News

The 2019 United Way Corporate Derby Challenge Presented By Fallsway Equipment Company Announces Renewal

The United Way of Summit County and Fallsway Equipment Company continue to partner with the International Soap Box Derby (ISBD) for the 2019 United Way Corporate Derby Challenge (CDC) presented by Fallsway Equipment Company.

This event is the Soap Box Derby’s top fundraiser to support the Derby’s mission to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through collaboration and fair and honest competition. The CDC is a high-energy event that ignites a team’s competitive fire as they collaborate, design, assemble, decorate and compete in an entertaining race with their own adult Soap Box Derby car.

Corporations, small businesses, groups and community organizations can experience a unique event that is sure to entertain. The Corporate Derby Challenge involves teams working together to assemble their own adult Soap Box Derby car chassis from a pre-manufactured kit provided by the Soap Box Derby.

Once the car chassis is assembled, teams can tap into their creativity by constructing and decorating their car wherever their imagination takes them, as long as it is according to the Corporate Derby Challenge guidelines.

An unveiling reception will take place Thursday, July 11, at Derby Downs where each team will reveal its CDC car and the best designed, constructed and decorated cars will be honored. All in attendance will enjoy appetizers, spirits, and a night of entertainment. There will be additional fundraising raffles and auction items, with some of the proceeds benefitting an under-served community group in Akron with Soap Box Derby curriculum and racing programs.

As an added bonus, teams will be the first to see the World Championship cars that will be participating in the 2019 FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship Race the following week.

On Friday, July 12, the CDC teams will race for trophies and bragging rights. Activities will consist of trial runs, fun runs, tailgating, food trucks, and of course, the CDC competition where each team will race each other down the famous Derby Downs track.

“United Way is proud to sponsor the Corporate Derby Challenge,” said Jim Mullen, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Summit County. “Hands- on experiences like the Soap Box Derby help kids develop creativity and a love of learning. The Corporate Derby Challenge gives local professionals the chance to share in the fun while supporting a program that inspires young people to succeed in school and in life.”

“We are proud to be partnered with the Soap Box Derby,” said Harry Fairhurst, Chairman of Fallsway Equipment Company. “It has been pleasing to see both of our organizations develop and grow over these past years. We believe this event supports the growth of our community and offers excellent networking between local businesses.”

“We are fortunate to have so many companies support our United Way Corporate Derby ChallengeÔ presented by Fallsway Equipment Company,” said Mark Gerberich, president and chief executive officer of ISBD. “These community partners really help the Soap Box Derby fulfill its mission and generate opportunities for the under-served community to benefit from the Summit County neighborhoods.

It is also a great opportunity for these partners to spend time meeting each other (at the networking/unveiling party) and engaging in a fun social experience (racing and tailgating).”

There are limited corporate spots available for teams to join in the action. For more information about the CDC, visit our website at corporatederbychallenge.soapboxderby.org