Cars and Compassion

By Carrie Lightfoot - Guest contributor

How far from reality is the characterization that all large companies are only about the money and  that somehow, people of influence have only attained that position at the expense of others.

I believe that, for many, it is the other way around. That a company’s commitment to “do good works” and labor to help those less fortunate, results in a blessed company.  Beretta is such a company.   Beretta and what we see as the “company”  is merely the complete reflection of the Beretta family members, both past and present, their values, guiding principles, and the direction they give to everything they do. 

Mrs. Beretta with her son, Carlo

Umberta Beretta, with grace and elegance, continues this deep history of giving. Umberta says that  since she was a child, she has had the instinct to protect the weak. She shared: “It is silly to concentrate on your own life. Life is too short. The least one can do is try to think ahead and try and create a better world for those who are coming next”.

She is passionate about protecting children from the ravages of AIDS and believes with education it can be stopped. Her commitment to the health of mothers and children around the world has her involved with multiple organizations driven to protecting those most vulnerable. Umberta continues this committed work with her participation in the upcoming “women only” car race,  The Cash & Rocket (RED) Tour.

Thirty five red cars and seventy of the most successful women from the worlds of fashion, film, music, art and business will travel to the fashion cities around the world and unite in their efforts to raise global awareness and funds for charity. 

Mrs. Beretta will be driving a Porsche like this one

These seventy inspirational women will hit the road June 7th for a 3 day road trip like no other. They will travel from central London, to the elegance of Place Cendome in Paris, through the cobbled piazzas of Milan ending in the glamour of Monte Carlo's casino, raising funds along the way.  Umberta is actively giving her time and resources in a very personal way to make sure the event raises cash. Individuals from around the world can donate to the "car" or "team" they like.

How about us all “joining” Umberta on this journey to help others and make our world a better place for the suffering.  Every donation, even the smallest, can make a big difference.  Donate here: www.crowdrise.com/umbertaandgabriella.

“Many small people, in many small places, do many small things, that can alter the face of the world.” Anonymous

With all of the misrepresentations and mischaracterizations of big companies today, it is so important to acknowledge and recognize those that are founded and rooted in compassion and heart, and continue to live it and walk their talk, like Beretta. Hats off to Umberta: she is an inspiration to us all.

“To do more for the world than the world does for you - that is success.” Henry Ford (1863-1947)

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."  Anne Frank (1929-1945)

If you would like to be part of this cause by sponsoring Umberta, donate to team RED.

Carrie Lightfoot is owner of The Well Armed Woman and quest contributor for the Beretta Blog. Join the dynamic group of women shooters on Facebook or Twitter or on her website.

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This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not necessarily represent Beretta.