While many rallies are billed as “lifestyle events,” costing an exuberant participation fee, showing off high priced supercars and partaking in lavish end-of-day partying, the Cannonball 2000 kicked off their rally with an event held at the Beaulieu Motor Museum and supported children’s charity, Dreams Come True.

The Dreams Come True foundation specializes in giving “unforgettable experiences” to children with life-threatening and long-term illnesses. The Cannonball 2000 pre-rally event let participants interact with the children and their families, taking them for rides in exotic cars and introducing them to celebrities. The rally will also be sharing a portion of the event entry fees with Dreams Come True.

The Cannonball 2000 rally is set to kick off from London on September 5 – 2,000 miles will be covered – before ending the event in Paris.

The 2012 Cannonball 2000 is fully booked, but if you’re interested, plans are already underway for the 2013 event; visit the Cannonball 2000 website for details.