LAKELAND, Fla. – A charitable, cross-country electric car marathon that will help fund Florida Polytechnic University scholarships and men’s health research hits the road Thursday, June 12, in Clermont, Florida.
The Drive for Men’s Health, featuring two futuristic Tesla vehicles, is set for June 12-13 and is being organized by Florida Polytechnic Foundation Board member Dr. Sijo Parekattil and Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt. A-C-T President Rob Kincart, who is also a member of the University’s Foundation Board, will participate as well. The men will travel for 1,100 miles from Clermont to New York City, holding live web chats along the way and stopping only to charge the vehicle.
Half the proceeds raised for the drive will help to fund research for men’s health, and the other half will help pay for scholarships for Florida Polytechnic University’s inaugural class of 500 students. A matching challenge grant to the University foundation that is under way will, in effect, double the amount of cash donations for the scholarships.
“Health, clean energy and technology are among the most important issues of our time, and we’re so fortunate to have a new University in our own backyard that’s dedicated to advancing innovation. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness and funds for these issues as well as Florida Poly,” said Kincart.
“Florida Polytechnic University appreciates the passion and dedication of these gentlemen in supporting our STEM University and research for finding innovative solutions for health care and other challenges of the 21st century,” said Florida Polytechnic’s Chief Operating Officer Ava L. Parker.
Drs. Parekattil and Brahmbhatt said choosing Florida Polytechnic as one of the two beneficiaries seemed to be a natural fit because of its focus on advanced technology. The doctors use high-tech robotic urology surgical treatments in their practice at The Pur Clinic in Clermont.
“Florida Polytechnic’s focus on technology and innovation is in perfect alignment with what we strive for at the Pur Clinic and in our own research,” said Dr. Parakattil. “We’re excited about the University’s approach to applied research as well, and we’re happy we can support both while also raising awareness.”
The men hope to set a Guinness Book World Record for the fastest time (shortest non-driving charge time) from Clermont to New York City. They will start from South Lake Hospital in Clermont at 8:30 a.m. with a farewell ceremony beginning at 7:30 a.m., Thursday, and drive to the Tesla showroom in Manhattan, projecting to arrive at 8 a.m., Friday, June 13.
The drivers plan to host live Google Hangouts, post Twitter updates, and converse on Facebook entries to encourage engagement along the way.
More than 40 distinguished speakers from around the world will talk about various men’s health issues – from addiction to robotics – during the car trip.
The fundraising drive is scheduled to coincide with Men’s Health Week, June 9-15, with Dr. Parekattil and Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt using Google Glass to talk about men’s health along the way.
To learn more about the Drive for Men’s Health visit https://www.facebook.com/drive4men
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.drive4menshealth.com or phone 747-777-6146. The email is info@ramsesweb.org.
In addition to individual donations, corporations also can provide sponsorships from $2,500 to $25,500.