Drive Toward a Cure participants on famed Angeles Crest Highway

©2026 Drive Toward a Cure

Every Drive Toward a Cure car rally is more than just a drive—it’s a journey fueled by passion, friendship, and a shared commitment to helping.

Drive Toward a Cure is a nonprofit organization that harnesses automotive enthusiasm through rally driving events to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease research and patient care. Inspired by her mother’s battle with the disease, Deb Pollack founded the organization in 2016 to offer a nonprofit alternative to for-profit driving programs while fostering camaraderie among car lovers. She has teamed with car clubs, racetracks, organizations, donors, virtual programs, and more nationwide to support those living with Parkinson’s. Despite having no employees, a very small board, and only volunteers, the group has raised over $1.5 million while supporting beneficiaries like the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Parkinson's Foundation centers—Drive Toward a Cure celebrates its first decade this year!

Last month, I attended a Drive Toward a Cure “Get Me to The Greek” weekend getaway car tour in Los Angeles. Using The Sun Rose Hotel as a base, the event featured curated exotic car driving experiences, museum tours, private receptions, and more. The weekend highlight was a Neil Diamond tribute concert at the celebrated Greek Theater (Diamond, a renowned American singer-songwriter and pop icon, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018).

Attendees flew in from across the United States—and from Canada as well. Some brought their own sports cars to explore new roads, while others took advantage of a partnership with BigTimeRidez, a Huntington Beach‑based company that offers luxury, exotic, and supercar rentals throughout Southern California. Positioning itself as more of an “experience” provider than a traditional rental shop, BigTimeRidez offered special rates to attendees and directed a portion of the proceeds to support Parkinson’s research. “I’m happy to support such a charitable cause as Drive Toward a Cure for Parkinson’s disease,” said owner Kam Foo.

Mulholland, Stunt, Decker, Angeles Crest and Pacific Coast Highway were on the “Get Me to The Greek” route map, challenging drivers with twisty roads, while stunning views of the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains, contrasting with the ocean, kept the scenery exciting. The group toured LA’s famed Vault at the Peterson Museum and took a private tour of the eclectic Mike Malamut Vintage Car Museum in Newbury Park. Dining stops included Meyers Manx Café and Zinqué Malibu.

While exotic machines from Lamborghini, Ferrari, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche may have captured the eyes of passers-by, it’s the people behind the wheel—and the stories they carry—that truly define Drive Toward a Cure.

“I first learned about Drive Toward a Cure when I saw information about one of their California Drives,” recalls Matt Farley, a recurring participant from Pennsylvania. “It immediately made me jealous of car guys in California. I expressed my interest if they ever came east. An East Coast trip was announced shortly thereafter, so I immediately signed up. I certainly didn’t expect to have this kind of tenure, but each experience has brought memories, new friends, and unexpected experiences. Our first drive was an introduction to something called a rally tulip book—what a fun learning experience. More recently, this past year, I attended a day in honor of Sam Posey. It takes a brave man to race, and a braver man to battle Parkinson’s with determination and humor. Lastly, this past month brought a phenomenal night of music that I never would have experienced had it not been for Drive Toward a Cure.”

“Deb’s passion, her commitment, and her ability to connect to so many like-minded people who want to help her make a difference make the event special—what if her efforts result in finding a cure? That would be so cool,” explains Joni Pursell, a participant from Idaho who is distinguished as the famed Harley-Riding Grandma. “I had committed to ride my Harley to Maine for a lobster. One of my clients asked if I’d be interested in turning it into a sponsored ride, and I said sure. He introduced me to Deb, and she asked if I’d consider doing a fundraiser along with my ride to support ‘Drive Toward a Cure.’ I said sure! My life motto is ‘YRUW8NG’ [why are you waiting?]. That ride changed my life. I found out I had several people I know who had or have Parkinson’s.”

“Founder Deb Pollack and partner-in-cause Mark Davidson are fueled by passion and service,” notes Todd Lozier, a participant from Seattle. “Drive Toward a Cure channels that purpose through automobiles and driving, all while advancing awareness and research for Parkinson’s disease. I’m proud to support an organization turning horsepower into hope. It’s really about the people sharing a passion that’s creating a real impact in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.”