Original Post: The Press-Enterprise
Kathy Williams will be one of the ladies Racin for a Cure during the Southern California Sand Drag Association’s event Oct. 4 through 6, 2013 in San Jacinto.By DIANE A. RHODES | CorrespondentSeptember 26, 2013 at 12:42 pm
Vehicles will be revving up their engines and “Racin’ For A Cure” as the Southern California Sand Drag Association makes its way to Soboba’s Outdoor Event Arena in San Jacinto from Oct. 4 through 6.
Wes and Debbie Gilmore are presenting the association’s first fundraising event to bring awareness to the public about breast cancer while supporting two local nonprofit organizations.
The “Powder Puff” race on Oct. 6 is open to female drivers only. A suggested entry donation of $40 will be donated to Michelle’s Place and BreastCancerDIY. Both groups offer resources to breast cancer patients, as well as much-needed support for those that are walking the journey with a loved one.
“We feel extremely blessed to be part of the Sand Drag community and this special event,” said Jamie Goebel, program coordinator for Michelle’s Place in Temecula. “Funds from this event will help women and their families throughout Southern California dealing with breast cancer.”
Marion Jonker, who recently celebrated her 13 year survivorship from three types of breast cancer — all Stage III, said her resource website was a dream come true for her.
“BreastCancerDIY.com serves to fulfill a promise I made to God that for every day I survived, I would do my best to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Jonker, of Hemet.
She will have an information booth at the Sand Drags and an opportunity drawing for a quilt she made that commemorates the special contribution Sand Drags is making to the cause of breast cancer awareness.
Sherry DeNunzio is one of the SCSDA volunteers who loves the sport of drag racing that promotes economical family involvement.
“I tell people it’s just like NHRA only in dirt and way more affordable,” said DeNunzio, whose husband, Steve, is the CEO of SCSDA. “Our association is self-funded — we began with start-up donations from fellow racers eager to continue the sport in Southern California after the prior group disbanded. SCSDA must sustain itself race to race.”
When a date in October was chosen during race schedule planning, she said they decided on a breast cancer awareness fundraiser that would benefit people in the local area.
“We wanted to give back to the community that has welcomed and supported SCSDA,” said DeNunzio, of Covina.
Hemet’s Melissa Mercer said her 9-year-old son, Cody, will not be “pinking out” his LT 80 Quad for the Pee Wee Division races but she plans to pink him out to show support for the race’s cause.
“This community has driven Michelle’s Place growth for the past 12 years; we are so grateful,” said Kim Goodnough, its executive director. ““We look forward to working with (SCSDA) and appreciate their contribution to our center so we can continue providing free resources to women and their families.”
Mike Williams has been racing off and on since the late 1960s but this is his first Sand Drag for charity. He enjoys the family-oriented sport that allows him to spend time with grandkids and other family, including his son Mike Jr., who also races.
“My vehicle is a Sand Drag Jeep named ‘White Lightning’ that is not really a Jeep but a custom chassis with a fiberglass Jeep body shell built by Larry Minor for the sole purpose of Sand Drag racing,” said Williams, of San Jacinto.
Joe Harnit said the Soboba location is close to his home and encourages people in the community to get active in racing and go out to socialize in a family fun environment.
“What’s not to like (about the sport)? You got good weather, God’s people, the smell of race gas and a wide open throttle,” said Harnit, of San Jacinto.
Gates open Oct. 4 at 1:30 p.m., Oct. 5 at 7:30 a.m. and Oct. 6 at 8 a.m. Admission for adults is $10 per day or $20 for all three days; $5 for kids age 8 through 12 and free for those 7 and under.
Information, www.SoCalSandDrags.com.
