Racing for the Rainbow Children's Charity

by Nika of racerchicks.com

On occasion after the rain stops and the mist hangs low in the air, we are treated to an arch of colors illuminating the sky. But many children, due to physical or mental disabilities, will never get the chance to see such natural beauty. Their lives are filled with rainstorms instead of rainbows; arduous challenges instead of satisfying achievements. Racing for the Rainbow is trying to change that. Established last year by Gary Christopher & Associates, the We Make A Difference Foundation's major goals are to raise the quality of life for chronically ill or disabled children through educational activities and provide opportunities to help children raise their self esteem. The Foundation works with three charities to reach those goals-the Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital (Cleveland, Ohio), the NFL Alumni Association (Cleveland Chapter) and the Northern Mariana Sports Challenge and is constantly expanding so local event hospitals and associations can benefit as well.

So, what kind of a difference can be made in just a year? A year can transform a dream into a tangible program that will make a difference in the lives of children everywhere. When told about a woman who had to sell candy bars to raise funds for her son's treatment, Gary Christopher was motivated to somehow make a difference. Today, Racing for the Rainbow is the official charity of the Speedvision World Challenge and uses motorsports to bring awareness to the issues of our disadvantaged children. "We're proud to be a supporter of the We Make A Difference Foundation, and, specifically, their initial charitable event-the Racing for the Rainbow raffle," said Mitch Wright, Speedvision World Challenge General Manager. "Helping children is something everyone can get behind. The We Make A Difference Foundation is set up to do just that-help kids." 

Speaking with the 2000 World Challenge Driver's Champion, Michael Galati, we asked why he felt this charity is worthy of his support. "As a father myself," he said with pride in his eyes, "Racing for the Rainbow gives me the opportunity to help children." In true racer fashion he added, "I hope to steer them in the right direction - to show them hard work, honesty and staying focused on the right track is a way for them to succeed, no matter what obstacles are in their way." In a racing career that has spanned more than 13 years, Michael has won many championships and has finished in the top three positions more than 90% of the time. Michael has shown by example that goals can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

Racer Shauna Marinus also spends her time as a spokesperson for Racing for the Rainbow. "After seeing the commitment and dedication Gary Christopher has and his level of involvement in the Make a Difference Foundation I felt honored to be a part of it." Shauna is racing in both the Touring Class of Speedvision World Challenge and in the SCCA Nationals in a Tri-Point Engineering Mazda Protégé for TC Kline Racing. This doesn't leave her with much free time. " I do what I can to support it and raise money for the cause and I truly enjoy spending time with the kids. The look on their faces when they sit in race cars is truly priceless." Shauna first encountered such a sight after a group of children were guests of Racing for the Rainbow at the San Diego Grand Prix a program Gary would like to see expanded to other events. 

With Racing for the Rainbow being fresh and young - the slate is clean for developing wonderful programs for today's children. Programs include scholarships, youth race teams and an educational and interactive website. "We can make a difference whether as a person or corporation, we can brings kid's issues to the forefront - give self esteem back to the kids of today" said Gary Christopher. Sponsors for Racing for the Rainbow so far include companies such as Tops Friendly Markets, Stoddard Porsche and Pepsi Co. "Although (sponsorship) allows us to operate this highly successful program there is so much more than can be done." The monies raised through raffles, shirt sales and general donations go to where the impact greatly affects the children involved. Recently children in a local hospital rehabilitation department were treated to a "toyfest" with play items chosen especially by the physical therapists that work there.

Probably the most famous ambassador for the Racing for the Rainbow is Jessie the wonder dog. This Lab-mix was picked up from the local pound only to have a brush with the deadly Parvo-virus 10 days later. She survived and is now one of the most respected certified therapy dogs in the program. This barksperson can be seen bringing joy and amusement whether at the local hospital or racetrack. "This is something we'd like to investigate further," Gary said. "It takes 2 years of training for a therapy dog to be certified - but the rewards are worth it. We hope we can get the charity more involved in this area".

Where is Racing for the Rainbow headed for in the future? Well, the "sky's the limit," said Gary. And indeed, where else would you look for a rainbow?

For more information on how you can be a part of Racing for the Rainbow Foundation feel free to contact www.racingfortherainbow.com  or Gary Christopher at 440-933-7258

For comments, feedback and just plain greetings, feel free to e-mail me at nika@racerchicks.com or AOL IM  "racernika"