Part of the feeling of family at the Great Race is that when something goes wrong, everyone pitches in to help solve the problem. Like when the speedometer stopped working correctly on the car driven by Thomas and his son Benjamin. We finally figured out it was just a loose bracket.
Usually this is where I would talk about heat printing ideas, which would include the niche market of family reunions. But since this is “Great Race Week,” please indulge us as we share this extraordinary experience with you. We realize that not everyone out there is as interested in the history of automobiles or rally racing as we are, but one thing we probably all have in common is an appreciation for good fellowship. We consider ourselves lucky to have found this large, extended “family” of classic car enthusiasts with our fellow Great Racers. And on that note, we wanted to let you know that once again we are supporting the VCRA Race for Autism, which is an organization dedicated to raising funds to help children and families living with autism. Here is an excerpt from their website that explains their fundraising mission:
Our commitment to the success of the VCRA is fueled by our passion for the sport, for the friendships and relationships we have enjoyed over the past 30 plus years of involvement in this great old car sport and because we believe so strongly in our commitment to help those children, and their families, affected by autism. All of the nearly thirty VCRA principals and staff members are volunteer, a tribute to the character of the folks that help make these VCRA events happen year after year. The sponsors who support us have traditionally been on board year after year, a display of their confidence that we are doing the right thing for the right reason! 2014 begins our ninth year, and we are proud and humbled that we, along with our rally friends, competitors, sponsors, supporters and contributors have been responsible for donations amounting to over $450,000.00 to selected Autism programs across the country. Not only have we made a significant positive impact on the lives of hundreds of children with autism, we have also given hope to those families that have a child affected with the autism syndrome…this fact alone, that today, one in every 88 children will be diagnosed with some form of autism, is reason enough for us to continue our fight against this dreaded disease. The other reason is, if we don’t, who will?? One thing is for certain…we could not do it alone… our thanks to all of you who help make this happen…. and we thank you for your continued support!!!
This year you can once again help us fight Autism One Mile at a Time. We appreciate your donation on behalf of all the Spirit of Stahls’ teams that are participating! Click here for a link to our fundraising page, or you can find the link on the lower left hand side of this blog, under the heading “links.” It will be there throughout the duration of the event. Everyone who donates receives a letter from the organization documenting this tax-deductible donation. Thanks for considering a donation. Here are a few pictures from Thursday, June 19 2014 at the Great Race.
It’s like a huge a family reunion when we get to see Great Racers from years past and meet new members. Here we all enjoyed a local specialty, Maine lobster. When in Rome…
Technical inspection and “stickering” of cars on Thursday at the Great Race pre-rally.
Photo credit to Mary Stahl, for capturing this memory with Dan and Brett. Son Trevor will also be joining us for a stretch along the route as well.