Last night, I was fortunate to attend the welcome reception and dinner for the 2011 Chevrolet Fireball Run – The Race to Recover America’s Missing Kids. Over the next eight days, 45 teams will make stops in 15 cities across the Southeast raising awareness for missing children. Throughout their journey, each team’s main mission is to distribute 1,000 flyers of a missing child as well as participate in special assignments and interactive games.
The event kicked off in Melbourne, Florida and the teams made stops along the way at Kennedy Space Center and Daytona International Speedway. When the teams arrived at George Moore Chevrolet in Jacksonville, they were surprised to find that the next challenge was to drive mini-remote control Hot Wheels cars around a road course. It sounded easy, but those little cars were fast! Teams were awarded points for their time and I especially loved that all of the Hot Wheels toys were donated to the Pediatric Care program for Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.
NASCAR Legend Geoff Bodine steps up to the track
The mini road course challenge
There were so many neat cars participating in the event. My husband and I particularly liked the Angel-1 Chevy Camaro (pictured below). This specially designed 2011 Camaro serves as a memorial to the more than 1,000 first responders that lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Each of the cars participating in this year’s Fireball Run also features the flyer of a missing child.
The Angel-1 Chevy Camaro
I love that the 2011 Fireball Run focuses on spreading awareness for missing children across the country. Each team was assigned a child from their area, making the cause that much more closer to home for the participants. The teams will travel over 3,500 miles over this next week before reaching their final stop on Sunday, October 2 in Gulfport, Mississippi. I’m excited to see where their next adventure will take them!
To follow the Fireball Run adventures, check out GM in the Southeast on Twitter and the Twitter hashtag #ChevyFBR. Also follow along with GM in the Southeast on Facebook and the 2011 Fireball Run – Team Chevy Facebook page!
** I attended the 2011 Fireball Run reception and dinner as guests of GM in the Southeast. Thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own and not influenced by others. **
Comments
Cinzio
In 2010, a coalition of non-profits was able to finally pass the “Luis Ortega Illegal Street Racing Bill” Florida because of the horrific epidemic of illegal-street racing in Orlando and the surrounding race-coast.
The mothers against racing on the streets are left wondering why the police wanted the laws to be so light weight. Now we see the great support that the privately owned Universal Studio Movie Fireball Run receives. WOW. As the Fireball Run expedition passes into the cities & towns on the Eastern-racing corridor for the next eight days, advertising their Speed Culture, the memorials on the sides of the roadways will remind the drivers of the unintended consequences of their SPEED culture. The “sanctioned” status of the AMA are quickly crossing and expanding their boundaries. Coming Spring 2012, “Run-What-You-Brung” The New Fireball Run Challenge© Series, the most impressive 3 days of track racing in America! Fireball Run Challenge is a pure adrenaline and performance paced new speed series. Advertised intentionally-all week long as the “scavenger” hunt ensues. (Not Referring to the lost children…we hope.)
Should any one wonder why a jury of 12 from Pinellas County could not understand reasonable doubt in a murder-1 case for an innocent child in Florida? Perhaps it is all of the unreasonable activities that prevail in our state and also the very broad and wide vague laws and statutes that are apparently intentional, for the pleasure of a few. The Speed Culture is limited on television air waves by the FCC. for obvious reasons. Young Drivers Beware…SPEED KILLS NO EXCUSES!
Fireball iRun is also liqor Company…driving and whisky…or Vodka? Totally Unreasonable in 2011 to be mixing messages for our kids…count the memorials on the sides of the roads!
Fireball Run Adventurally
Carrie with Children,
Thank you for the postive blog regarding our efforts- we appreciate it.
To address the above post- The Fireball Run Adventurally applauds the efforts and commitment of all non-profits, such as the “Luis Ortega Illegal Street Racing Bill” mentioned above; we support our own signature cause, “The Race to Recover America’s Missing Children” which has assisted in the recovery of 36 children.
Our partners in “Fueled by the Fallen” assists in supporting our Military Members, Public Safety Personnel, and their Families to aid in their emotional, physical, and financial recovery needs by displaying and racing Memorial Tribute cars.
Fireball Run Adventurally is not a race, it is a rolling scavenger hunt-like game and film production.
We are committed to safety; Fireball Run strictly enforces speed limits during the rally. All teams are tracked via GPS for location, speed and safety. A prominent retired Police Chief acts as our Safety Director, on and off-duty police officers act as safety crew and escorts.
Naturally any acohol consumption is prohibited during the driving portion of the event and is only offered once the day’s events have concluded- no different than the brand relationship between Budweiser and NASCAR. All teams must abide by these rules as a condition of participation in Fireball Run or be ejected from the production without hesitation.
Fireball Run’s only “races” are sanctioned track events and the Race to Recover America’s Missing Children- where “Race” is defined as a sense of urgency.
