Mercedes-Benz Offers Donations for Children
The Gull Wing Group reaches its golden anniversary and is marking the 50 year milestone with Mercedes-Benz USA by recreating one of the group’s most famous photos taken in 1961 at Fort Point Park overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California.
In honor of the Gull Wing Group’s milestone, Mercedes-Benz USA is donating 125 scholarships to provide children with the opportunity to participate in the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department’s summer educational programs designed to accentuate personal responsibility and initiative, and encourage children to pursue preservation in the future of America’s national parks.
“The Gull Wing vehicle represents Mercedes-Benz leadership in style, design and performance, and this anniversary allows us a moment to celebrate the history of that legacy created over fifty years ago,” said Steve Cannon, VP of Marketing, Mercedes-Benz USA.
“As we look back, we also have to look to the future and that was our intention with the donation to provide San Francisco kids with the opportunity to attend summer camp through the Recreation and Parks Department program.”
Founded in San Francisco, California on June 16, 1961 The Gull Wing Group, led by Ernie Spitzer, was comprised of eighteen 300 SL Coupe owners. Currently over 600 driving enthusiasts dedicated to sharing their knowledge and enjoyment of the 300 SL belong to the Group.
On June 10, 2011 – almost 50 years after an original photo was taken to mark the beginning of the Gull Wing Group’s existence – close to 100 members comprised of 24 Gull Wings and 14 Roadsters, are recreating the image by revisiting the very same spot in Fort Point Park, a National Historic Site run by the U.S. National Park Service.
“Donations such as this one help San Francisco Recreation and Parks to fulfill its mission of providing enriching recreational activities to all San Franciscans,” said Phil Ginsburg, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department’s general manager. “Our scholarships serve more than 2, 000 San Francisco children and families every year.”
The announcement was made Thursday, June 16.
