Donated 2014 Ford Shelby Raises $500,000 for Brain Injury Awareness

Proceeds from auction to benefit Brain Injury Association of America

VIENNA, VA – Emotions were high in Reno, NV Saturday when the last production model of the Ford 2014 Shelby GT500 Convertible sold for an unprecedented $500,000 at the inaugural Hot August Nights Auction presented by Barrett-Jackson. Proceeds from the sale of the Shelby, which was donated by the Ford Motor Company, will benefit the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), an organization championed by Indy 500 winner, Parnelli Jones, who attended the auction with his son Page.

Jones was introduced to the BIAA when his son, Page Jones, a rising racing star, suffered a severe brain injury during a Sprint Car race in 1994. His prognosis was grim, but with the support of his family, he recreated a fulfilling, productive and joyous life. Jones will sign the Shelby in appreciation for the BIAA donation.

“It means a great deal, obviously,” said Parnelli Jones, wiping away tears after the auction closed. “We’ve been working so hard to get Page back. We’ve got him back so he can function well. He’s married now and has got a couple of kids, and has his driver’s license.” Jones added that the family received a lot of help from BIAA during Page’s recovery.

Susan H. Connors, president and CEO of BIAA, thanked everyone who made the auction possible. “On behalf of the Brain Injury Association I want to thank Ford, Barrett-Jackson, and particularly Page and Parnelli for helping us raise awareness and funds for research, treatment, and education.” Connors said.

“Chances are someone you love will sustain a brain injury at some point during your lifetime,” Connors continued. “When they do, you’ll want the best research, you’ll want top-quality care, and you’ll want local services and supports that make life worth living.”

The upcoming documentary, GODSPEED: The Story of Page Jones, documents the race car driver’s recovery and will help raise awareness of the importance of rehabilitation for those who suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is supported in part by the Jones family and BIAA.

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The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is the country’s oldest and largest nationwide brain injury advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance brain injury prevention, research, treatment, and education, and to improve the quality of life for all individuals impacted by brain injury. Through advocacy, we bring help, hope, and healing to millions of individuals living with brain injury, their families, and the professionals who serve them.