:  CLICK HERE then follow the instructions at the bottom of the page.

http://marketinglinks.pca.org/wf/open?upn=u001.-2FcReycxIuQfzhQ1IaUihNBpGf-2BGrZr4OsqkIwSXMmMk5CxJY0-2ByH1C-2BPdJOopttqNFtGa5DmLjM3DjHqLQQUSRN985s-2B5VoARv6oWhgXvN3pURmyGnZvGW9Xd1ogy-2B6hwdaWB0wZ21eWENCbZuEVivZEFWRzxg4mbeXRfsyUzG4XuERj19ofzt5iWQeRLuYq5jvOw6fQHzvmJ2wRDNfJ4m2Qvqkp-2Fp4YZGz98RbpJQc-3D

Carwash Includes:

• Full exterior wash
• Interior vacuum
• Light interior cleanup

Please note that a minimum $50 donation is required to ensure we meet our fundraising goals – don’t forget, 100% of your donations go to the Kidney Foundation!” You will also receive a charitable donation receipt your income taxes. Plz hit the link for more info. 

https://shenisautotrend.com/carwash-for-the-cause/

Two more volunteers are needed for this event: Sweep Group 1 and Lead Group 2

Please note that if we don't get volunteers for a 2nd group, this drive will be capped at 15 cars. (We limit group sizes to assure easy logistics for volunteers.)

To have over 30 cars, we'll need a 3rd group lead & sweep, but that is TBD as RSVP's come in.

Please email Danielle at events@porsche.ab.ca if you're interested in helping out!

For information about this event and to RSVP: https://www.porsche.ab.ca/events/event/652-last-chance-saloon-best-bbq-in-the-badlands/

Complete this Registration form, registration closes Friday, June 20, 2025.

Full Breakfast – tickets available June 23 to July 4 only Mark your Calendar!

• Includes: scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, croissant with Jam, orange juice, and coffee
• Breakfast will be served in the Museum Restaurant from 7:30 am to 10 am, please show your ticket at the door.
• $15 + gst per person
• An electronic confirmation of your purchase will be sent to you and your tickets will be available for pickup at the Registration Tent the morning of the show.
• Tickets are available on the Reynolds Museum website from June 23 to July 4 only.
• There will be no breakfast tickets available for purchase at the door.

What to expect on the day of the event:

• Check out our Making Tracks: Crawlers, Tractors and Snowmobiles feature exhibition (admission to the Museum is included in your registration, sponsored by Hagerty)
• Vehicle Starting Demonstrations of Museum vintage vehicles at 1 pm & 3 pm, sponsored by The Works Car & Truck Wash, Wetaskiwin
• Music by Wired4Sound
• Museum Restaurant and a selection of food trucks
• Vendors Village
• You may want to plan to stay Saturday night for the NASCAR Canada Series  - NAPA 300 Special Event at the Edmonton International Raceway, Wetaskiwin

Logistics:

• Arrival Time –July 12, 2025, between 7:30 am to 10:00 am.
• Gates to the display field will close at 10 am.
• For the safety of our guests, please stay on site until 4 pm.
• On the morning of the event, enter through the main gates and straight down to the traffic circle. We will direct you from there.
• Trailers can be parked between the main building and the aviation hangar at the track (map).
• Shade tents are permitted. Please ensure they are tied or weighted down and do not obstruct traffic.
• BBQs are not permitted on site.
• The Works Car & Truck Wash will be open July 11, 8 am to 8 pm and July 12, 6:30 am to 8 pm.
• Please bring a donation for the Wetaskiwin Food Bank (donation box will be at the registration tent)
• Once you have parked, please report to the registration tent

At the Registration Tent you will receive:

• • Your breakfast ticket, if you purchased one
  • A laminated information sheet for your vehicle
  • A dash plaque
  • An admission wristband for you and your passenger(s) for free admission to the Museum