Bryce's dream day
Bryce is ten years old and loves two things: exotic cars and Home Alone. We turned both into the ultimate dream trip for him — a story ABC11 came out to cover.
04 — Ride of Your Life · 501(c)(3)
Don't wish for it.
Work for it.
Our mission is to create unmatched experiences for blind, deaf and underserved youth in need, through the power of automobiles — and to leave families with memories that last a lifetime.
Who we are
A foundation with
a garage attached.
Ride of Your Life is a North Carolina nonprofit foundation, operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3). It is governed by a volunteer board of directors chosen for their expertise and their ability to help carry out the mission, and funded through grants, gifts and donations.
Eligible young people are identified through community resources — the Boy and Girl Scouts, the YMCA of the Triangle, Triangle Family Services, Flight of Hope, the Governor Morehead School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and various medical-related support groups. Programs are made available exclusively to youth selected on an objective and non-discriminatory basis.
Core values
Four things we hold to.
Compassion
We operate with kindness, sensitivity and generosity.
Experience
We provide children in need with unique and fun opportunities through the wonderful world of automobiles.
Collaboration
We leverage partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, individuals and the philanthropic community.
Community
We promote community involvement, support and giving.
What we fund
Where the money goes.
- Educational automotive camp
- Cars and Cookies
- Youth mentorship program
- Community projects focused on youth development
- Scholarships for qualifying students to attend automotive and technical schools
- The Teen Defensive Driving School at CECC
Stories of rides
Make it happen.
Governor Morehead School f/t Blind
Students explored what makes these machines so remarkable — touching them, sitting in them and listening to them. The roar of the engines brought smiles to everyone in the lot.
Tyler & Dakota — Boy Scouts of America
A ride experience in a Ford GT40 and a Shelby Cobra for two of the hardest-working Scouts we've met. Two of the most iconic American cars ever built, and two priceless faces.
YMCA youth camp at CECC
The YMCA of the Triangle's partnership with Ride of Your Life gave campers a day inside a working exotic car facility — not a museum, a garage.
A private car show for DJ
When a young patient couldn't come to the cars, the cars went to UNC Hospital and parked outside his window.
Future race drivers
The monthly CECC car show brings the sight and sound of the Triangle's best exotics to any kid whose parents can get them there. No ticket required.
Request an experience
Every experience
begins with a referral.
If you work with a young person — or an organisation serving young people — who would light up at a day like this, tell us about them.
Governance
Board of directors.
Ride of Your Life is governed by a volunteer board. Foundation mail: PO Box 90534, Raleigh, NC 27675.
Rick Guirlinger — President
Payman Bazooband — Vice-President
Lidiya Lastur — Secretary
Ken Heltemes — Treasurer
Rex Thomas — VP of Fundraising
Benny Suggs
Ben Glover
Blake Paro
Joe Torres
Carter Hunt
Chris Brady
Todd Dillo
Corporate sponsors
The companies behind the rides.
4 Light Ventures
Advance Auto Parts
Bailey's Jewelry
Bimoto Spirits
Ceramic Pro — Wake Forest
DCI
5th and Melody
H24 Holdings
Homestead Building Company
Midtown Builders
North State Express
Olde Raleigh Financial
Paro Wealth Management
Red Moon
RGA Investments
Service Building Supply
Summit Hospitality Group
Surya
United Therapeutics Corp
VACO
West Town Bank & Trust
Interested in sponsoring? Corporate club membership puts your company name on the CECC sponsorship wall and directly supports the foundation. Enquire here.