Since its incorporation in January of 1991 as a 501©3 publicly supported organization, the Grand Prix Foundation has had as its purpose, to raise funds through a series of charitable events held in conjunction with the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Building on the drama and fanfare surrounding the Race, which annually attracts crowds approaching 200,000 spectators, the Foundation schedules exciting events open to business and public participation.

Beginning with the Grand Prix Charity Golf Tournament and culminating with the newest event – The Grand Prix 5K – the Foundation has hosted a variety of events such as the Grand Prix Charity Ball, the Art and Wine Showcase, the Grand Prix Monte Carlo Night, Fashion in the Fast Lane (fashion show), and A Night at the Races. Each of these endeavors had, as its core mission, to raise funds in support of local, Long Beach-based charities. To that end, the Foundation has raised and donated in excess of $5 million in its 22-year existence. Organizations and charities such as Meals on Wheels, Food Finders, Womens Shelter Long Beach, Operation Jump Start, Short Stop, Ronald MacDonald House, Fischer House, Long Beach Century Club, Long Beach Area Special Olympics, Long Beach Search and Rescue Explorer Post and Memorial Millers Childrens Hospital.

Additionally, the Foundation administers its own scholarship program for graduating Long Beach Unified high school students. The Robert E. Leslie Scholarship Fund – named after a long-time member of the Foundation Board of Directors – distributes 41500 cash scholarships to each of the Long Beach Senior High Schools. Based on grades, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and need, the scholarships assist students transitioning to college life.

Finally, the Foundation acts as a clearing house for requests from other charitable organizations, who are seeking donations of tickets to be used in their own fundraising activities. Over two hundred requests for donations are received annually and the vetting and distribution of donated packages is a Foundation’s responsibility.

Organizationally, the Foundation is guided by three officers – a President, Secretary, and Treasurer – as well as ten Directors. They are charged with the responsibility of overseeing Foundation events, making selections of recipient charities, and acting as fiduciary agents for Foundation accounts. The Board, comprised of a broad section of community leaders, serves two-year terms with elections held annually.