Last year, Howard Brothers held the 1st annual Pinebox Derby Grand Prix at our Duluth store. We were raising money for CURE Childhood Cancer. The turn out for the event was incredible. We really did not know what to expect, but we were overwhelmed by the response. First of all, we had a FULL store and had the opportunity to share a little bit about why we decided to do this race in the first place.
CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through funding targeted research and through support of patients and their families. When you look ‘big picture’ at the amount of donations that goes to various causes, cancers, or diseases, it is hard to believe how little actually goes toward childhood cancer research and treatment. There is great need. Every “little” bit helps.
We all know folks who have been impacted by cancer, and many of us know of a family who is dealing with treatment and care for their child.
This hit very close to our Howard’s family. Last year, about the time we were planning this first race, Kylie Myers, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. Kylie fought bravely for 10 months, but her battered body finally succumbed to the disease on Feb 13th, 2015.
She left her family with a mission:
Kill childhood cancer so that no other child has to die
Last year we raised $2000 for childhood cancer research. We have HIGH expectations for this year.
This Years Race
This year, the race will be held on Saturday, June 13th. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Get in the race! Get an entry fee and get your car kit and get building You can register at our Duluth store or online.
Can’t make the race? Make a donation! – Go directly to the CURE website and make a donation to this very worthwhile organization and cause.
Check out some of the Pictures and Details From Last Year
After what we thought was going to be a small turnout, we ended up having an extraordinary turnout!
We had 49 cars compete! Check out some of the craftsmanship!
We had three divisions of racers. We had an UNDER 18 divison, an Adult Divison and a Vendor/Sponsor Division. We had 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes for speed and also for best design. (Our U18 winner will have to grow into her prize… and hopefully her brothers don’t take it from her)
As you might be able to tell from the pictures above, we had a LOT of competition for best design. Our vendors and sponsors were up to the challenge and really made it a lot of fun seeing them compete.
We need to say a special thank you to Chick-fil-A on Peachtree Industrial and Pleasant Hill. From the very beginning, they were on board to help make this event successful. They offered to donate some food so that we could sell on the day of the event, they were promoting the event in their store and through their channels, and they offered to let their cow come and be a guest judge! (He needs a name, by the way… Can we suggest Howard?)
The cow joined Duluth Mayor, Nancy Harris, and Paula Collins with CURE to help us decide which car won for best design and creativity.
The event was a complete success. It was a family event that everyone could get involved in. It allowed for some competition, but also allowed us the opportunity to give back to our community and we ended up raising $2000 for CURE. That isn’t much, but we have a lot of high expectations for next year!
As soon as we finished the race, and before we were even able to tear down the track, we were being asked when we would do the event again. We’re gonna look at our calendar and see if another time of the year makes more sense. We may have to move the race somewhere else either in the store or to another location, but you can rest assured that we WILL have a second annual Pine Box Grand Prix!
If you’d like to give to CURE, we encourage you to do so. Find out about their mission and learn about other events that they are involved in around Atlanta. Click here to learn more about how you can help cure childhood cancer.
