Matthew McGuire

Going the distance

Last year, when I first joined The DGD and began my fundraising campaign, I offered to take anyone who made a donation for a ride in my Spitfire as a way to say thank you and show my appreciation. I have made the same ffer this year as well.

Wouldn't you know it, the very first donor last year and this year was from out of state. I actually had quite a few benefactors that were out in the mid-west and slightly farther than an overnight drive. Lucky for me, they were all very understanding and didn't hold me to my offer.

Well, I may not be brave enough to attempt a drive out to Illinois or Indiana, but on Saturday I did make a mad dash to the Deleware coast to visit my old friend and former C-SPAN colleague Karla.

The Spitfire ran like a champ and the highway miles really boosted the mpg and I made it out to Fenwick Island, DE in about three hours. 

Karla and I had a lovely drive up and down the coast and we even stopped at one of the WWII era observation towers that dot the Atlantic coastline.

Thank you, Karla for your donation to the cause and supporting me in my funraising efforts.

Hello Neighbor!

I have finally been able to start getting some photos with my donors again.

Last Friday, I was just about to take the Spitfire out for an evening cruise down the George Washington Parkway when, from my living room window, I happened to spot my neighbors and recent donors, Sally & Cal, taking their sweet little dog, Denver, out for a walk along the river.

I quickly got to the garage and got into the Spitfire and dashed down the street to a spot where I was hoping Sally & Cal would be approaching. Sure enough, just as I was pulling up to the end of the street, there they were!

They saw me arriving and, when they came over, I assured them I wasn't stalking them, but was taking advantage of the serendipitous moment to capture our picture together. 

Thank You, Sally & Cal for your kind contribution to the men's health charity, Movenber, and supporting me in the 2023 Distinguished Gentleman's Drive - Arlington.

Top Ten!

Its been almost three weeks since I posted an update, but only becuase I haven't been able to  coordinate a photo opprtunity with any of my newest benefactors.

In just the last two weeks I have been absolutley blessed with an abundance of donations! Ten generous individuals have contributed enough to almost double my initial fundraising goal!

This has elevated me into the Top Ten of fundraisers worldwide. Currently, I am in the #10 spot and #7 in the USA.

Thank You to everyone who has so generously contributed to the cause and thank you for nearly doubling my campaign goal. 

I hope to soon have some pictures of all my wonderful supporters. Thank You! 

Exceeding Expectations

I am humbled by how charitable and selfless all of my benefactors have been during this fundraising campaign and now, thanks to my dear friend and fellow Capital Triumph Register Club member, Sherman, I have not only reached my that goal, but his very generous donation has valuted me well beyond the target and my greatest expectations.

Thank You, Sherman!

Back in Action

After last weeks false start and another trip to the shop, the Spitfire is back in action and today we made it all the way down to Fredericksburg to thank Brett & Kris.

What made the visit extra special was that after lunch, Brett took me to a beautiful scenic stretch of country road and he fired up this camera drone and we got some amazing aireal shots of the Spitfire cruising down the road.

This is something I have always wanted to try and it was a wonderful surprise when Brett suggetsed we  get some video. Thanks for the cool photo shoot!

And more importantly, thank you, Kris & Brett for you generous donation to the cause and for supporting me in The Distinguished Gentleman's Drive.

EST SEMPER ALIQUID (IT'S ALWAYS SOMETHING) - AGAIN!

Seriously?! 

Last Thursday, while on the way down to Fredericksburg, VA to thank my latest donor, the Spitfire turned into a Sputterfire.

The mystery issue that sidelined me a few weeks ago was back with a vengence.

I called my friend to let him know I wasn't going to be making it down that day and thought it prudent to turn around and head straight for the repair shop.

I managed only a few miles before the engine finally gave out and I coasted onto the shoulder where I patiently waited for AAA to pick me up and take me the rest of the way to the shop.

Turns out it was bad points in the distributor. Just a bit upstream from where they thought the problem was originating on the previous shop visit. It was a quick fix and ready the next day. 

It truly is always something with these old cars but I guess that's to be expected.

Heading back to Fredericksburg tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed!

Seeing Double

I mentioned in the previous post that I have volunteered to visit all of my supporters to personally thank them and take them for a ride in the Spitfire.

Lucky for me, Cousin Anna, has graciously allowed me to forgo that commitment and said I do not have to drive out to California.

