All money raised will go towards the purchase of a machine which measures respiratory rates in infants born prematurely.

This fun and worthwhile event will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, 1998 in the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital parking lot (corner of Anderson and Barton Roads) in Loma Linda, California.

A health fair will be ongoing during the race, including food, soft drinks and activities for children.

At the finish line, the Blood Bank of San Bernardino will be present for blood donations.

Anyone interested in sponsoring and/or competing in this year’s event should contact Gary Mang at 909-795-5745 or by writing to "For The Children--’97," P. O. Box 1663, Yucaipa, California 92399.

Mang, Local Chairman of BMWE Subordinate Lodge 134, refurbished an antique handcar with his father Doyle in early 1995. When it drew a lot of attention from friends and neighbors, they decided to put it to good use.

On October 21, 1995, the handcar was pumped 31 miles from Riverside to L.A. County by relay teams made up of 48 union members, mostly from the BMWE, who work for the Union Pacific. This event helped to buy an EKG machine for the Loma Linda heart transplant unit.

The second handcar fundraiser was held November 2, 1996, with 64 union members pumping 17 miles from Ontario to the City of Industry, California. Enough money was raised to purchase two fusion pump machines which allow children to be mobile while receiving medications.

This year’s event, Mang said, was moved from Union Pacific’s main line to the Loma Linda Hospital parking lot because of the children. Hospital staff members had told him of the great interest the children had after the second event held for them and wished there was some way the children could participate. And so they will. As many of the patients as are able will be at race side and participating in other activities.

The excitement of this unique event continues to grow by leaps and bounds. From about 200 participants in 1995 to 575 in 1996 to over 5,000 expected this year. New sponsors include Joe Weider Muscle Fitness Magazine, Red Wing Shoes and IMS Racing, who will have cross country desert champion Scott Wright and three other motor cross superstars at the fundraiser to sign autographs.

Also appearing will be Gina Marie Feraro ("who some say is the next Shirley Muldowney") with her professional dragster. Gina is racing in Texas, Arizona, Indiana, Minnesota, and California on the pro circuit this year and will be promoting "For The Children" as she races.

From the BMWE, endorsements, contributions and/or other support have come from Union Pacific Lodge 1020, Southern Pacific Lodge 875, the Burlington Northern System Federation and Grand Lodge.

FELA law firms include the Crow Law Firm, Jones & Granger (TX), R. Edward Pfiester, Jr. (CA), and attorneys Richard Huhn of Blumenstiel, Huhn, Wood, Adams, Ullom-Morse & Hemmer Co. (OH) and John Rossi of Rossi, Kiker & Inderwish (CO).

Donations "For The Children" of $20.00 or more will receive a quality T-shirt (which contains the BMWE logo). Mugs are also available as well as 16 oz. water bottles at one for $3.00 or two for $5.00.

To order or make a donation, just call or write Gary Mang at the address given earlier. Checks should be made payable to "For The Children."