Pima Community College and the Gospel Rescue Mission’s Center of Opportunity have partnered to launch PimaSTART (Success Through Advanced Reskilling and Training), a transformative program offering job training in fields like Building & Construction Technology, Culinary Arts, Health & Safety, Information Technology, and Logistics/Truck Driving. Designed to provide participants with industry-recognized credentials and a direct path to employment, PimaSTART ensures graduates complete their training debt-free, with all costs covered. The program anticipates serving over 300 learners, equipping them with the tools to build a better future.
Pima Foundation is proud to support PimaSTART, which empowers individuals at the Gospel Rescue Mission to develop skills that lead to careers offering thrive-able wages and upward mobility. To date, more than 130 participants have completed certifications in Culinary Arts, CDL Operation, Information Technology, and Building & Construction Technology.
A key fundraiser supporting PimaSTART is the Annual Tucson Classics Car Show, now entering its 19th year. Recognized as one of Southern Arizona’s largest and most beloved car shows, this event features over 425 vehicles and was recently named #6 on Tucson Guide‘s list of 38 Cool Things To Do in and Around Southern Arizona.
Since its inception, the Tucson Classics Car Show has raised over $2.6 million for local nonprofits, including the Pima Foundation. For 2023, the Rotary Club presented Pima Foundation with a check for over $80,000.
Last week, we are pleased to share that the Rotary Club of Tucson presented the Foundation with a check for $112,575.54 for PimaSTART, a gift that was further amplified through the Hillman Challenge match, proceeds from the 2024 show as a prime beneficiary.
Jennifer Hoffman, Co-Chair of the Tucson Classics Car Show, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“There’s a glaring need to address issues like mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness in our community. Programs like PimaSTART provide real solutions, offering a second chance to individuals looking to change their trajectory. The Gospel Rescue Mission partnership aligns perfectly with our Community Needs Assessment.”
In addition to Pima Foundation, the Rotary Club supports other impactful nonprofits such as Sister José Women’s Center, which serves unsheltered women, and Wright Flight, an organization helping youth achieve their goals through aviation programs.
For the third consecutive year, Pima Foundation is honored to be a beneficiary of the car show. Every $10 ticket purchased through the link below contributes $4 directly to PimaSTART, with additional proceeds shared after the event.
This year’s show will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM at The Gregory School Campus (3231 N. Craycroft Rd). Admission is just $10, which includes a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 2025 Corvette Stingray Coupe 1LT or $40,000 in cash! Let’s come together to build brighter futures for PimaSTART students and our community. Save the date and join us for this year’s Tucson Classics Car Show—where every car admired helps create lasting change.
