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JOURNAL
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ONLINE VERSION VOLUME 107 - NUMBER 5 - JUNE/JULY 1998
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BMWE Members Still Racing To Save Children's Lives!
After three successful years in California, "For The Children" comes to Chicago! This annual handcar race has become very popular with railroad enthusiasts since it began in 1995. Gary Mang, originator of the event says, "Bravo to BMWE members who got involved to help make the event so successful! Your participation has made FTC what it is today!"



"For The Children" is an annual fundraiser for Children's Hospitals that is coordinated by Union Pacific Railroad employees, many of whom are BMWE members. The first three years benefitted Loma Linda University Children's Hospital in Southern California, raising enough money to purchase equipment for the Heart Transplant Unit, Cancer Ward, and Neonatal ICU. To date, the event for that Children's Hospital amounts to over $30,000! Countless numbers of children have already been helped by the equipment purchased.



1998 brings expansion of the event from California to Chicago. On August 23, teams will again get together in an effort to show solidarity in helping the community, while at the same time having a good time competing. The handcar races will be held in McHenry, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, and will this year benefit Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago.



In 1997, Mang transferred on the Union Pacific to the Chicago area. While he originally planned to oversee races in both California and Illinois, his wife became pregnant with twins, taking up much of the family's time. Races will be held again in California in 1999. Although no races will be held in California this year, any donations from the west coast will benefit Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.



Mang said, "The impact with the BMWE members has been overwhelming in that I get calls from across the country from members who want to get involved, and am told all the time what a positive thing it is we are doing. From California to Illinois, the BMWE has rallied to help make this event what it has become. Together we can build For The Children into something even greater than it has been. I would also like to extend an invitation for all BMWE members to attend this year's event in August, and experience firsthand the heart-warming feeling of what we have accomplished!"



Everyone is invited to put together a four-person team and race this summer. Call and entry information will be mailed directly to you. Or if you just want to help the children, send a $20 donation and receive a 1998 "For The Children" Commemorative T-shirt. 100% of the proceeds go to the purchase of hospital equipment.



Contact For The Children at (847) 623-6155 or write to P.O. Box 562, Lake Villa, IL 60046.

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