I’ve spoke with the offices of the ASYMCA on several occasions. The following is an email I received today from Anita Neu-Fultz, Executive Director, ASYMCA.
The important thing is that there are only thirty-three (33) remaining slots open since the race is limited to 50 young drivers.
Thus, time is of the essence parents, call and register ASAP or your child will be shut out of this race.
Cactus Thorns plans on sponsoring a child. Ergo, I challenge the City Manager, Councilmen and all department heads to do the same (assuming they have not already done so).
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Good Afternoon Mr. ,
On behalf of the Armed Services YMCA here aboard the base, thank you for contacting us regarding the story posted on the web regarding the ASYMCA Soap Box Derby. Unfortunately, the author had quite a bit of miss information about the ASYMCA Soap Box Derby that I attribute to our error in not making it clear that the $125.00 sponsorship referred to was for businesses, organization, individuals, etc. to sponsor a child to participate in the Soap Box Derby. Below is a description of the Soap Box Derby and if I can answer any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Anita Neu-Fultz, Executive Director Armed Services YMCA of the USA Twentynine Palms, bldg 192 PO Box 6002 -Twentynine Palms CA 92278 Phone:760-830-7481 /FAX:760-830-8797 www.twentyninepalmsasymca.org
Serving Those Who Serve America – Volunteers Always Welcome
It is once again time for the Armed Services YMCA Soapbox Derby. The race will be located on Cactus drive in Twentynine Palms to help kick-off the Twentynine Palms’ Chamber of Commerce’s Street Fair and Car Show.
Our ASYMCA Soapbox Derby event is open to all children ages 5-14. The cost for registration is only $20 and includes a kit with the basic necessities to build a car and a ticket to go to Barr Lumber and get a free ½ sheet of plywood. Limited to 50 children, we currently have 17 children registered at this time with 33 openings for children to sign up to become a part the Soapbox Derby experience. ASYMCA Soap Box Derby is an opportunity for parents and their children to build a soap box derby car and participate in a fun family activity.
ASYMCA Soapbox Derby entrants will participate in Stock (first time entrant) and Super Stock (participated in the past) for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division. All children will receive recognition for their participation, but also there will be a trophy awarded for the Armed Services YMCA’s Choice, Commanding General’s Choice, and the Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce Choice in design and creativity of the derby car.
Area businesses, organizations, and others may sponsor the Soap Box Derby by making a tax deductible donation of $125.00. With their donation they will be able to place their business, organization, etc., logo on a soapbox derby car, setup a booth along the race to root their car along, and get a thank you letter with the ASYMCA tax identification number and a thank you certificate made out to the business, organization, etc.. Along with the above advertising incentives you are also able to provide an opportunity for a child to participate in the Soapbox Derby.
For those of you that do not know about our organization, the Armed Services YMCA, we are a 501 3 (c) non profit organization located on the Marine Base. Our mission at the Armed Services YMCA is “to put Christian principles into practice through programs that develop a healthy mind, body, and spirit for military personnel and their families stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms.” Our primary focus is on enhancing the lives of young enlisted personnel, E-5 and below, and their families through value oriented educational, recreational, and social programs. One of the ways that we help the active military and their families is by providing them an opportunity to connect with the community members of 29 Palms through community events like the Soapbox Derby.
For further information contact Marisa Reeder, Special Events Coordinator, at 760-830-7481.
The sponsorship fee (not the responsibility of the child) is $125.
The entry fee for a young driver is $20 With that comes rules, instructions, a coupon for a wood at Barr Lumber, some sort of kit, cut out patterns.
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This could be the biggest gosh darn event in the county for kids. But it is not. We are just a small little town. A stop along-the-way to more important places. We don’t need any outside exposure. Why would the Town want a bunch of outside people coming her to watch what could easily become a spectacularly entertaining and exciting Soapbox race open to more that 50 special kids.
I have posted that this race shuts out kids. Well… it does. Even more so than you may know. Because the sponsors — all 50 of them — have a choice to select a kid. Thus, it’s ultra-exclusive.
It ought not be this way.