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. |