“2,000 children are reported missing daily in this country; nearly 800,000 children disappear annually; 8,000-10,000 of which remain missing every year, despite prolonged searches. Pictures on posters are considered the single most important tool in finding a missing child. ” -NISMART
Carrie with Children
Thank you so much for responding! I think the Fireball Run is a fantastic event with such a positive and important message for families! I appreciate you allowing me to be a part of the festivities for the evening!
By Word of Mouth Musings
Dear Carrie
One of the perks of writing a blog, is that it is YOUR blog and NOT a platform for someone else’s postulating.
Hence you have access to 3 little friends who go by the name of Delete, his best friend Spam and their counterpart Block.
Much love to you.
xxx
Carrie with Children
Thank you, Nicole! So proud to call you my friend! xoxoxo
Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Photography Blog
Carrie – this is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I had an opportunity to work with Chevy in the Chevy On The Go promotion here in the Pacific Northwest (I was a NW Chevy Girl) and was allowed to drive their Equinox for 30 days and I loved it. I wasn’t a Chevy fan before (nothing against either), but I was after. I spent time at the Roy Robinson Chevrolet dealership in Marysville Washington and was shocke at the time and care they spend with their customers. They have a genuine desire to empower women when it comes to car shopping/buying. I really have a lot of respect for the company and reading this post has elevated that respect to a higher level.
After I returned the car, I was happy to drive my Ford Escape once again, but I couldn’t help notice the difference. I thin the Chevy Equinox is touted as a family car, but it’s great for people like us who travel with our dogs everywhere. I couldn’t believe how comfortable it was – it was like someone there had us in mind.
I’m excited to read more on this great opportunity. The tragedy of missing children is a burden that we as a society has to share and I’m excited to see a corporation take a step back from making money to give back to their society.
Carrie with Children
Hi Kimberly – That is fantastic to hear about your experience with Chevy! One of our two cars is a Chevy (the other is a GMC, so kinda in the same car family!) and we’ve never had any trouble with it. I had the opportunity to test drive an Equinox a few months ago, it’s a great size car – especially for a mom like me!
I love seeing companies giving back to communities and this one is fantastic, and so important too! I appreciate you reading!
Rebecca E. Parsons
what a wonderful cause, and am happy you explained it so well…i trust that the intention of Chevrolet is an honorable and good one and am hoping that it has positive impact on all who see it, hear about it and benefit from it. I just hope the Hot Wheels course was not the Criss Cross Crash!!! XOXOX
Carrie with Children
Thanks so much for reading, Rebecca! It’s really a neat event and such a worthy cause too. The Hot Wheels course was fun to watch – those little cars were so fast! 🙂 I look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
Jessi
As a mom, I’m happy to see a major corporation actively working toward a safer America for our children. I know how it feels to lose a child (due to health reasons) and would never in a million years wish such indescribable pain on another parent. High profile events, like the Chevrolet Fireball Run, are necessary to raise awareness about such senseless and devastating acts of human cruelty.
I grieve for the lost children of the world, no matter what the circumstances, and appreciate Chevy’s efforts to keep the innocent safe with their families.
Carrie, I’m proud to be a blogger, because of campaigns like these. Good on you and Chevrolet for bringing such an important cause to America’s attention.
Carrie with Children
Thank you so much, Jessi! Awareness is key and the folks at Chevy and all the participants in this event are doing a fantastic job!
Christy @ Insanity Is Not An Option
Carrie – I had no idea Chevy sponsored an event like this! It is awesome and thank you for sharing it with us! I am the mother of 6 and my biggest fear is that something will happen to one of my children. I am a momma bear and drive them insane! This is such a HUGE issue in the U.S. and it’s no surprise that a company as outstanding, American-made, and full of integrity would support a cause so noble! I applaud their efforts and appreciate you sharing! Very glad you could be a part of it!
Carrie with Children
I couldn’t agree with you more, Christy! So very true on all accounts! I appreciate you reading my post
Glenda @ Busy-at-Home
Carrie,
There is no greater heartache than the loss of a child. My guess is that that horror is redoubled when you don’t know where your child might be and I am so impressed that Chevrolet is standing out in the crowd to raise awareness for missing children. I don’t know if the Fireball Run has a Midwest division, but I know our family would certainly go out and support their efforts, if they do. Thanks for this awesome post letting us know about it.
P.S. My hubs loves the Chevy Camaro, too!
Carrie with Children
Hi Glenda! I’m not sure if there is a Midwest version of this event or not. I’ll see what I can find out for you and let you know! My hubby loves the Camaro too! 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by today!
Fireball Run
Actually, the 2012 route for the Fireball Run Adventurally, themed “Northern Exposure,” will travel from the Midwest/Great Lakes region to the Northeast/New England. Please relay all your great comments and support to Chevrolet so they will continue to support this important cause. Thank you.
Carrie with Children
Thanks for the update! I’m sure it will be a great event!
Jules from A Little Bite of Life
Carrie- I think what Chevy is doing is wonderful, and what a fun and interesting way to bring awareness to the issue of missing children. Thank you also, for your part in making us aware of this group.