Doubly lucky for me was that Beth's twin Sister Anna and her husband happened to be visiting my wife and I over the weekend and, being good sports, the two agreed to have Beth "sit in" for Anna's photo.

I am very grateful for your generous donation to Movember and for supporting me in the 2023 DGD.

Thank you, Anna!

And Beth!!

Dapper Duo

In my initial fundraising appeal, I said I would pay a visit in my Spitfire to everyone who donated so I could personally thank them for supporting me in the DGD.

Lucky for me, Beth & Nathan came to visit instead!

I was delighted to take Beth for a cruise down the George Washington Memorial Parkway but, unfortunately, the Spitfire started acting up on the way back and we decided it wasn't prudent to test our luck and take Nathan for a ride as well.

We did manage to get this nice photo of the dapper duo seated in the Spitfire before thet had to head back home to North Carolina.

Thank you, Beth & Nathan for you support and generous donation to the cause.

Giddy Up!

Two "thank you" visits in two days, the pace is picking up.

I had a wonderful visit this morning with my good friend, and fellow Capital Triumph Register Club member, Bill. He introduced me to PK (aka Prom King) one of several horses he keeps on his farm, located not too far from me. 

Despite the pleasantly cooling breeze, the rising temperatures kept us from making a run down the George Washington Parkaway, but that was fine, we got to spend more time with the horses. 

Thank you very much, Bill for your generous donation and support of Movember and The Distinguished Gentleman's Drive.

Thank you, Joe!

I am very thankful I was able to take my good friend, Joe, for a ride today as a way to show my gratitude for his generous donation to the cause.

The weather was perfect for a leisurly cruise down the George Washington Parkway.

I picked up the Spitfire from the shop yesterday and we are back on the road. Now, I can start visiting all the kind folks who are supporting me and the DGD. 

Est Semper Aliquid (It's Always Something)

Yeah, its always something. 

The same thing happened last year, about the same time, soon after getting underway. A problem introduces itself and forces an unscheduled pitstop. 

Yesterday, I was on my way to visit one of my donors in the Spitfire and made a brief stop. When I returned to the car, it wouldn't start. The motor turned over but made a strange noise and refused to catch and engage.

Had it taken to my mechanic's shop and the problem, this time, is with the coil and earthing cable. Parts are now  ordered and it should be ready by end of the week.

You know how a lot of guys will name thier cars? I am seriously considering calling mine "Flat Bed".

Amazing Day

Last Sunday, only four days after registering for The Drive, I received four donations in quick succession. What an amazing display of support and generosity from family and friends. Thank You!

As soon as possible, I will be visiting my local benefactors to thank them in person and to take them for a ride in the Spitfire.

I am off to an amazing start!

Off the staring line!

Thank you Doug & Sue! 

My first two donors have gotten the fundraising efforts off to a great start. I am very grateful to Doug and Sue for thier generous donations.

Amazingly I am the seventh highest earner in the USA and our drive, Arlington, VA is seventh worldwide. A very great start indeed. 

It's still early days but we are off the starting line and on our way to reaching our goal.

Here we go, again!

A few days ago, the host of last year's Arlington Drive, Oscar, reached out to me wondering if I was going to participate in the DGD again.

I wasn't really sure if I was going to sign up again considering I was scheduled to be out of town on the day of the "Dapper Drive".

However, after getting together for coffee and discussing some new ideas about how to better promote our drive, I decided I might as well re-up so I could at least raise more funds for the cause even if I wasn't able to be there for the celebratory caravan on September 24.

So, here I am, back in the game.

Last year was a remarkable success for me. I set what I considered to be a modest goal and was delightfully surprised when I exceeded my expectation and surpassed the target amount.

I have set the same goal for this year, and I hope to as well or better but will be grateful for whatever amount I attain.

Getting behind the wheel for The Distinguished Gentleman's Drive

On Sunday, September 24th 2023, I'll be taking part in The Distinguished Gentleman's Drive. Together with thousands of classic car enthusiasts around the world, I will be raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health for the charity, Movember.

Before the dapper day, I'll be looking to raise as much as possible for the cause, to help men around the world live happier and healthier lives. With men's chances of developing prostate cancer later in life increasing, and one man dying every minute by suicide, we must do all we can to prevent more men from suffering.

This is something that affects us all and together, we can make a change. Please give what you can.