sign in sign up
<<
Home , Grandview Speedway, Inside Edition

Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere | www.raace.org July 31, 2017

Made possible by: “Inside Edition”

DEAR READERS: Over the next year, Inside Edition will focus on protecting the next generation of racers. The articles and information will include information from the You’ve relied on our quality products, services and people for nearly 60 years, Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere regarding the RAACE movement, and real life stories of families in the motorsports community and their children. THANK U! and now we’re counting on you to join us in a cause that is in line with our values. At 84 Lumber we believe it’s our responsibility to help organizations that can make the greatest positive impact. That’s why we’ve joined the RAACE movement Why RAACE? RAACE Supporters Protecting as a “Superhero”. RAACE stands for The Race the Next Generation of Racers Against Abuse of Children Everywhere and is a 501(c)(3) With the help of its supporters, RAACE has been generating awareness of the hidden epidemic of child sexual abuse for over a decade, educating parents on the facts and non-profit organization providing tools and resources that teach them how to talk to their children at every age dedicated to eliminating child of their development. Throughout its history, more than 60,000 RAACE sexual abuse before it happens. Fans worldwide have lent their support to put an Our mission is to raise public end to child sexual abuse. awareness and provide tools No group has championed the cause more than the motorsports community. to help families protect children The Stats at home, in their community, It’s the statistics that get you. The reaction of and all over the world. those unfamiliar with the epidemic is always similar when they hear the staggering facts that 1 Join Len Sammons, his family, and the in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys are abused: you stop AARN extended community by joining breathing for a moment and feel as though a the RAACE movement today: knife has pierced your heart. Currently there are approximately 39 million Stevie Smith Team, Knoxville www.raace.org known survivors of child abuse in America today. KNOWN survivors ­— and only 1 in 10 children who are sexually abused will ever tell anyone. “This is the very reason that child sexual abuse is called a ‘silent epidemic’,” says Brad Brickel, executive director, RAACE. “If children knew that it was alright to tell, they might be able to stop the abuse sooner or, hopefully, before it happens. And possibly get an abuser off the streets.” In order for parents and caregivers to protect their children, they need to be aware of the threat and feel comfortable talking with their kids about it. Experts agree that if children feel safe enough to talk openly with their parents, they are more outwardly confident and less likely to become victims of sexual abuse. They are also more likely to disclose the first sign of an abusive situation. The Racing Family Racing is a family affair, so when RAACE founder Ken Smith approached his brother and nephew, Steve Smith, Sr. and Stevie Smith, respectively, about promoting the nonprofit to the motorsports community, both of the legendary sprint car drivers eagerly agreed. Since then, numerous drivers, teams, motorsports businesses, sponsors and fans have joined the cause, offering their support by applying the RAACE logo to their cars, wearing RAACE branded uniforms, donating memorabilia for silent auctions, hosting autograph sessions, volunteering at events, reading and sharing our literature and talking about RAACE to fans around the world.

www.raace.org www.raace.org Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere | www.raace.org Thanks to our Title Sponsor! Join the RAACE: 1.800.755.KIDS

