PATRICK LONG SPEAKS TO HUDSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

SIMONA DI SILVESTRO SPEAKS TO LOS CERRITOS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

“The presentation was not only beneficial for the young people, but also for the staff as well. Some of the young people were talking to each other and the staff about some of the issues RWC presented. This kind of dialogue allows our young people to make some changes in the direction their lives are going. They were definitely more motivated. We are definitely interested in more RWC presentations.” John Dunning, Residential Care Coordinator, Jones Home of Children’s Services (Shelter for teens taken from home by court order due to abuse), Cleveland, Ohio 

DAVID BRABHAM BONDS WITH TEENS AT CLEVELAND, OHIO’S BUCKEYE RANCH

“When Steve (Johnson) rolled in his bike and began to talk about the racing profession, students began to think that dreams can come true with a little common sense and effort. The students who had an opportunity to meet with Steve were extremely impressed. They in turn talked to other students about his visit and I in turn received many student requests for him to return. All schools and all ages of students would benefit from this program.” Gregg Nielson, Lawrence Gardner High School (Full Lockdown correctional institution for young men), Topeka, Kansas 

YOUNG MEN TRY ON CINDY LUX’S RACING GEAR, INUKI FAMILY CLUB, HILLSBORO, OR

“They talked about Steve Johnson and his motorcycle for several weeks after the visit. We played up his comments about being a part of the team in our after school program.” Jane Voorhees, YMCA of Western Monmouth County (Latchkey Program), New Jersey 

BECKMAN BONDS AT LEGORE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, INDIANAPOLIS

“Visits to racers, like this field trip (to the NHRA Winternationals at Pomona, California) are crucial to opening the kids’ minds and helping them lift themselves out of poverty.” Dave Rambeau, Director, United American Indian Involvement (Homeless kids from downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row area took field trip to race), Los Angeles, California 

“Many of our young people are without parents or have parents that are unable to care for them. They are also in gangs and they think it’s the best thing that has ever happened to them.” Renee Smetzer, The Jones Home, Center for abused children and teens taken from their homes by Court-Order, Cleveland, Ohio 

KIDS FROM HOUGHTON PARK, KING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND L.A. LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, WITH RANDY POBST

“Tom Kendall was honest, open and genuine with our campers. We have a large portion of campers that are disadvantaged and Tom showed success and overcoming adversity . . .There are more ways to be a winner in life than coming in 1st.” Pete Szlozyk, of the Hidden Valley 4-H Camp in Watkins Glen, New York 

“Steve Johnson has presented at our school several times. He is highly inspirational and motivating to our student population. The presentation leaves our students with hope and thoughts that they can succeed in life if they don’t give up on themselves.” Gregg Nielson, Education Director at Lawrence Gardner High School, a full lock-down correctional institution for teen men located in Topeka, Kansas 

STUDENTS GETS INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION FROM PIRELLI WORLD CHALLENGE COMPETITOR MIKE SKEEN

“The stories about the racers’ lives, how they got started, and the struggles they’ve had, reinforces a critical message for these youth: that it is important to set a goal and strive to achieve it.” Laura Yergan, Gila River Juvenile Detention and Rehabilitation Center, Chandler, Arizona 

“I’ve never seen kids so quiet, and sitting still for so long, in my entire life! They not only obviously enjoyed the presentation, but they asked a lot of questions, a good sign that they were both interested in, and were understanding, what was being said. The presentation definitely made a positive impact. The speaker (Randy Tolsma) showed himself to be a normal guy. The Scouts feel they can emulate him. He gave them a sense of hope – not everyone who is successful in life made straight A’s in school! They came away with a clearer understanding of why they need to learn things like science and math. They also came away with the deep impression that no one will give them anything in this life – they have to plan to work hard at whatever they decide to do.” Waverly Johnson, Grand Canyon Council Boy Scouts, Phoenix, Arizona 

“This was the most positive thing these kids have done in a long time! It was a blast! The boys were quite impressed with the fact that a number of racers stopped whatever they were doing and took time to visit with them. They asked a lot of questions about how to get involved in something they like. They came away with a greater understanding that education plays an important part in achieving success – math, physical education, sports, staying in shape, are all crucial keys. The fact that racers are living a dream accomplished, and that this possibility is actually a reality, made a lasting impact.” Hector Magdelano, Hillsboro Boys & Girls Club, Portland, Oregon 

“Fabulous! It made quite a lasting impression. In the playroom, several racers challenged each other and patients to Foosball. There was a lot of yelling encouragement. A great thing was the race car seat one of the racers brought. The kids loved sitting in it. They saw exactly how safe you need to be. The kids were very impressed that famous people, that they see on television, were there. ‘Gosh! They’re here to see me!’ The patients could see that though these were famous people, they were nice, and concerned. They will always remember, and relate to that, throughout their lives. Kids need to be bombarded with positive role models like this – who will spend time with them. The visit was very effective.” Pamela Aubuchon, Child Life Specialist, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri