By Ashley Reyes
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea—a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.
This year is no exception. While there are many organizations that support certain causes and issues, only one works hand-in-hand with SEMA and select charities that best reflect the values of the automotive industry and children in need; that organization is SEMA Cares.
Below are five ways SEMA members can support SEMA Cares this GivingTuesday, November 30. Through their support, participants will join the industry to help fight pediatric cancer through the Austin Hatcher Foundation, child abuse through Childhelp and children with serious medical conditions and illnesses through Victory Junction.
Give the gift of a build-at-home pinewood drag car. Give the gift of a toy car just in time for the holidays, and all for a good cause. Donate and receive a kit, which includes a pre-shaped pinewood car or truck body, wheels, axles and weights. The wooden car or truck can be built at home, then decorated by adding paint, stickers or other design elements. The stock kit includes a pinewood vehicle body (car or truck available), wheels, axles and weight set.
Donate and receive a kit, which includes a pre-shaped pinewood car or truck body, wheels, axles and weights.
Sport your automotive passion. The SEMA Cares lapel pin is worth a thousand words. With its one-of-a-kind design of a single-seater pinewood car, the pin represents the best of automotive passion, youthful spirit and charitable giving. The pewter-like finish blends automotive grit with style making a statement wherever you wear it.
Display a celebrity-autographed pinewood on your shelf. Noteworthy industry celebrities have partnered with SEMA Cares to autograph pinewood drag cars that are now available for purchase. Add it as a cool staple piece to your shelf or gift it to an industry fan! Available for purchase are pinewoods signed by NASCAR Champion Joey Logano, drag-racing star Leah Pruett, television personality Aaron Kaufman, Formula DRIFT racer Vaughn Gittin Jr., racing legend Mario Andretti, NHRA Champion John Force and Formula DRIFT racer Justin Pawlak.
SEMA members can simply give back with a cash donation.
Make a direct donation. SEMA members can simply give back with a cash donation. One hundred percent goes directly to a SEMA Cares partnering charity.
Become a volunteer. While cash donations are incredibly significant, there are ways SEMA members can help others in need beyond financial donations. SEMA Cares hosts and assists with various sponsored events throughout the year and offers members the opportunity to help behind-the-scenes or work directly with the community members and charitable organizations.
To learn more about SEMA Cares and how to support this GivingTuesday, visit www.sema.org/sema-cares.