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May 27, 2008

Soap box derby darling seeking more super kids

By Joe Pinchot

MERCER COUNTY — Pam Dorfi has surpassed her hopes for the Greater Pennsylvania Super Kids, a soap box derby set for June 28 in Sharon.

She has met her goals for the number of racers and amount of donations, and sponsors and volunteers continue to offer their assistance.

“It’s gotten so big,” she said. “Every day I pick up the phone and someone says, ‘What can I do?’”

The Hermitage woman, who is organizing the event on behalf of Sharon Elks Lodge 103, had hoped to have 20 special needs children race down East State Street between Forker Boulevard and Stambaugh Avenue. So far, 22 have signed up.

But, there is room for more and Ms. Dorfi hopes that more local children will want to participate. The Elks raise money for a home nursing program for special needs children, through which s. Dorfi has signed up kids from Erie, Pittsburgh, Oil City, Franklin and Youngstown. Only three local children are ready to race, she said.

The registration deadline is Sunday. Registration is free.

Children must be between the ages of 8 and 17 with verifiable physical disabilities as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act.

For information and to register children, call Ms. Dorfi at 724-0347-6009 or 724-301-6090.

Volunteers also are needed for concession stands, setting up and working the race on race day, packing bags for kids, and staffing a banquet.

The day begins with registration from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A parade of cars and children follows, starting at Grace Chapel Community Church, Elm Avenue, and heading up State Street to the race site. The first car goes down the hill at 1 p.m.

Following the race, the Elks will hold a banquet for the racers.

Although the special needs kids do not drive the cars — experienced kid drivers will be at the wheel — the event is competitive and the winner will race in the All-American Rally Championship July 26 in Akron, Ohio.

Ms. Dorfi said she can’t wait to see the riders’ faces light up when they come down the hill.

“We want the kids to have those beautiful smiles,” she said.



Donations for the event can be sent to the Shenango Valley Foundation, 33 Chestnut Ave., Sharon 16146. Make out checks to Greater Pennsylvania Super Kids. A Web site has been set up at www.greaterpasuperkids.com.

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