GREENSBORO, NC (March 11, 2019) NC811 was proud to partner with Surry Yadkin EMC and Surry Community College to sponsor the 12th Annual Pinewood Derby, on Friday, February 15th, 2019, at J. Sam Gentry Middle School to raise funds for Camp Victory Junction.  Camp Victory Junction is a weeklong camp experience for children with chronic and serious medical

illnesses.  The camp provides life-changing experiences for children while also providing medical caregiving children with serious illness opportunities that defy medical barriers.  Kids with cancer, genetic disorders, kidney, heart or lung disease, and other chronic illnesses can attend Victory Junction free of charge for one week.

The Pinewood Derby is the culminating event for seventh graders to show what they have learned about science, math and language arts since the beginning of the school year. Through curriculum design, the student’s ultimate goal is to create a derby car using science, math and language arts skills weaved into the curriculum. The final “test” is to have fun, race their cars and see their hard work in action.

Brian Morehouse, Western Region Education Liaison for NC 811 and NASCAR Touring Official in his spare time was on hand to speak with the children about racing, competition and contacting 811 before you dig.  Brian stated, “NC811 was proud to take part in this event and feel all participants were WINNERS”.

The Derby was funded by a grant Surry Yadkin EMC provided for teachers to buy car kits and necessary supplies in order to build the cars and create the event. Surry Community College provided on-site support to ensure that the event was fun and successful.  A new feature for this year’s event was Victory Lane, sponsored by NC811.  Student and teacher teams competed with Team Twitter ending the day in Victory Lane.

This year’s Pinewood Derby was a success, not only in winning cars but also in community partnerships. Through partnerships with Surry Yadkin EMC, NC811 and Surry Community College, students were able to experience learning in action while raising $2,394 for Camp Victory Junction.

About NC811
Since 1978, North Carolina 811 has provided you a fast and easy communications link with your local utility providers. You give us information about your excavation, we transmit the information to the utilities and then they send out locators to mark your underground lines at no cost.  So remember, call 811 or 1-800-632-4949 three working days before you plan on digging.

Media Contact:
Ann Rushing
(336) 944-5518
annrushing@nc811.org