The Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation (CMAF) launched in 2004 following the untimely passing of National Corvette Hall of Famer and Carlisle Events co-founder, Chip Miller. For the past 20 years, the CMAF has served those in need in a variety of ways, and in memory of the 20th anniversary of Chip’s passing, it’s safe to say that 2024 couldn’t be off to a better start for the foundation and for those who knew and loved Chip. While the foundation is in the process of planning its summer events season and managing its current Corvette Contest, a recent contest car and the buzz surrounding it netted the CMAF nearly $300,000, all because of a handful of generous people and national TV exposure.
On Thursday, January 25, while many were wrapping up their workday, Lance Miller, president of the CMAF was in Scottsdale, Arizona with friends and the hard-working team from the Barrett-Jackson auction house. Barrett-Jackson was amid its annual Scottsdale auction and this year, included Miller, the CMAF, and one very special Corvette; a 2023 Z06 with Z07 Performance Package. The car had previously been part of the CMAF’s 2022-23 Corvette Contest and although it was awarded in October, the grand prize winner opted for the cash payout. This meant that the foundation still had a highly sought-after car and a renewed opportunity to utilize it to benefit the foundation.
In partnership with Barrett-Jackson, the Corvette was consigned, and before it rolled across the block where it sold for $220,000, donations of support were coming into the CMAF.
“Prior to the sale, a dear friend walked up to me and handed me a check for $5,000, but that wasn’t the end of it,” noted Miller. “As I was leaving, another friend walked up and hugged me. In addition, he told me that he and his family would be donating $50,000 towards the CMAF,” continued Miller. “We crushed it last night. I’m so proud to be part of the CMAF and it simply humbles me as to how amazing the car hobby and the people involved with it are so gracious year in and year out. The team at Barrett-Jackson stepped up to the plate to support the cause. I can’t thank them enough, including Craig Jackson and my dear friend Joe Petralia too,” said Miller. “This entire experience was an astonishing win for the CMAF. I’m fortunate to have been able to share our story with everyone. Our board works incredibly hard with a variety of fund-raising ventures and last night’s totals are MASSIVE for a small foundation like ours. My father is smiling down. Life IS Good,” concluded Miller.
For anyone who wasn’t in attendance at the event or missed a chance to support the cause during the previous calendar year, the CMAF will host a variety of events in 2024 and is currently supporting another Corvette Contest, this time with a 1959 Corvette Restomod as the grand prize. Learn more, enter to win, or donate today at ChipMiller.org.