The Greater Cleveland Council of the Boy Scouts of America held its second annual Pinewood Derby Friday evening at Pat O’Brien Chevrolet in Westlake. Above: West Life’s entry, the red car on the right, was among 75 entries in the contest. (West Life photos by Larry Bennet)

Pinewood Derby raises $15,000 for Boy Scouts
By Kevin Kelley
Westlake
Published March 28, 2007

The second annual Pinewood Derby held Friday evening at Pat O’Brien Chevrolet raised $15,500 for the Greater Cleveland Council of the Boy Scouts of America, said Chris Moore, the organization’s district executive.

Seventy-five entries from local businesses entered the contest. The Koyo Corporation took first place and the Pat O’Brien Chevrolet Race Team came in second.

Businesses could enter at three different donation levels — $100, $250 or $500 – or make a donation to the silent auction.

Linda Sekoulopoulas and her son Nikolas cheer on their car.

“Money that we raise will go to support programs we offer in the area to boys in the scouting program,” Moore said, adding that 20,000 youth are involved in Scouting, supported by over 4,000 volunteers.

Five area restaurants – Dave and Busters, Loco Leprechaun, Beckers Donuts, Three Birds and Buca di Beppo – provided food for race fans.

“Pat O’Brien Chevrolet has been very helpful,” Moore said of the event’s host. “Their staff has been really excited to help.”

A Pinewood Derby fund-raiser was thought of as a great way for Scouting to network with the community, Moore said. It was also seen as a good way for adults who were Scouts in their youth to connect with scouting today.

John Wilson, a partner in Harding and Jacob Insurance, practically went hoarse emceeing the event and promoting the silent auction. Items attendees could bid on included Cavaliers and Indians tickets, watches, a one-month membership at Five Seasons Sports Club and four oil changes at O’Brien Chevrolet.

Sean Murphy, a staff engineer at Energizer in Westlake, built one of  that company’s three entries. He told West Life he spent about seven hours on the vehicle.

“The key is reducing the friction between the wheels and axles,” Murphy said.

How did he manage to do that?

The answer was top secret, said Murphy, who finished first in his first-round heat.

West Life reporter Ben Saylor built his first Pinewood vehicle as the newspaper’s entry from the block of wood, nails and wheels participants are provided. He based his car on his own Olds Delta 88.

The car finished third in its heat. Next time, Saylor said he’ll make the car heavier to increase its speed.

“I crossed the finish line, so I consider that a victory,” Saylor said.

While the corporate sponsors raced Friday evening, local Scouting troops held a separate race Saturday morning.