Local Business Leaders Race for Charity

Nearly 50 local business leaders and spectators gathered at Hillside Go Cart track for the third annual United Way Up Go Cart race on Thursday night, April 29. A total of $2600 was raised in the event for Fort Madison Area United Way and will be counted as the starting amount for this year's campaign which will begin in earnest in the fall. Ideal weather (though a bit windy) made this a great evening to enjoy racing, race food such as hot dogs and chips, and some lively competition.

The 15 racers each competed in two qualifying heats of six laps and the three with the best scores advanced to the championship race. The three that advanced because of qualifying heats were Derek Neuweg of Jim Baier Inc. with two first place finishes, and Kevin Adams of Lee County Bank and Ryan Nagrocki of State Central Bank each with a first and second place finish.

The other three spots in the finals were awarded to those who had the highest donations as a combination of business gift; donations raised ahead of time provided by co-workers, other business associates, family or friends; and at the event itself with collection cans for each racer. The three highest donation amount sp\lots in the championship race went to: Charlie Holliday of Climax Molybdenum with $360.50 raised, Rachel Benda of Kensington with $346.94 raised, and Kevin Harter of Backslash Technologies with $313 raised.

First place in the Championship heat went to Kevin Adams of Lee County Bank, with second place going to Derek Neuweg of Jim Baier Inc. and third place going to Rachel Benda of Kensington.

The event was made possible by donation of the track and staff for the time of the event by Ryan Crank of HIllside Go Carts, food and beverage donations by HyVee, Frito-Lay, Coke, and board members.

The funds raised will benefit the 24 local partners of United Way which provide services for all ages of residents throughout North Lee County.