RAACE Supporters (continued) Seven Ways You Can Join the RAACE SuperHero to Volunteer: providing the non-profit organization a bigger Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the world was safer for children everywhere? It can be, and you Supporters Make it Happen audience to share its mission. Additionally, can help! Talking about abuse is a good start, but the only way to actually prevent it is to RAACE’s Giant Wheel game is a visible and EARN YOUR BADGE(S) RAACE created seven (7) unique ways to help take action. Some of us might be ready to jump right in and share RAACE’s message with the RAACE Hero Race Teams engaging display at the motorsports show, WHEN YOU JOIN THE RAACE protect children from abuse (See page 7). The world, while others may prefer to show their support more modestly. We understand that, so Nick Baey, Mike Baker, Doug Horne, Dave Shirk enabling RAACE to connect with families face RAACE SuperHero program is designed for we’ve created seven different ways to get involved in the RAACE to end child sex abuse. to face in a fun and non-threatening way. those who feel strongly about the organization’s Check out our opportunities for involvement and find the one that’s right for you: mission and are willing to go the extra mile by The success and notoriety of RAACE’s Hero donating their resources to share RAACE’s race teams and drivers provide the RAACE Fan: If you believe in our mission and want to support our cause but have limited time and/or message and influence others to join the cause. organization an opportunity to share its resources to contribute, consider becoming a RAACE Fan. You’ll show your support by reading about our message with a vast audience, in a highly visible Longtime RAACE supporter Len Sammons is latest news and events on social media. manner but without being intrusive. Stevie one such SuperHero. An iconic fixture in Smith, Kyle Weiss, Alan Sagi, Joey Biasi, Doug RAACE SuperFan: Do you have a large following on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or other social media motorsports for decades, Len, with sons Danny Horne, Mike Sweeney, Dave Shirk, Kenny networks? If you would like to use your social media influence to support our cause, please join us as a and Davey, publish Area Auto Racing News Pettyjohn, Darryl Shoff, Brian and Ashley Therien, RAACE SuperFan. You’ll make a difference by utilizing your connections for social fundraising on RAACE’s (AARN), and produce the annual Motorsports Scott LeBarron, Dave Ely, Keith Flach, Dakota Racecar & Trade Show via his firm Len Sammons behalf using our Peer-to-Peer fundraising platform. Kohler, Robbie Shuttlesworth, Shane Cottle, Lou Motorsports Productions. Supporting RAACE is RAACE Hero: Do you feel strongly about our mission and wish to be a vocal advocate? In the highly Cicconi, Tevor Kobylarz, Donnie Shatz, Jimmy a natural fit for AARN and the motorsports Horton, Davey Sammons, Todd Baer and his son visible role of RAACE Hero, you’ll act as a public ambassador for our cause by sharing important show because of RAACE’s racing platform that Nick, Shane Cottle, Daryn Pittman, Craig information about the prevention of abuse and by sponsoring co-branded events, apparel, promotional appeals to kids and established relationships Whitmoyer, Brett Arndt, Bruce Buckwalter, Jr., items, and more. with numerous race teams. The newspaper is Stevie Buckwalter, Donnie Steward, Tim Henry, including one insert a month about RAACE, RAACE SuperHero: Are you a leadership position at a company or organization with influence, interested (continued on page 3) in aligning your brand with our mission and cause? The RAACE SuperHero was created for organizations that lead by example and seek to positively influence both their internal and external communities. RAACE Partner: Would you like to provide financial contributions to support our mission and cause? RAACE Has Three Primary Goals: RAACE Partners donate funds, provide in-kind donations, trade donations, or donate vehicles to help fund our prevention initiatives. 1. We Expose 2. We Educate 3. We Inspire RAACE Volunteer: Are you interested in actively supporting our cause through your time and talents? the Hidden Epidemic of you about the nature of others to stand up against As a RAACE Volunteer, you can make a valuable difference by participating in various aspects of our Child Sexual Abuse the problem, how and why abuse by joining RAACE organization, such as events, programs, board positions and more. Child sexual abuse exists at epidemic levels and is it happens, and where it through 1 of our 7 ways: RAACE Prayer Warrior: Are you a person, spiritual leader or faith-based organization who wants to far more common than people think — 1 in 3 girls inspire others to support our mission? As a RAACE Prayer Warrior, you can help generate awareness, happens — often with individuals who have 1. RAACE Fan and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused by age 18. educate adults and children, and encourage others to take action through your network, congregation, regular contact with your child. We also provide 2. RAACE SuperFan Furthermore, over 90% of offenders are someone programs, etc. plenty of free resources that will be your best 3. RAACE Hero the child knows and trusts. 4. RAACE SuperHero defensive tools to protect your child from becoming Please join us in whatever capacity most resonates with you. At RAACE, we believe that 5. RAACE Partner each and every one of us can play a pivotal role in putting an end to the heartbreak of child a victim of abuse. 6. RAACE Volunteer 7. RAACE Prayer Warrior sexual abuse. Protect the next generation HELP PROTECT KIDS! MANY THANKS TO ALL OF OUR PARTNERS IN PREVENTION! INTERESTED IN PARTNERING WITH RAACE? CONTACT US TODAY! of racers! Donate online or you can mail a check directly to RAACE. For more info contact: 217 E. Jarrettsville Rd., Suite One Sponsorship Availability is filling Forest Hill, MD 21050 up fast so lock in your position Brad Brickel, Executive Director [email protected] today by contacting us at info@ David Arist, Program Manager raace.org or 1.800.755.KIDS! [email protected]

2 7 Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere | www.raace.org Thanks to our Title Sponsor! Join the RAACE: 1.800.755.KIDS

PEOPLE IN MOTORSPORTS: SUPERHERO SPOTLIGHT: 410/360 Sprint Car Champion Dave Ely Korey Homes Is there any place on Earth where a child should feel safer than in his or When Dave Ely first heard about RAACE, he knew little about the her own home? Tragically, 30-40% of abused children suffer at the hands organization beyond the fact that longtime friend and fellow race car of a family member and 40% of the time, the offender is an older or driver Stevie Smith was affiliated with it. Dave Ely & Son larger child. When Smith started using DMI racing components from Diversified Machine, Inc., The Race to Protect Kids Korey Custom Homes is RAACE’s longest standing SuperHero, having supported the where Ely handles most of the racing operations as sales manager, nonprofit for over a decade. Not to mention that Korey Smith, President, Korey Dave learned the shocking statistics associated with child sexual abuse—that Homes, Inc., is nephew and cousin to legendary sprint car drivers, Hall of Famer 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys will be victims. Steve Smith, Sr. and his son, Stevie Smith, respectively. “It was a learning experience to find out what RAACE is and what it does to “All children deserve a safe, happy childhood,” avows Korey. “For us, building a protect children. It definitely shocked me to hear the statistics,” says the former house isn’t complete until we’ve done everything possible to make it a better home United Racing Club (URC) Sprint Series Champion and National Sprint Car for you and your family. A house isn’t a home if it’s torn apart, inside or out. That’s Hall of Fame Driver of the Year Nominee. “I was not expecting the numbers to why Korey Homes is working hand-in-hand with RAACE to eliminate child sexual be that high.” abuse.” Three of Dave’s children, Rylee, Kayleigh and Nash, were very young when Korey Custom Homes prides itself on building more than a house. The family-owned Ely was introduced to Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere founder custom home builder recognizes that families are looking for more than a brick and Ken Smith; one, Isabella, wasn’t even born yet. mortar dwelling; rather, they are seeking a place where they can live, laugh and love “My wife and I do a lot with our kids, and they were always with us most of the for years to come. time. But, certainly, even going to friends’ houses, we became more aware, paid It was a natural synergy, then, for Korey Custom Homes to partner with RAACE and more attention because you just never know,” said Ely, a 20-year career sprint become a SuperHero, a person, company or organization that feels so strongly car driver. about RAACE’s mission that it is willing to go the extra mile to share the nonprofit’s Today, Dave’s children range in age from 20 to 9 years old; two are following in message and influence others to join the cause. their dad’s racing footsteps: Nash, 15, switched up from go-carts to 600 micros Korey Homes is a father and son team based in Forest Hill, Maryland. The defining last year, while 9 year old Isabella started racing go-carts two years ago. characteristic of the custom home builder is its value placed on family. Thank U to Korey Homes and “As a parent, you always try to make the best choices you can for your kids. Their Partners “We build relationships as we build homes,” explains Korey. “We believe that But once you see the statistics, you have no choice but to be even more our business has been successful over the years because we are personally conscientious when making decisions for your kids,” said Dave. “It should be invested in the outcome of every project entrusted to us, and we place tremen- The Smith Family eye-opening for every parent to hear what’s really out there.” dous value on the long-lasting relationships we build with our clients.” SuperHeroes in MotorSports and in the Community

When he was still wheeling 410 and 360 sprint cars, Ely carried the RAACE logo A family business, Korey and his father Kenneth bring decades of experience and on his race cars and uniforms, participated in multiple Kids RAACE Nights and expertise to each and every home building project; and many employees have been never hesitated to talk to other race teams about the nonprofit and encourage with the company from day one. As company president, Korey is involved in every them to support it. DMI also lends it support by donating a paddle on RAACE’s homebuilding effort from start to finish, working exclusively with reputable local Giant Wheel, serving as presenting sponsor for select events and providing contractors and striving to maintain positive relationships with vendors, suppliers discounts to race teams and drivers that are part of the RAACE family. and subcontractors, some of whom the company has engaged for many years. “I’m blessed to have connections in the racing industry so I do whatever I can to Korey Custom Homes is actively involved in its local community. In addition to being help--introduce Brad [RAACE executive director Brad Brickel] to friends and a RAACE SuperHero, the company is involved with The Home Builders Care Founda- promoters; encourage him to go and hold RAACE nights at strong, family tion (HBCF), the charitable arm of the Maryland Building Industry Association oriented racetracks; and get the word out across the country,” said Ely. “RAACE (MBIA), which utilizes the skills and resources of building industry members on deserves attention. It’s important to make parents aware and also hopefully shelter-related construction for the homeless and others at risk. give kids the courage to come out and talk about it.”

