$472,000 and counting.
Every year the small Long Island town of Glen Cove, NY becomes congested with traffic and people. While that may sound frustrating, it’s not in the least bit. Sports cars, super cars, exotics, classics, and BMWs from all around converge and line the streets for the annual Gold Coast Concours/Bimmerstock show to raise money for the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) and their search for a cure.
Hosted by Event Co-chairs Joe Lapadula and Jon Holzer of Martino Auto Concepts, the event has raised over $472,000 for the DRI. This year’s Gold Coast Concours/Bimmerstock raised over $62,000 and provided a fun, exciting atmosphere packed with food, music, and fast cars.
“I sincerely appreciate everyone’s help in making this year’s event such an amazing success,” said Lapadula. “All who are associated with the event are grateful to our wonderful friends, sponsors, journal supporters and everyone who registered and displayed a vehicle, for being a part of this special day.”
Although the forecast called for rain, the sun was out for the vast array of Ferraris, Lamborghini’s, Porsches, McLarens, BMWs, and everything in between. Ford GTs let their supercharged V-8s whined while a Ferrari Enzo slowly rolled in, stealing the show like only an icon of its status could. Local artist, Dean Adams, was on hand to perform a live painting of the legend throughout the event. Even the new turbocharged Ferrari 488 GTB and McLaren 675LT came to strut their stuff. Although the new-age horsepower generated quite a bit of attention, old-school classics such as the BMW Isetta provided a fun look back into the quirky history of motoring.
While exotic sheetmetal and carbon fiber dominated downtown Glen Cove, the smell of fresh-cooked food and music from local bands filled the air. Joe Manfredi from Old Westbury Web Radio emceed the event and the raffle to help raise funds for the DRI as Marines and their military Humvees showed their support prior to their upcoming Toys 4 Tots event in December with Martino Auto Concepts. Even Glen Cove Mayor, Reginald Spinell, served as the honorary chairman of the event, and Nassau County Legislator, Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, attended the event to raise more awareness and support.
“Everyone at Martino Auto Concepts, especially Joe LaPadula, organized an amazing event, and helped us raise money to find a cure for diabetes,” said DeRiggi-Whitton – whose 18-year-old-daughter, Amanda, has had type 1 diabetes since she was 3 years old. “I would also like to thank the Glen Cove police, EMS, department of Public Works, Auxiliary police and Mayor Spinello and the City Council for assisting with this event. As a mom with a daughter with this condition it means so much to see our city come together like this.”
Each year, the community comes together at the Gold Coast Concours/Bimmerstock to benefit and raise awareness for the Diabetes Research Institute, and each year it gets even better. With the way things have been going, expect that $472,000 raised to grow significantly next year!
If you would like to donate to the Diabetes Research Institute, please visit their website.
We’d like to extend a special thanks to Joe Lapadula, Jon Holzer, and Mike Wiatrak of Martino Auto Concepts, all the volunteers, sponsors, and organizers for putting on another amazing event. We cannot wait for next year!
2016 Gold Coast Concours/Bimmerstock Gallery
Photography by Ryan Konko
What was your favorite car at the 2016 Gold Coast Concours/Bimmerstock?