I work with an organization that helps to find missing people, and most people have no idea of the amount of missing people/children there are in this world. I also have a personal friend whose sister has been missing for twenty years-they do not know if she ran away or was murdered (she was 13 at the time and left with two strange men). I know, first hand, the heart ache she has gone through in trying to find her sister. Any legitimate way to raise missing children awareness, like the Chevy campaign, is awesome!!
Carrie with Children
Hi Jules – Thanks so much for sharing your story. I can’t imagine the heartache that comes along with being in that position. I’ll say a prayer for your friend and her family.
Dawn Sandomeno
Carrie – what a great event. I can not imagine anything more heartbreaking than having a child go missing. I applaud Chevy’s efforts to raise money and awareness, as well as your own for sharing it here on your blog. It’s a shame some, always look for a negative in the positive things others do!
Carrie with Children
Thanks for your nice note, Dawn. I really appreciate you taking the time to read about this fantastic event!
Amy
What an amazing program! Thanks to Chevrolet/GM in the Southeast for championing the plight of missing children!
Carrie with Children
Thanks for reading, Amy!
Dawn Camp
This sounds like a good cause and a really neat event to attend!
Carrie with Children
It was a really fun event, Dawn. I was so thankful to be included in welcoming them to my city! Thanks for reading!
Mommy Blog Expert
Excellent post, Carrie. It’s always good to see big brands like Chevy behind such meaningful community projects. Keep up the great work!
Carrie with Children
Thanks so much, Janis. I agree with you – I love seeing brands step up and make a difference in their communities!
Jennifer
Hi Carrie and thank you for sharing this event on your blog. I’ve never heard of it before and I think it is just fantastic.
To the 1st commenter I don’t see a problem with a company that has multiple brands under it, even if one may be alcohol. As the Fireball rep said NASCAR supports Budwiser but that does not mean they let the drivers drink and drive.
Carrie with Children
Hi Jennifer – I appreciate you reading! I think this is the second year of the event!
Charity L.
Wow! That is one neat car:)
Thanks for telling us about this event. I would love to attend one sometime. I think what they are doing is great!
Carrie with Children
Thanks for reading, Charity!
Vanessa: the queen of swag !
GREAT POST!
Carrie with Children
Thanks for reading, Vanessa!
David Hickman
Carrie,
I thought I would give you a follow-up to last year’s rally- Geoff Bodine and Winston Scott’s assigned missing children, Trust and Journey were recovered and returned home safely and the Father is in this year’s rally. (see below)
Father of Recovered Children Joins Search for Others
Maj. James Everitt, father of recovered missing children, Trust and Journey joins Fireball Run
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA- Reality Filmed Series with headlines that read like a Hollywood movie: Young siblings spirited away, the father, an Air Force Major searching for his missing children. A NASCAR Driver and a Shuttle Astronaut join the cross-country Race to Recover America’s Missing Children. A social worker across the country sees the press coverage, recognizes the children in a homeless shelter and alerts authorities… the children are returned home safely for the holidays.
Last year’s Fireball Run Adventurally, themed “Southern Excursion,” ran from Melbourne, FL to Gulfport, MS and included Jacksonville FL, Savannah, Atlanta and Peachtree City GA, Charleston, SC, Knoxville, Crossville and Clarksville TN, Scottsville, KY, and Anniston AL. Participants ranged from business leaders and politicians to billionaires and celebrities, including Full Metal Jacket’s Kevyn Major Howard and Tim Colceri, as well as NASCAR’s Geoff Bodine and NASA Shuttle Captain Winston Scott who were searching for Trust and Journey Everitt.
Five children being searched for in 2011 were recovered; Fireball Run was directly attributed with the recovery of Trust and Journey Everitt. The missing Melbourne, FL children were identified in Vancouver, Washington due to media coverage of the rally and have been returned safely home. The Father of Trust and Journey, Maj. James Everitt, is participating in this year’s (2012) Adventurally in the hopes of bringing that same success to another parent or family.
This year’s Fireball Run Adventurally is themed “Northern Exposure” and runs from Independence OH to Bangor ME, September 21-29. It can be followed live on FireballRun.com/Live and viewed as episodes on FireballRun.TV beginning next year.
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The FIREBALL RUN is an 8-day, 15-city, 2,500 mile interactive Adventurally; a life-size trivia board game with exotic cars as the pieces and America as the game board. But there is nothing trivial about its purpose or results. It is often referred to as “the most fun you will ever have, doing the most important thing you’ve ever done.”
Each team is assigned a missing child from their home region along with thousands of posters to distribute along the route. A decal featuring the child is affixed to the vehicle, creating a rolling awareness campaign. To date, the effort has assisted in the recovery of 38 missing children. The Race to Recover America’s Missing Children is the largest active recovery effort for missing and exploited children in the country.
To learn more about the Fireball Run or to schedule an interview, please email media@fireballrun.com or call David Hickman, EVP, Marketing 407.224.5403