Ferrari drivers say thank you

NIKA ROLCZEWSKI FOR THE TORONTO STAR

Michael Louli, with Nika Rolczewski, drove his Ferrari 16M Scuderia to contribute to the SickKids Foundation, assisted here by, left to right, Tobin Haas, Colena Johnson, Jonathan Richardson and Katriel Haas.

The drizzle and gloomy skies could not spoil the 11th Annual Ferrari Maserati of Ontario Rally in support of SickKids Foundation for husband and wife team of Drs. Andrea and Herb Veisman in their scarlet red Ferrari 430 Spider.

It was their third year competing for the rally win and bragging rights among fellow owners and enthusiasts, but their personal connection with the hospital makes this event one they won't miss.

Their two young children spent many a night at Sick Kids and thanks to the care they received there, are now the picture of health.

After a gourmet breakfast at the new Ontario Ferrari dealership location in Vaughan, more than 70 Ferraris and Maseratis departed on a mystery route that was determined by answering riddles and trivia questions correctly.

Points were deducted for completing the rally too quickly, making driving these automotive masterpieces at well under the speed limit the hardest challenge.

At the Turnberry Golf Club lunch stop in Brampton, drivers and navigators mingled and compared notes.

The Veismans were afraid the three train crossings they had to stop for had delayed their timed arrival but were confident with their progress.

No one complained that the rain had dirtied their car.

"When you buy a Ferrari, you don't buy a car, you buy a passion," said Remo Ferri, president of Ferrari of Ontario.

"We all are just as passionate about helping sick children get better."

In addition to the $1.5 million raised in the past, the proceeds from the 2009 rally are being designated to the Operating Suites Redevelopment Project at Sick Kids hospital.

This rally supports the children's hospital in improving the privacy, safety and comfort of its patients, and will also significantly reduce the wait times for surgery, said Ted Garrard, president and CEO of the SickKids Foundation at the evening's gala dinner and auction held at Copper Creek Golf Club in Kleinburg.

It wasn't a race; the organizers stressed that safe driving and having fun were the keys for a good finish.

While the Veismans did not win the rally, a Ferrari drive for a good cause was worth it.

"To be a part of this event – one of the largest gatherings of Italian sports cars – and to make a difference in the lives of young children is a day well spent, rain or shine," they both agreed.

–Nika Rolczewski

Camaro drivers thank Oshawa plant workers

More videos from Wheels.ca and our partners