5^th Annual Handcar Fund Raiser

Over the past months we have heard a lot of negative publicity about the railroads such as derailments and accidents at grade crossings. It has driven the public to frown on our profession. It's time to bring their focus back to the positive! BMWE members rise up again from the Chicago area to host the fifth annual For The Children Handcar Races on Sunday, August 22, 1999 in McHenry, Illinois. This is the second year the event will be held in the Midwest. Join them in their efforts for union solidarity and awareness!

Last year teams raced an old-fashioned railroad handcar and ended up raising thousands of dollars for Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago. This year the event expands to include Wisconsin Children's Hospital as well. "We are very excited about the growth of the event. Every year more and more railroaders and other union crafts, like BLE and UTU members, get involved," says event coordinator Gary Mang. "It's a heartwarming way to have a great time!"

Races will be conducted on 900 feet of mainline track. It will be in timed trials against a new timer clock donated by supporters of this event. A health and vendor fair will be held throughout the day, including a carnival-like atmosphere of games, food, raffles, and fun for the whole family. The new handcar, built by UP welder Charlie Smale of Waukegan, Illinois, has been displayed in parades and at local fairs to promote the event. The handcar won second place in the antiques entries at Harvard's Milk Days Parade (which had over 120 entries) on June 5.

If you would like to participate, contact coordinators at (847) 623-6155 or via e-mail at FTCHandcarRaces@msn.com. Shirts are available for a $20.00 donation, and this year baseball-type caps are available for an $8.00 donation. To order call the above number or send a check or money order with shirt size to: For the Children, P.O. Box 562, Lake Villa, IL 60046. Sponsors, prize donations, and vendors are still being accepted for the 1999 event.