MASHPEE – Thousands of people flocked to Mashpee Commons yesterday to catch a view of the 18th Annual Seaside LeMans race.
The popular charity event features dozens of local companies competing on a Formula 1 go-kart track to raise money for five local non-profit organizations.
This year’s beneficiary organizations include the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center, Cape Cod Healthcare, Cape Cod Children’s Place, and the Cape Cod Theatre Company Home of the Harwich Junior Theatre.
“For these beneficiaries, this is a huge influx of money for their budgets and The Davenport Companies and all the sponsors are so proud to support great organizations on Cape Cod,” said Seaside LeMans Race Director Kelsey Ellis.
The total money raised since the event’s inception in 2001 is over $6 million through sponsorships and matching funds.
“We’re very happy for everyone to be here and to support a great cause,” said Ellis.
The festivities began with the Cape Cod Healthcare race and then continued with sponsored teams driving Formula One karts during a four-hour endurance race on an outdoor track to determine the winner.
The event is always free to spectators and also features entertainment and children’s activities.
New this year, spectators and volunteers worked together during the event to assemble 240 bicycles, to represent each minute of the four-hour race. The bicycles will be donated to local children and teenagers through a number of non-profit organizations throughout Cape Cod.
Next week, organizers will start planning for the 2019 event, looking at what to improve on the race and deciding who the beneficiaries will be.