x
Breaking News
More () »

Circuit of the Americas 'COTA Food Drive' collects 1.6 million meals, more than $200K in donations for Central Texas Food Bank

COTA collected donations and allowed guests a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a drive on the world-famous 3.4-mile track."

AUSTIN, Texas — Circuit of the Americas (COTA) announced it would be opening its track for the first time ever to support the Central Texas Food Bank.

“We’re grateful to our community for the many years of support and know that when this crisis ends, we’ll again unite in times of celebration, friendship and fun,” commented COTA Founder and Chairman Bobby Epstein. “Thanks to the health care workers, community leaders, volunteers and everyone who makes an effort to help a neighbor, friend or stranger. Special appreciation goes out to our employees at COTA who are working to make this event possible. We’re all in this race together.”

RELATED: 

'I'm starving' | Hundreds lined up for Central Texas Food Bank's drive-through distribution

Central Texas Food Bank to give out 'emergency food' kits Thursday

St. David's Healthcare creates pop-up grocery stores for employees

During the event, COTA collected food and monetary donations and raised over $200K in donations, which will provide over 1.6 million meals to the Central Texas community.  Over 20,000 people and 400 dogs visited the track in 7,000 vehicles, officials said.

COTA officials collected donations and allowed guests a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a drive on the world-famous 3.4-mile track." 

Bobby Epstein, the founder of COTA said it's a good way to have socially distant fun while giving back.

"We can't bring those people to Austin, and we don't have events, so let's do it a different way," Epstein said. "Let's see how we can deliver a positive message of togetherness and at the same time make a difference and this is one way we can do that."

Central Texans are encouraged to show their support by donating money online or by donating cash or dropping off non-perishable items on-site via “touchless” locations in the COTA garages. 

COTA also said its partner, Germania Insurance, will join the fight against hunger and match up to $10,000 of donations. COTA and Austin Bold FC will also match Germania’s donation to $10,000, according to venue officials. 

"The Food Drive was a great success, it was so nice to see people safely come together and support such a great cause, especially in these uncertain times” said COTA Founder and Chairman, Bobby Epstein. “It was a wonderful day with perfect weather and people were just having a blast - it felt really good to see. Hats off to the volunteers and participants, they should be very proud. The atmosphere was lively, and the spirit of giving was awesome.”

For more information on Circuit of The Americas and the COTA Food Drive initiative, please visit www.thecircuit.com

PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING

'I really looked at this like a death sentence': Austin mom tests positive for COVID-19

Austin-area nursing home had 15 coronavirus deaths, officials say

Coronavirus updates in Central Texas: 15 total deaths reported at 1 Austin nursing home; Gov. Abbott to give update on state's response

Austin, Travis County to extend 'Stay Home, Work Safe' orders

Texas sets record for largest gain of COVID–19 cases over a two-day period since pandemic began

Changes coming to Texas Workforce Commission | Q&A with TWC on reopening business, finding jobs and catching fraud

Before You Leave, Check This Out