The Fireball Run may have rolled out of town weeks ago, but its effects are still being felt.
As an optional piece of the Fireball Run, which was in Jamestown Sept. 23-24, participants could earn points by purchasing a toy to donate to a local charity. Mayors in each community were asked to identify a local organization that could benefit from the event. Mayor Sam Teresi chose the Jamestown Boys and Girls Club to be the benefactor of the event.
"I've had a long experience with the Boys and Girls Club," Teresi said. "I used to serve on their board of directors a number of years ago. As a member of the Jamestown Kiwanis Club, we work very closely with the Boys and Girls Club. We know what they can do and we know what they do accomplish down here on a daily basis."
Article Photos
The Jamestown Boys and Girls Club received more than 80 toy and game donations, thanks to the Fireball Run. Pictured, from left, are Lee Harkness, DJDC executive director; Kamille LaMountain; Mayor Sam Teresi, Jeff Kroon, Boys and Girls Club executive director; Makim Pryce; Dianne Woleen, Boys and Girls Club program director; and Brody Retterer.
P-J photo by Liz Skoczylas
Together with the Fireball Run organizers, the city and Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation developed the idea of donating toys, particularly ones that have meaning to the Fireball Run participants as well as educational value.
"This was something that was done out of the hearts and the pocketbooks of the contestants of the Fireball Run," Teresi said.
The Fireball Run participants collected more than 80 toys and games, valued at more than $1,000. The toys and games will be used during the Boys and Girls Club annual Christmas break gift giveaway. Every December, the Boys and Girls Club distributes tickets to member children as a reward for participating in positive activities at the club. The children then use the tickets in a multi-day, Chinese-style auction. The club will also use some of the toys for fundraising efforts.
"Nearly every team in the Fireball Run talked to us and were very excited to share their stories," said Dianne Wolleen, Boys and Girls Club program director. "One participant was a doctor, so she donated a Mr. Potato Head because of the anatomy aspect. Her husband said he worked for M&M Mars and donated a high-quality cap embroidered with an M&M logo."
The Fireball Run was part of the Universal Studios Fireball Run Adventurally Series. The main goal of the race was to raise awareness and aid in the location of America's missing children. Universal Studios films the rally for internet broadcast and video release.