October 1, 2004 State Championship Event Benefits Many Floridians By John Barker LAKELAND, FLORIDA -­ USA International Speedway will play host to its 2nd Annual Foresters Race for the Kids that features a FASCAR Florida State Championship Super Late Model 200 on Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. to raise funds for our children. Funds raised support Gulf Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Gulf Coast Division of Children's Home Society of Florida. The 2003 race grossed $39,000 at USA Int'l Speedway with these funds then matched dollar-for-dollar by the Foresters. Even with the tough times caused by hurricanes that have struck Polk County hard there are still many people that need this financial help including local individuals that now live on a wing and a prayer. Lakeland, FL grandmother, Harriet Groover has been able to receive funding in her efforts to raise a family of eight grandchildren ages three to 18 by providing them with a new path of hope thanks to the Forester's. Keeping these children together is paramount for this woman. "I usually don't know what the next meal will be," Groover said, looking up at the ceiling. "I pray that God's grace will help me take care of them and my prayers have been answered in many ways thanks to the Forester's." "For 130 years, Foresters have been passionate about helping families live richer and fuller lives," said W. David Braughton, Foresters Regional Director. "Our belief is that you can't separate the welfare and well being of our members form their communities. How better to measure how the community is doing than by its children." The Boy Scouts of America also benefit from this event and will hold a race weekend camping session at USA Int'l Speedway. "Fundraisers like this one are the backbone of our organization and we thank the Foresters and USA International Speedway for putting together such an awesome event for our children that helps them gain personal values, self confidence and leadership skills that help them grow into strong models for the next generation," said Ray Hair, Director of the Gulf Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Lakeland Mayor Buddy Pletcher will make a proclamation to show support for the event by the City of Lakeland. For the second consecutive year this event is supported by many area businesses, Lakeland Police Department and City of Lakeland Traffic Operations. Tickets can be purchased by calling USA International Speedway at (863) 984-7223 or by contacting Foresters Tampa Regional Office at (813) 874-1700 Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! <news@karnac.org>or send a letter to the editor!