4 5 Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere | www.raace.org Thanks to our Title Sponsor! Join the RAACE: 1.800.755.KIDS

The Important Lessons Kids Learn from Volunteering RAACE Supporters (continued)

One of the best ways children can develop compassion and necessary If you and/or your child are thinking of giving your time to support a meaningful PJ Gargiulo, Billy Pauch, Jr., Ryan Watt and DJ Cox are just some of the drivers and teams who life skills is through volunteering. In fact, volunteering is one of the cause, we hope you’ll consider RAACE. We welcome your time and talents! have placed RAACE’s name and logo on their cars and suits, signed autographs, volunteered most powerful ways kids can enrich their lives now and also prepare and more. Motorsports businesses, including Zemco, DMI, Simpson and Weikel Sportswear support RAACE Hero Racers for the future. Here are a few of the many benefits that come with Kyle Weiss and Daryl Shoff helping those in need: RAACE by offering Hero teams and drivers discounts, promotions and other incentives for being part of the RAACE family. It develops a sense of purpose. What or who inspires your child to take action? Other motorsports individuals, businesses and organizations, including Gene Animals? Nature? Homelessness? Abuse? Kids find a sense of power and purpose Franckowiak, John & Pee Wee Zemaitis, Black Hills Race Talk, Scott Rettick & Alliance Autosport, when they get involved in supporting the people or causes that are most Lehigh Valley Grand Prix, Butlerbuilt, Black Hills Mini Sprint Tour, Hoseheads.com, Thunder On important to them. The Hill Racing Series, Sprint Cars, AHDRA (All-Harley Drag Racing It allows children to learn about themselves. Volunteering exposes kids to new Association), ARDC (American Racing Drivers Club, ARMA (American Racing Mower Association), The Area Auto Racing News, Keystone State Quarter Midget Club, USAC situations, so they ultimately discover new interests and talents. Kids who may ( Auto Club), BDB Graphics, Smith Titanium, Wee Bee Audio, Creasy Signs, NHRA struggle in school or competitive activities can shine in the right volunteer setting. (National Hot Rod Association), URC (United Racing Club), Fred Rahmer Promotions and These kinds of successes allow them to see themselves in a positive new light. As Chop Designs, have generously donated time, talent and other resources to help us continue our children contribute to the greater good, they’ll learn a powerful lesson: that to spread the word. they can make a constructive difference in the world. Track owners have provided us space and fan access at Cecil County Dragway, New Egypt It provides a chance to try out a career. Carefully chosen volunteer experiences can Speedway, Maple Grove Dragway, Big Diamond Speedway, , be far more effective than any career interest test. By spending time in different , Englishtown Raceway Park, The Dirt Track at Charlotte, Limerock Motorsports Park, Rockingham Dragway, Susquehanna Speedway, Grandview Speedway, work environments, kids find out what they enjoy and what doesn’t interest them. Lincoln Speedway, , , and . It builds a sense of accomplishment. Volunteering isn’t one of the easiest or most RAACE’s supporters in the motorsports family have paved the way for the nonprofit to start its glamorous jobs, but it is one of the most beneficial and uplifting. Many volunteers engines and never slow down. Until every child is safe from abuse, our race has no finish line! say that the experiences gained as a volunteer were worth far more than mon- etary compensation. In a show of support for RAACE (Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere), the It brings kids closer to others in the community. Learning about cultural and ethnic RAACE 50/50 Night & Williams Grove Speedway portion of the weekly 50/50 drawing will be donated diversity is important and seeing the world from other perspectives enriches all of Jack Gunn Memorial at to the 501(c)3 non-profit. us. Volunteering helps children to understand that regardless of our differences, “If we feed, educate and protect our children, the future is guaranteed. That’s we are still united by our human experience. Williams Grove Speedway why we support RAACE,” proclaimed Kathy Hughes, owner, Williams Grove Speedway. It provides an opportunity to make new friends. Kids who volunteer get to know RAACE is excited to announce that on Friday, August 18, the nonprofit The racetrack has been a longtime supporter of RAACE, which is dedicated to others who care about the same causes they do. Together, they can make a lasting will be at Williams Grove Speedway with the Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions for the 35th annual 410 sprint cars Jack Gunn Memorial fighting the hidden epidemic of child sexual abuse. Track manager Justin Loh said positive impact on the world. he first learned about the organization through legendry 410 sprint car driver presented by Superior Plus Energy Services. The All Stars will share the Volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge Stevie Smith, a RAACE SuperHero who carried the RAACE colors and logo on his card with the Hoosier Diamond Series/PASS IMCA 305 sprints with amount of time out of your child’s busy schedule. Giving back even in simple ways cars and uniforms and promoted the nonprofit for years. action beginning at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30pm. can help those in need and enhance your child’s confidence and happiness. General Admission: $20; $10 for youths 13-20 years of age. Protect the next generation HELP PROTECT KIDS! MANY THANKS TO ALL OF OUR PARTNERS IN PREVENTION! INTERESTED IN PARTNERING WITH RAACE? CONTACT US TODAY! of racers! Donate online or you can mail a check directly to RAACE. For more info contact: 217 E. Jarrettsville Rd., Suite One Forest Hill, MD 21050 Brad Brickel, Executive Director [email protected] David Arist, Program Manager [email protected]

6 3