Arts Foundation Selected as Beneficiary of 25th Annual Seaside Le Mans
The Davenport Companies Morgan Dexter (from left), Cape Cod Healthcare’s Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer Christopher Lawson, Homeless Not Hopeless President Deacon Richard J. Murphy, Behavioral Health Innovators Executive Director Stephanie Gilrein, Arts Foundation Executive Director Julie Wake, Family Table Collaborative Executive Director Jeni Wheeler, and The Davenport Companies Christian Davenport.
At a reception at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod in Yarmouth on Tuesday, May 12th, The Davenport Companies Event Coordinator Morgan Dexter announced the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod as one of the five beneficiaries of the 25th Annual Seaside Le Mans - The Race for the Cape Cod Community.
The event, which started in 2001 and was held just four days after the September 11th attacks on the United States, features teams of sponsors driving Formula One-style karts during an endurance on an outdoor track at Mashpee Commons to determine the winner.
Over the past 24 years, it has raised over $9.5 million with every dollar staying on Cape Cod to benefit local charitable organizations. This year’s race will be held on Saturday, September 12th, noon to 4 pm, in Mashpee.
Joining the Arts Foundation as 2026 beneficiaries are Behavioral Health Innovators, Cape Cod Healthcare, Family Table Collaborative, and Homeless Not Hopeless. The Arts Foundation will use its funding to strengthen its Arts Access program which aims to connect all children to meaningful arts activities through individual scholarships for arts classes, supporting cultural field trips for schools across the region, and investing in arts programs for our youth.
Arts Access, which serves roughly 5,000 children per year, was founded in 2019 “after seeing just how many families on the Cape were really struggling with the rising cost of living,” Arts Foundation Executive Director Julie Wake said at the reception. “We wanted to make sure that every child, regardless of circumstances, had the opportunity to experience the arts and discover what they might be capable of through creativity.”
She expressed her gratitude to The Davenport Companies and all who are responsible for organizing the Seaside Le Mans which she said is an opportunity "to invest in one another and in the future of this place that we care so deeply about.”
The Davenport Companies Morgan Dexter (from left) with the Arts Foundation’s Amy Tuttle, TJ Davis, Amy Neill, and Julie Wake at the announcement for this year’s recipients of the 25th Annual Seaside Le Mans.
DeWitt Davenport, CEO of The Davenport Companies and founder of the race, highlighted the importance of this year’s race. “Heading into 2026 is a milestone in many ways. Not only is it the 25th anniversary of the Seaside Le Mans, but it will mark the year the race surpasses the $10 million mark in total money raised for Cape Cod nonprofit organizations.”
He noted there is a somber anniversary being marked as well — the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks. “We remember all those who lost their lives that day and believe the community spirit of the race is a way to honor those who died 25 years ago,” he said.
Working with The Cape Cod Foundation, all race donations and sponsorships are sent directly to the designated beneficiaries. What makes this yearly event so impactful is that every single dollar raised goes directly to the charities.
The entire cost to produce the race is covered by The Davenport Companies, which allows 100% of the money raised through sponsorships to be divided among the five beneficiaries.
“The 2026 beneficiaries engage in a vast spectrum of community work that makes an impact every day on Cape Cod. Their efforts range from ensuring the Cape has a vibrant arts community to helping youth and young adults facing substance use disorders,” Davenport said. “This year’s funding will also help the support structure for patients and families facing cancer; provide resources for those facing food insecurity on Cape Cod; and work to help those who are facing homelessness.”
The September event is free to spectators and features food, music, and entertainment for the whole family.
Corporate and individual driving sponsorships range from $2,000 - $12,000 and provide the opportunity to participate in the endurance race, the sponsor pre-race gathering, team gifts, and marketing and promotional benefits. Smaller sponsorships are also available.
All equipment is included, no racing experience is required, and sponsorships are tax-deductible. Drivers must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license.
Companies or individuals interested in serving as a Seaside Le Mans sponsor for the Arts Foundation should contact Amy Tuttle as soon as possible at atuttle@artsfoundation.org.