The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer assisted in the MOTUL Course de Monterey Powered By Hyundai N, one of the races hosted by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Located in Northern California, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca was the backdrop for the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s latest fundraising efforts on May 11-12.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is an 11-turn, 2.238-mile road course with an elevation change equivalent to 5-1/2 stories, best known for “The Corkscrew,” a one-of-a-kind turn in motorsports that essentially takes a driver up one side of a small mountain, and right back down the other.
This coastal race continues the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s season-long visibility as an official “Proud Charity” of IMSA, the nation’s largest sports car racing sanctioning body. Throughout each season, the Austin Hatcher Foundation benefits from various partnerships within the sport, via at-track auctions of artwork, Diversionary Therapy visits at local children’s hospitals with drivers, fundraising partnerships with automotive companies, various sports car racing memorabilia donated for auctions, and more.
“We are thrilled to be heading back to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca,” said Amy Jo Osborn, foundation president and CEO. “We are always excited to get to spend time with our IMSA family, many of whom have been by our side since our beginning in 2006.”
The Foundation is firmly rooted in the auto racing community, as former photographer Amy Jo Osborn met her husband, orthopedic spine surgeon and race car driver Jim, at the racetrack. The two founded the Austin Hatcher Foundation after they lost their son, Austin Hatcher Osborn, to pediatric cancer in 2006. The Osborns created the Foundation to address the unmet need for mental health and well-being for the entire family facing the effects of pediatric cancer.
“Our partnership with IMSA not only grants us the opportunity to collaborate with companies, team owners, drivers, and individuals, but also a platform to fundraise support services that assist families affected by pediatric cancer,” stated Osborn.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation hosted a variety of fundraising auctions at various locations throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, May 11, acclaimed motion sports artist Bill Patterson began the weekend by creating a one-of-a-kind piece in the IMSA WeatherTech VIP Lounge. Race Enthusiasts watched Patterson complete the painting throughout the weekend.
Also on Saturday, Patterson created a second signature piece in the Corvette Corral at 2 p.m. The painting was auctioned after completion in the same location at 4 p.m.
On Sunday, May 12, Patterson created a third signature piece in the Cadillac Corral at 11 a.m., which was also auctioned.
Both Corvette and Cadillac limited-edition prints will be available to purchase at the event, or fans anywhere across the country can purchase prints online at https://one.bidpal.net/lagunaseca.
