As far as media sponsorships go, there wasn’t much debate among the staff of Soapbox on whether or not to get behind the Cincinnati Soap Box Derby which returns to Gilbert Avenue on June 21st. Any doubt evaporated after we heard about the Derby's innovative and community-building approach to reaching a more diverse participation rate while raising sponsorship dollars. That, coupled with the fact that we are going to build the hottest Soapbox car – ever, led us to discover a little more about this ancient sport. Recently we spoke with Doug Newberry, spokesman for the non-profit, Cincinnati Soap Box Derby, Inc., who filled us in on what we can expect at this year’s race.
“We’re predicting doubling the number of young people who attend this year’s event,” says Newberry. Traditionally, the Derby brings in young racers and their family support crews from all over the region but thanks to a new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati, as well as initiatives designed to increase neighborhood and corporate involvement, Newberry is hoping to draw at least half of his speed racers from the center city this year.
Team building with wheels
Maybe you’ve been to corporate team building exercises where you traipse through the woods or swing out over mud pits on zip lines, but this year the Derby provides Cincinnati executives and managers an opportunity to rally their staff while helping out the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati. Need to get your employees motivated? Consider entering the Derby’s “Build-A-Box” competition alongside a youth from the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati at the BMW store in Silverton on May 18. Assemble your car faster than the other competing teams and be the envy of all your co-workers as you return victoriously to the office with giant trophy held loftily above your head.
Prizes will also be awarded based on how well the companies can trick out their respective “shells.” Judges from branding, graphic design and advertising agencies will determine winners in two categories: “Best Brand Impression” and “Most Artistic.”
Cost for businesses wishing to enter the team-forming, one-day “Build-A-Box” event is $1000 which provides everything you need to build your own green machine including a car kit, racing wheels, tools, a “Build-A-Box” t-shirt for each member of your team and the opportunity to work alongside a great kid from the Boys & Girls Club. Deadline for entry into the "Build-A-Box" competition is April 28.
Friendly, neighborhood rivalry
Mayor Mallory showed his support for the derby by announcing his sponsorship of the Mayor’s Cincinnati Cup Challenge for the second year in a row which is a direct challenge to the city’s 52 neighborhoods. The separate but simultaneous competition promises a $5,000 grand prize to go to the Community Council that sponsors the winning entry.“If you are serious about getting resources for your community, all you have to do is get $670, for the race entry fee - and find a kid,” said Mallory.
Organizers are hoping to double the number of entries from the 2007 race while using the new sponsorship models to help expand participation among families who may not have the financial resources to enter the event. Soap Box Derby officials have been making the rounds to Council meetings, introducing the challenge and offering fundraising ideas.
Businesses can participate on a smaller scale by sponsoring a car for as little as $25 which will get your logo splashed across one of the shells.
Deadline for entry into the Derby is May 31. All racers competing in the Cincinnati Cup are required to attend an April 20 clinic at the BMW Store in Silverton.
For more information on the June 21 Soap Box Derby, including sponsorship opportunities and registration forms, visit www.cincinnatisoapboxderby.com or contact Doug Newberry directly at 513-885-1373.
Photographs provided by Vic Sprague
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