"Andiamo!" The Connection between a Motorcycle and Horses!
Carlos Vitelli passed away in California on January 21, 2022, from pancreatic cancer. His favorite word, Andiamo, which means "Let's Go/Hurry Up" in Italian, conveyed his enthusiasm, triumph, and joy of life.
His dream was to have a custom-built motorcycle and was working with Darren Kaisersatt of Kaiserbuilt Motorcycles in Laguna Beach, California, to bring his dream to life. He was involved with every step in customizing a 1990 Harley Davidson Softail. The attention to detail was extensive.
Carlos' sisters, Angela Vitelli and Leslie Panzarino, said that Carlos was inquisitive and sensitive as a child and was blessed with many talents from both their parents. He learned the mechanics of how things worked from their father who introduced him to cars and led to his passion for motorcycles.
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 Carlos Vitelli (1966-2022)
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Carlos loved horses almost as much as he loved motorcycles. His personal drawings and sculptures of horses were displayed throughout his home.
Although he was able to see most of the work done on the motorcycle, he passed away before it was fully completed. Angela and Leslie said that Carlos knew he would not live long enough to see it to completion and left instructions to auction the motorcycle and donate the proceeds to a foundation that supports the welfare of horses.
Angeli and Leslie chose the EQUUS Foundation, and there began the journey of Carlos' 1990 Harley Davidson Softail Custom Motorcycle from California to Las Vegas for the Barrett-Jackson Auction in June 2023. The sale holds the record for highest valued Softtail sold at Barrett Jackson and the buyer was from Laguna Beach!
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Drawing by Carlos Vitelli
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Leslie, who attended the auction, said, "It was exciting seeing all the vehicles, motorcycles and people. When it was time for Carlos's motorcycle, it was a bittersweet moment." There was some joy as well, as the motorcycle returned to Laguna Beach, the home of the new owner. Carlos loved motorcycles, horses and California – it was a fitting end and beginning.
Angela wrote, "Carlos loved the sun on his face and the wind in his hair. He was brave to the end. It is with a happy heart we are able to make this gift to help horses on behalf of our brother, Carlos. We fulfilled his wish, and his motorcycle is back home for someone to enjoy and create some adventures of their own."
The EQUUS Foundation wishes to thank Angela Vitelli and Leslie Panzarino for thinking of us and helping to keep America's horses safe - Andiamo!
Learn more about the EQUUS Foundation here!
Please take our #HorseProtectors pledge here
to help keep America's horses safe!
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ABOUT EQUUS FOUNDATION: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, is the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America's horses from peril and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: equusfoundation.org.
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