The Concours du Soleil gala and public car show drove off into the sunset for the last time in September as its organizers, the Cinco Amigos decided to move on to other endeavors. The annual Rally du Soleil will continue, as will the endowment the group established at Albuquerque Community Foundation.
The Roehl Estate in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque hosted the final celebration of Concours du Soleil in person, with hundreds of car enthusiasts and dozens of cars.
“We were just five guys on vacation,” said Jerry Roehl, former Foundation Trustee and one of the local business owners who dreamed up the car show modeled after the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. “We raised $100,000 that first year and close to six figures every year since. This will allow us to contribute even more to the Cinco Amigos Now and Forever Fund to support local organizations working to support the community.”
Reflecting on the 15 years since the first Concours du Soleil car show and gala, Roehl said he never imagined that the event would raise more than $2 million to support local nonprofits. Or that what began as 20 cars parked on the lawn of his house would expand into a road rally, black tie gala and public display of as many as 100 classic, unusual or just plain cool automobiles.
For a video chronicling the farewell tour and event, visit go.abqcf.org/farewell-tour.
Moving forward, the Cinco Amigos Endowment Fund will continue to support economic development, job growth and education leading to employment.
“We were honored to receive $10,000 as the nonprofit recipient in 2019,” said Jamie Gloshay, Co-Director of Building and Impact for Native Women Lead, which invests in Native women in business. “It was really great to see the local community of business and philanthropic leadership show up to this fun event. It gives us a sense of shared pride and commitment, and highlights how giving and socially aware Albuquerque is as a city.”
“This event and the love of cars brought together people in the community,” said Roehl. “We’ve been able to help organizations doing good work, and this support will continue through the Foundation, forever.”
The 2022 farewell sold-out event raised more than $100,000 for organizations including Paws and Stripes and Veterans Integration Centers. A portion of the proceeds also went to the University of New Mexico School of Engineering to support the Formula SAE program where students design a small Formula-style race car. Students in the program have volunteered at many Concours du Soleil events over the years. Another donation was made to the UNM School of Law in honor of Jerry Roehl, with the remainder bolstering the Cinco Amigos endowment.
To learn more about past recipients or join Rally du Soleil in the future, visit rallydusoleil.org.