Atlanta “Drive Toward A Cure” Poker Run Shows How To Do It In 2025

Hope springs eternal as we start 2025.

Perhaps it’s human nature to find fresh optimism as the calendar rolls over. Though honestly, that euphoric feeling likely came from knowing the annual “Drive Toward A Cure” event was happening on Saturday, January 18th, in Atlanta.

As you know, “Drive Toward a Cure” pursues an alternative to the numerous ‘for profit’ rally driving programs by creating events that team cars and camaraderie to raise funds and awareness to support the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease, benefiting research and patient care.

Thanks to seasoned event organizer Mike Thies, we knew it would be one of those “must-attend” gatherings for true car enthusiasts. As it turned out, the Poker Run-themed event was a winning hand for everyone involved.

In our estimation, Mike Thies nailed the overarching ethos of this event when he said: “Regardless of what you drive, this charitable event gets you behind the wheel while you meet other like-minded people who support this worthy charity. Unlike a traditional car show or cruise-in, this is a very active, hands-on event.”

After attending the event and talking to those in attendance, we need to add “and have a blast while doing it!” to Mike’s sentiment for good measure.

Streetside Classics

Kicking off the event at Streetside Classics, 213 Thornton Rd #400 in Lithia Springs was a crowd-favorite choice. Their 78,000 sq ft showroom routinely features a wide range of classics for sale.

On any given day, you’ll find show-stopping classic cars, street rods, muscle cars, vintage cars, resto-mods, classic trucks, and the latest exotics or supercars. Many participants arrived early to collect the first card of their poker hand and, of course, walk around the showroom.

Special thanks go to Jimmy Ethridge, Inventory Manager, for his gracious hospitality.

Poker Run Stops

A poker run gives you the perfect excuse to spend some time behind the wheel of your ride while also exploring some automotive places of interest. This year’s event was true to form.

Second Poker Card – True Automotive, 1280 Powder Springs St, SW, in Marietta, was where everyone picked up their second card. As those in Marietta have learned, True Automotive provides services from routine maintenance and inspection to repair and upgrades. Clients say they offer transparency, convenience, quality, and integrity work. Plus, they can efficiently inspect, diagnose, and treat any problem quickly.

Third Poker Card – Jasper’s Vintage Motorcar Restoration (VMR) facility is well-known to car enthusiasts. They specialize in traditional “body-off” restoration, partial restoration, cosmetic updates, and mechanical rebuilds. VMR’s roots go back to the early 1970s, when founder Ray Morgan, an accomplished engineer and automotive enthusiast, began what was then simply a maintenance shop for European sports cars.

Fourth Poker Card – The AutoZone Auto Parts at 2375 Canton Hwy in Cumming was home to the fourth card. This made sense for car enthusiasts because AutoZone is a one-stop shop for top-quality auto parts, accessories, and trustworthy advice to keep your car, truck, or SUV running smoothly.

The Driving Club At Road Atlanta

Anticipation ran high as the group pulled into the famed Driving Club At Road Atlanta parking lot. Granted, the all-important fifth playing card was valuable, but everyone looked forward to learning more about this top-notch driving club.

As to be expected, their facilities didn’t disappoint, not in the least. A driving membership here is like having an all-access pass to some of Road Atlanta’s most exclusive activities.

With over 18 track days, dozens of private social events, year-round car storage, and access to our elegant bar and lounge, you will call this place your second home.

Vettes of Atlanta Magazine has covered this gem of a facility several times. Here is the LINK you need for our exclusive three-article coverage

Raising Parkinson’s Awareness

This poker run aimed to raise awareness and community funding to combat Parkinson’s disease. As many of you know, Parkinson’s disease is an age-related degenerative brain condition that causes parts of your brain to deteriorate.

It’s notably known for causing slowed movements, tremors, and balance problems. Although the condition isn’t currently curable, many different treatment options exist. Better nutrition and fitness can help slow the progression.

We know the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease naturally increases with age, and the average age at which it starts is 60 years old. There are more than 90,000 cases in the US alone appearing annually.

Parkinson’s disease is widespread overall, ranking second among age-related degenerative brain diseases. It’s also the most common motor (movement-related) brain disease.

Keeping The Drive Going

Several “Drive Toward A Cure” events are held annually nationwide to raise awareness and funds. At Atlanta’s gathering, Michael Giammarce from the Peach State Region of the Porsche Club of America told us about another event later this year.

Rod Worley – Editor – Michael, we appreciate the Peach State Region of PCA donating a prize for today’s event. Can you share more about the “Drive Toward A Cure” event your club is hosting this Spring?

Michael Giammarce – Vice President & Technical Co-Chair – Peach State Region of the Porsche Club of America – Rod, supporting today’s worthy event was a very easy call for this club.  We took our Charitable Mission to heart and donated the grand prize for the winning Poker hand: a gift certificate for a Porsche Driving Experience! 

Sam and Sue Mosley, who have been running Club Tours for Peachstate PCA for the last ten years, were on hand to present the gift experience.

Speaking of tours for a great cause, Sam has scheduled the American Muscle Car Tour to benefit “Drive Toward a Cure” (March 19^th through March 23^rd). This multi-day event has an amazing list of stops that will interest any car enthusiast. 

Check it out: Peachstate PCA – American Muscle Car Museum Tour Benefitting Drive Toward a Cure. The tour is open to non-Peachstate PCA members.  The registration link is on the event page. 

The club encourages you to share part or all of this adventure, help a great cause, and take advantage of the chance to build friendships with new car enthusiasts.  

A Success On Many Levels

As many car event organizers can attest, buttery-smooth running events like this don’t happen in a vacuum. The event mastermind, Mike Thies, had a hand-picked cadre of Atlanta’s top car enthusiasts, influencers, and organizers to serve on the event team.

People like the talented team from Atlanta Car Cast of the Atlanta Cast Network and Ray Pastoric, the President of Top-End Motors. Todd and Kelly Willoughby of American Street Machines were instrumental.

Also on the team were Bobbie Menneg, Board President of Beyond the Ribbon, Inc.

The afterparty, hosted at Caffeine & Octane’s Lanier Raceway Atlanta, rounded out the day’s events. The agenda included lunch, prizes, swapping car stories, and front-row seats for the track’s Downforce Race Battles event.

In addition to the action on the track, a table overflowing with impressive prizes and donated gift baskets from notable vendors kept everyone buzzing. Among the items of note were a $500 Porsche Experience, a $500 gift card to CoCo mats, and a Road ATL Driver’s Club Experience.

Two points were clear as the day’s festivities drew to a close: First, they successfully raised Parkinson’s awareness and financial support, and second, the “Drive Toward A Cure” Poker Run team knows how to kick off the new year!

Special Note – L.A. Wild Fires

Parkinson’s patients and the facilities that provide critical Parkinson’s support that have been affected by the current L.A. wildfires urgently need our help!

Drive Toward a Cure is seeking donations, 100% of which will be directed to help those in the L.A. Parkinson’s community. To learn more, CLICK HERE.