RACE TO END CHILDHOOD HOMELESSNESS

May 1st @ 9 am to 10 am

A Facebook Live event

HOW DOES IT WORK? 

(VIDEO DOWN BELOW)

In the tradition of Boy Scout pinewood derbies, each team can create a mini racer 5" long that races down a track powered only by gravity. Teams raise funds and raise awareness for the over 700 children in our local schools who have no home of their own.

Family Promise is working to end childhood homelessness. Our shelter structure changed on March 22, 2020, as a result of the pandemic. We now have smaller, "scattered site" shelters in apartments across the community. So this year we've shrunk down our bed race to create a fun and safe virtual event.

To join the race, you can use an existing Cub Scout pinewood derby racer, or we will mail you a kit to decorate on your own. Then turn them in and Family Promise's volunteers will race them on May 1st to see who has the fastest time!

MORE DETAILS: 

1.  Entry Fee: $100 per team (includes one event t-shirt and one Boy Scout-approved racer kit of your choice (choices A or B are below).

If you choose to race an existing Boy Scout Pinewood Derby car, the entry fee is $75. Teams may build a racer independently, but it must meet size and weight requirements, noted below.

(Width: - 2-3/4" - Length - 7" - Weight - Not over 5 Ounces Width between wheels - 1-3/4"Bottom clearance between can and track - 3/8") 

2.  This is a fundraiser to support our homeless shelter and housing programs. Teams are encouraged to raise at least $150 each to benefit Family Promise of Gainesville. Members will receive a fundraising packet upon confirmation of registration. Outreach to corporate sponsors and local business owners for your team is highly encouraged.

3.  Team Categories:

• Youth (under 18)

• Adult (age 18+)

• Official Boy Scout Pinewood Derby Racer (premade from your Boy Scout days – if you just want to show off your racer, bring it on!)

4. How will my Derby compete?

Each mini racer bed will participate in 2 heats. The average of both heats = the total time. The mini racer bed with the fastest time wins.

5. Bed Race Schedule:

Wednesday, April 21st through Friday, April 23rd, 2021

Drop off beds at 229 SW 5th Street

Gainesville, FL  32601 between 9 am and 4 pm

April 26 – 30, 2021

Online judging for themed bed categories to determine themed winners.

Saturday, May 1st @ 9:00 AM

  9:00 am     Racing starts

11:00 am  (End of race and closing ceremony with prizes & trophies)

      Facebook live and virtual viewing information forthcoming

6. Family Promise Pinewood Derby Race 2021 Awards

a)    Trophy for highest team fundraising total

b)  Fastest Looking bed [note we hope all racers are transformed from cars/blocks of wood into beds or homelessness theme]

c)  Best bed with a sleeper (like a Lego guy)

d)  Best Use of Stickers or Decals

e)  Most creative BED theme (however you define a bed –seabed, nailbed, etc.)

f)   Best Paint Job

g)  Spirit of Family Promise Award (use of Family Promise logos, approved colors, a theme that Every Child Deserves a Home, ending childhood homelessness, etc.)

h)  Good Sport Award (a car crashed, etc.)

i)    Fan's Choice – online voting will occur the week prior to the race

j)   Special Guest Judge's choice

k)  Fastest youth bed (designed and made by someone/team completely under 18)

l)    Fastest bed adult

m)  Fastest bed overall

The last three categories (fastest K, L, and M) are determined by taking the lowest overall score – the average of two race times. The lowest score (down to the 10th of a second) for each category of the racer is the winner.

Each derby car bed will participate in 2 heats. The average of both heat = the total time. The tiny bed with the lowest time wins.

Questions: Contact Family Promise (352) 378-2030

Family Promise of Gainesville is a nonprofit shelter for families experiencing homelessness. Every year we have a fundraiser race to raise awareness and funds for our housing programs.

We need your help more than ever. Our shelter structure changed on March 22, 2020, as a result of the pandemic. When our volunteers' support went away, we lost over $34,000 per month of in-kind support but increased our capacity to serve families. Folks are still helping us by donating funds to keep our programs running.

We now have smaller, "scattered site" shelters in apartments across the community. So this year we've shrunk down our bed race to create a fun and safe virtual event.

Support our shelter: Donate now, or create your own fundraising page here. Invite your friends and family to support your race against childhood homelessness.