On the first weekend of June 2011, the high-pitched whine of Ferrari, Porsche, Alfa Romeo and Lotus race cars will mix with the low rumble of Corvettes, Ford Cobras, Chevrolet Camaros and Ford Mustangs as the Society of Vintage Racing Enthusiasts (SOVREN) holds the first annual "Spokane Festival of Speed" at Spokane County Raceway. More than 150 vintage sports cars, sedans, and formula racing cars of the 1950s, '60s and '70s are expected to travel from all over the Pacific Northwest to compete in three days of racing on the long straights and tight hairpin corners of the 2.25-mile road course.

Racing enthusiasts Bill Simer, Jim Sullivan, Bruce Hunt, Jim Sloane and Paul Jaremko are the local organizers for this SOVREN event; Jaremko Nissan and other local businesses are providing sponsorship and support to cover event expenses. Sanctioning for this first-ever vintage race car event in Spokane was made possible, in part, by the recent revisions and safety improvements made to the race track by Spokane County. These revisions to the road course make the racing facility a much more attractive venue for the rare and expensive vintage race cars that compete in the SOVREN racing series, as well as making the facility safer for participants and spectators.

All spectator admissions from the race will benefit the Parkinson's Resource Center of Spokane (the PRC), a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization that offers a unique and comprehensive menu of free services to Inland Northwest PD clients and their family members, caregivers and friends who support them. The vision of founder Ed Ewell, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1999, and his wife Jacquie has come to fruition with the PRC and its mission: "Serving to enhance the quality of life of people affected by Parkinson's disease through empowerment, education and awareness."

The PRC offers support groups (including for women with PD, for those with young-onset PD, for caregivers and for those with dystonia) plus fun and therapeutic activities: The Tremble Clefs have a great time singing popular favorites while getting the therapeutic benefits of facial and speech therapy; the popular Dance for PD group gains fluid movement, balance and flexibility while dancing to live accompaniment in a dance studio with a certified instructor; and the annual Carnival of Wellness is a collaboration among experts in pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy and medical care, all focusing on quality of life with PD. Throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Utah, including in under-served rural communities, the PRC partners to provide monthly TeleHealth interactive video conferences with experts on various aspects of life with PD.

The PRC strives to expand proven and innovative programs for the benefit of the Parkinson's disease community and depends upon volunteers and donations. The PRC board of directors, staff and clients are most grateful to be named the beneficiary of the first annual "Spokane Festival of Speed” vintage car racing event, June 3-5, presented by the Society of Vintage Racing Enthusiasts (SOVREN).

For more information about the PRC, visit the website (www.SpokaneParkinsons.org) or Facebook page, follow along on Twitter, or phone the office at (509) 473-2490. For more information about the Society of Vintage Racing Enthusiasts (SOVREN), visit www.sovren.org.