A group of disadvantaged children chosen by Monaco-based charity Les Enfants de Frankie were given a very special day out in late October when they were treated to a driving experience at the Prestige Karting du Luc track.
It all began in 2021, when ‘gentleman driver’ Philippe Demanet and Thierry Revel, a former head concierge at the Hôtel de Paris, took part in the E-Rallye Monte-Carlo.
Looking for a cause to back, they settled on local association Les Enfants de Frankie, which has been supporting sick, disabled and disadvantaged children in Monaco and throughout the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region since 1997.
In the years since, Demanet and Revel have collaborated with the association on a number of special experiences. That first year, for example, they invited children affiliated with Les Enfants de Frankie to Monaco’s Casino Square to get signed copies of the popular Antoine the Pilot comics. 70 children went home with smiles that day, spurring the men, along with Marie Dubos, to create an annual event benefitting Les Enfants de Frankie.
In 2022, Prestige Karting du Luc came on board and, with the help of drivers who generously donated their time, the ‘C’est eux les Champions’ event – ‘They are the Champions’ in English – was born.
Partnerships with Hertz Monaco and Hertz France also helped make it possible, and Amore Mio and Costa Monaco provided refreshments. All have continued their support into 2023.
Co-pilot for the day
Having had time to refine the event, the organisers of the 2023 edition on 25th October gave 20 children chosen by Les Enfants de Frankie the opportunity to become co-pilots alongside experienced volunteer drivers, giving these kids the thrill of their lives.
Local YouTuber Seb Delanney, who has a global following as one of the most influential car-spotters around, was also on hand with a magnificent Alpine A110.
The organisers are already looking forward to next year’s event, with hopefully more cars, more children and more partners.
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Photos supplied