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Hurricane Hanna meets NCPRS and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Richmond!
By: Gail Sneed
Hurricane Hanna threatened to destroy several months of planning for an extraordinary event for the Boys and Girls Club Stay on Track Activity Series culmination. Tickets were purchased, travel arrangements were set, pre-race activities were organized and supported by the VA NG Counterdrug Taskforce and the kids and chaperones were geared up and ready for FUN! With the race postponed until Sunday, NCPRS staff, with the ability to make rainbows out of rain, quickly jumped into action to devise additional activities for the kids.
On Saturday, what the kids thought to be a fun-filled day of bowling and pizza was so much more. It was an opportunity for them to really get to know each other; to bond. We were afforded the opportunity to see kids from all over the country, of different backgrounds and cultures, mesh. Kids that were usually quiet and reserved came out of their shells. By the end of the day, they were signing each other’s shirts and trading email addresses promising to be pen pals.
Sunday, race day, was spectacular! One of the Clubs was not able to attend the race on Sunday due to lack of money to change travel arrangements. However, the remaining Clubs were treated as VIPS! NCPRS made arrangements for our own reserved section in the Pit Stop Club. The kids and chaperones enjoyed games, live entertainment, an all-you-can-eat buffet and a special guest appearance from Kasey Kahne. The kids also had the opportunity to tour the pit area, with none other than Ron Steger as their guide. (I am not sure who was more excited.) One of the Clubs was able to meet a Pit Crew member, ask him questions, climb over the wall and sit atop the stand where team owners and celebrities sit. Meanwhile, the other Clubs enjoyed a Three Days Grace concert. Finally, the most famous words in NASCAR, “Gentleman, start your engines!” put the finishing touches on an already perfect event.
I am truly fortunate I was able to be a part of it. My sincere thanks goes out to everyone that assisted us in arranging, and rearranging, the events that made this culmination such a success! I especially want to thank the kids that were chosen to attend, you guys are AMAZING and it was an honor meeting you. I know each and every one of you will be a driving force in helping others Stay on Track!
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