Congressman Bill Keating Named Grand Marshal for 2019 Seaside Le Mans

Filed Under: Other News

(SOUTH YARMOUTH) – Thousands of spectators are expected to get revved up at Mashpee Commons on Saturday, September 7, 2019 for the 19th Annual Seaside Le Mans – The Race for the Cape Cod Community.
Bourne resident Congressman Bill Keating will be this year’s Grand Marshal for the event that has raised more than $7 million for Cape Cod charitable organizations since its inception.
Seaside Le Mans features Formula One race karts competing on a ¼ mile outdoor track throughout Mashpee Commons. Dozens of companies and individuals will compete during the endurance race – all looking to capture the top podium spot – while raising critical money for several worthy causes.
This year’s beneficiaries are Cape Cod Healthcare, Cape Wellness Collaborative, Children’s Cove, Heroes in Transition and the Mass. Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Each organization has a specific focus for the funds received and is challenged to match the donation. A full description of how each organization will use the money can be found at www.seasidelemans.org/beneficiaries.
With kart sponsorships, matching funds and the Drivers Cup Fundraising Challenge, this year’s race will raise $600,000.
The Davenport Companies, which underwrites the entire cost of the event, works in partnership with The Cape Cod Foundation to manage the sponsorship donations and with X1 Boston to manage the race. In addition to money raised from the racing teams, spectators will be invited to volunteer trackside for the annual “bike build” where 300 children’s bikes will be assembled, then donated to a dozen local children’s organizations.
“The focus of Seaside Le Mans is to bring all of Cape Cod together on one day to support organizations and causes that are critical to a vibrant and healthy community,” said event founder DeWitt Davenport, CEO of The Davenport Companies. “This a fundraiser that delivers 100% of all sponsorship dollars directly the chosen beneficiaries, something very unique among charitable events.”
Returning this year will be a medical tent hosted by Cape Cod Healthcare, the official medical provider for the race, as well as the Blood Mobile supporting the Cape Cod Healthcare Blood Center. Media sponsors Cape & Plymouth Business Magazine and CCB Media will be part of the event as well. A new attraction for 2019 will be the Family Fun Zone, with games for all ages.
And to keep everyone’s appetite and thirst satisfied, the Rotary Club of Bourne-Sandwich will be on hand to provide food and drink inside the track, where beneficiaries of the race will also have displays with information about their organizations. Several new Mashpee Commons retail outlets will also be open.
Spectators are encouraged to view the race from outside the track or in the center infield where they can get up close to the racing action and other activities. Live race results will be available on the “Race Monitor” app that allows racers, spectators and fans across the country to view the leaderboard, check on lap times and track live results.
The action begins with opening ceremonies at 12 p.m., followed by the endurance race and ending with an awards presentation at 4 p.m. A patriotic opening ceremony will also feature an honor guard, a flyover and a live music from the Cape Cod Conservatory Jazz Band. Visit seasidelemans.org for more information.
Established in 1956, The Davenport Companies remain family owned and operated. The South Yarmouth-based operation has evolved into a real estate holding and investment company with businesses in the hospitality, services and real estate industries. For more information on The Davenport Companies, please visit www.thedavenportcompanies.com or contact Matt Pitta at 508-760-9293.