RALLYE AICHA DES GAZELLES DU MAROC

Pioneering all-women rallye Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc—the first international off-road rally race of its kind exclusively for women—hosted a kickoff party at Bobby Van's CPS in New York City to celebrate the 28^th Annual Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, which will take place March 16-31, 2018 among the beautiful rolling dunes of the Moroccan desert.

Guests enjoyed wine and hors d'Oeuvres as they learned more about event and organization. Notable attendees included: Brooke Bond, Luab Azim, Pierrette Hutner, Diana Mohyi, Keanna Erickson-Chang, Scott Trager, Amanda Lamhing, Avanti Gupta, Jean Fleischhacker, Nancy Pearson, Michelle Russell, Marie-Monique Steckel, Jean Shafiroff, Carmen D'Alessio, Jan Planit, Michele Hering, Felicia Taylor, Heather Buchanan, Roland Levin, Leonid Sokolin, Elyse Slane, Jane Pontarelli, Gina Kravitz, Amanda Jane Stern, Adrienne Stern, and Karen Harris.

A unique concept with thoughtful and impeccable execution, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles has been changing the way people view automobile use. Since its inception, the Gazelles have remained faithful to its founding values: courage, the desire to push one's limits, loyalty, solidarity and social commitment.

The event sees women ages 18 to 71 from more than 30 different countries taking to the Moroccan desert without GPS — relying only on old-fashioned navigation, completely off-road. Each vehicle is equipped with satellite tracking system, powerful enough to provide minute by minute tracking, so without seeing a vehicle for hours, the women are never alone. By the end of the experience, participants—known as "Gazelles"—have created adventure-filled new memories, deepened their bonds with their teammates, and pushed themselves further than they ever thought they could.

Partners and sponsors include Aïcha, 2M, Les Eaux Minérales d'Oulmès, Euro 4×4 Parts, HEC Paris, Koni, Diana Holding, Afriquia, Tsarine Champagne, Kraftwerk, Visit Morocco, Ville de Nice, MDJS, Chérie FM, VOS Selections, and Saint Honoré Paris.

The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is also deeply committed to the well-being of the Moroccan people, as seen through the work of its non-profit, Cœur de Gazelles. In 2016, the organization's 60-member team provided more than 4,000 medical consultations to the local population during the eight day competition. Additionally, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is dedicated to the environment—it is the world's only motor rally with ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification.

Photo Credit: Patrick McMullan

WHERE: Bobby Van's CPS | 40 Central Park South (Bet. 6 Ave. and W 59^th St.) New York, NY 10019

ABOUT Rallye Aïcha de Gazelles:

The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is the first women-only off-road rally in the world.  Created in 1990, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles has been creating a new vision of automobile competition: no speed and no GPS, just old-fashioned navigation, completely off-road—a return to the roots of adventure. The only requirement is determination. The women who take part in this rally—known as "Gazelles"—are of all ages, social backgrounds, nationalities and levels of off-road experience. Whether in a 4×4, Crossover, Quad, truck or motorbike, they all come to take part in a unique competition: whose competitors share the values of tolerance, solidarity and determination, that respects the host country and its people through the actions of the Rallye's non-profit, Cœur de Gazelles, and that cares about the environment: the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is the only automotive rally in the world with ISO 14001 certification.

While the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles marks a return to the roots of adventure, it is also on the cutting edge of technology, with a satellite tracking system for optimal safety. We have been putting forward a new vision of motor sport for years, with the development of an event where the adventure lies in driving without excessive speed, and where the goal of driving the shortest possible distance is in line with our environmental commitment.

For more information, please visit: http://www.RallyeAichadesGazelles.com/

Facebook: RallyeAichaDesGazelles | Instagram: @usagazelles | Twitter: @Rallye_Gazelles

USA Contact: Brooke Bond | USA@maienga.com

ABOUT Cœur de Gazelles:

Coeur de Gazelles is a group of highly motivated volunteers working daily to provide people with the help they need. A registered non-profit organization since 2001, Coeur de Gazelles is committed to providing sustainable aid through concrete actions. Our cross-border efforts must remain strong to allow us to uphold our values and continue to help those who are the most in need.

Coeur de Gazelles works on projects that meet the needs of Morocco's remote populations: medical care, education, the environment and sustainable development, job training for women, improving living conditions and a desire to spread joy by distributing donations. Our actions are established on a "human scale": we work with the local population to address the source of the problem. We work with and for the most disadvantaged: our actions enable people to become agents of their own development. We work in a spirit of partnership: we do not create alternative structures; we strengthen and develop existing local ones. We work with low operating costs: all donations are used for the direct benefit of the population. Our actions are recognized by the Moroccan government: we work on legitimate projects in collaboration with local authorities.

For more information, please visit: http://www.coeurdegazelles.org/

Facebook: COEUR-DE-GAZELLES | #CoeurDeGazelles