Ferrari and Maserati owners rally for SickKids Foundation
Nika Rolczewski for the Toronto Star
Dream cars participating in Sunday's fundraiser included this Maserati MC12 and several Ferrari Enzos.
I don't have much experience telling my new husband where to go and what to do. He has less experience actually listening to me.
But with him behind the wheel of a rare Ferrari and me as navigator for the ninth annual Ferrari Maserati of Ontario rally, there are worse ways to spend a day. Better still, the whole event would be raising money for the SickKids Foundation.
A gorgeous autumn day brought 92 examples of the two Italian marques to support the cause and to enjoy the moment. With winter approaching, days spent enjoying exotic cars will be few and far between.
Lina De Gasperis and friend Marisa Rocca teamed up to drive a stunning black Ferrari 599. The drive would take them across some of the prettiest roadways in the province where speed would not be a factor.
An eagle's eye was needed to spot the answers to the fun rally questions, whether it was a city population's number or the circa sign on an old church.
The rally champions would have to fill in the 100 or so blanks plus the bonus trivia questions about Ferrari racing and cars to win the trophy.
De Gasperis and her navigator were not there so much to win, as they both admitted they were having too much fun. "It's a great cause – it's all for the children," she said.
Close to $500,000 was raised Sunday to purchase a cardiac echo machine, an important diagnostic tool for young patients with heart defects. This year's event has pushed the total money raised to more than $1.1 million.
Remo Ferri, owner and president of Ferrari Maserati of Ontario, said the garage is happy to help SickKids.
"Ferrari is a dream for many people and by doing this event, we are giving kids the opportunity to achieve their dreams as well.
"Our event continues to grow and, with the tremendous support that we receive from Ferrari S.p.A., Ferrari North America and our passionate customers, I hope to continue to make this event more prosperous and successful each year."
Just like the cars, this event was first class. From a gourmet breakfast at Eagles Nest Golf Club in Maple to a gala dinner at the Royal Ambassador Event Centre in Caledon, the day was fun-filled.
The evening was capped off with a live auction that gave away such priceless adventures as a party at Hugh Hefner's Playboy mansion in California and private jet trips to New York and Mont-Tremblant, Que.
The excitement reached a feverish pitch as the privilege of owning the first Ferrari 430 Scuderia in Ontario was sold at $75,000 above the car's initial price.
Two more guests matched that donation in order to get the second and third Scuderia delivered to Ferrari of Ontario.
The silent auction had bidders vying for Golden Globe Awards and after-party tickets in Hollywood, exquisite jewelry and unique art.
My driver-husband survived spending the day with me and my somewhat logical commands.
While we didn't win the rally, we won by being there and helping the SickKids Foundation reach its goal.
Woman's win over Honda opens door to mileage claim free-for-all
Video: Chevrolet Sonic a small car with a big car price
These four affordable, mid-size SUVs are worth a look
