By Ashley Reyes
The Industry Cup Challenge, a beloved tradition of the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, is bringing the aftermarket community together to improve the lives of children in need through its pinewood derby races. Your sponsorship can make a real difference; sponsor a pinewood car here.
On Friday, July 19, at the Anaheim Marriott in Southern California, the races will bring the spirit of automotive passion and competition to the Gala's pre-banquet reception. Companies from five industry categories will race sponsored miniature wooden cars and trucks in thrilling downhill action, competing to be number one in their division. The top competitors of each category will then race head-to-head for ultimate bragging rights and trophy cup immortality.
The sponsorship dollars raised from this event will benefit SEMA Cares partnering children's charities: the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer; Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse; and the Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions.
"The Industry Cup Challenge offers industry companies a unique opportunity to come together to help support and fund essential services and programs for at-risk youth," said SEMA Cares Chair Sara Morosan. "While competing in the races is a fun experience, the real win is knowing that the contributions are making a positive impact in the lives of kids who need it most."
The five sponsoring divisions will consist of manufacturers, warehouse distributors, media, rep agencies and service providers, with the ultimate winner taking home the Industry Cup Challenge trophy with their company name engraved on it among past winners. In a Stanley Cup-style tradition, the trophy will be returned next year, giving the winner a chance to defend their title. If a sponsoring company cannot attend the Gala, a SEMA Cares volunteer will race the company's pinewood car on their behalf for the chance to win.
Chad A. Coltrane, president and CEO at Victory Junction, shared the impact of the funds on their programs: "Victory Junction's goal is to provide life-changing camp experiences for children with serious medical conditions free of charge. Funding from SEMA Cares allows Victory Junction to provide these fun experiences, and it allows our kids to build confidence and friendships. We simply cannot provide these services without the dedicated and generous support of SEMA Cares."
To learn more about SEMA Cares and/or sponsor a pinewood derby car, visit the SEMA Cares website.
To purchase tickets for the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, the prestigious celebration set to honor the 2024 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and recognize incoming and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors, visit sema.org/gala.