LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic Chief Operating Officer Ava L. Parker has announced her support for a charitable cross-country, all-electric car trip that will raise money for men’s health and for University scholarships.
The Drive for Men’s Health, set for June 12-13 in a futuristic Tesla vehicle, is being organized by Florida Polytechnic Foundation Board member Dr. Sijo Parekattil and Dr.Jamin Brahmbhatt, who will donate half the proceeds toward research for men’s health and half to a Foundation scholarship fund for incoming Florida Polytechnic University students.
“We are proud to be giving the proceeds from the Drive for Men’s Health marathon to support two critical initiatives – genetic research in men’s health and educational scholarships for future innovators aspiring to attend Florida Polytechnic University,” said Dr. Parekattil, a urologist and surgeon. “This fundraiser helps to create a better tomorrow for men’s health and for our future engineers, doctors and scientists at Florida Polytechnic.”
Florida Polytechnic, which opens for classes on Aug. 25, 2014, has pledged to provide the inaugural class of 500 students with scholarships covering most of tuition and fees. This fund drive will help with that initiative.
“The makers of the electric Tesla vehicle and Florida Polytechnic both share an interest in innovation and advanced technology to answer tomorrow’s challenges today,” Parker said. “The University is pleased to be a partner in an endeavor that benefits our scholarship fund and also raises awareness about health and the possibilities for green technology and electric-powered vehicles.”
The electric car marathon fits well with Florida Polytechnic University’s focus on advanced technology, engineering and innovation. The 1,100-mile drive in an emissions-free Tesla Model S sedan is from Central Florida to New York City, with stops only to recharge the vehicle. The University’s advanced STEM curriculum includes research and teaching areas that cover alternative energy, motion intelligence and transportation.
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. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.drive4menshealth.com. You also can phone 747-777-6146 or email info@ramsesweb.org. In addition to individual donations, corporations also can provide sponsorships from $2,500 to $25,500.