Giving back after Matthew: First responders get free tickets to Hilton Head Motoring Festival

One of Hilton Head Island's biggest annual events is set for next week, just one month after Hurricane Matthew, and Hilton Head Motoring Festival officials want to recognize those who helped during the disaster at this year’s festival.

Hilton Head Island and Bluffton first responders will receive two free Festival admission tickets per individual, to be used either Saturday, Nov. 5, or Sunday, Nov. 6.

First responders can pick up their tickets from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31, through Thursday, Nov. 2, at H&H Auto Body and H&H Auto Service, Inc. Appropriate identification will be required for complimentary tickets.

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry will be taking donations for relief and recovery efforts and the Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance will match donations offered during the weekend, up to $10,000.

Donations can be made at the Lowcountry Strong display, where a vintage Jeep firetruck will be on display.

The Port Royal Golf Club/Heritage Golf Group will also host a free Hurricane Aftermath Benefit Saturday, Nov. 5, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Port Royal Clubhouse that will feature the Heather Rice Quartet.

Donations will be accepted and Port Royal Golf Club/Heritage Golf Group will donate a portion of the proceeds from food and beverage sales to the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering and extensive support that the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton communities quickly provided following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew,” said Carolyn Vanagel, the Festival’s President. “Many of the individuals who pitched in to ensure that we would be able to hold the event were personally impacted by the storm, yet they made time to help. We, along with our partners, give our heartfelt thanks, both in words and now in some deeds that we hope will express just how much we appreciate and value this community.”

This story was originally published October 28, 2016 at 9:50 AM with the headline "Giving back after Matthew: First responders get free tickets to Hilton Head Motoring Festival."