Child's Play: Tricycle Race to Raise Funds

BY MATTHEW MORIARTY: STAFF WRITER

When's the last time you rode a tricycle?

For most adults, it's probably been a while.

A group of local leaders will get the chance to feel (or maybe fall) like a kid again April 3 during the United Way of Moore County's Tricycle Race in downtown Southern Pines.

"We have 24 contestants competing for the gold," said Linda Pearson, executive director of the United Way of Moore County.

The race will pit librarian against banker, mayor against town manager, chamber executive against socialite and on and on. The track will be on New Hampshire Avenue between Broad and Bennett streets, passing in front of the historic Jefferson Inn.

Southern Pines Mayor

Mike Haney said that he doesn't mind embarrassing himself for a good cause.

"No, not a bit in the world," he said. "I am all about trying to be helpful. It's not the first thing I would do when I wake up in the morning, but I'm up for it."

Each contestant pays a $100 fee to enter the race, and the United Way has gotten some local businesses to sponsor it. The race also helps the United Way raise money by keeping its name out in the public during a time of the year when it is not conducting its annual fundraising drive, which takes place in the fall.

"We think it's a fun event," Pearson said. "And it brings attention to the United Way."

Haney commended the organizers for coming up with a novel way to increase public awareness.

"It's a challenge, a real challenge to try to keep it exciting," Haney said, "so that people remember to support it."

The United Way is an umbrella organization that raises funds and doles out the money to 21 local nonprofit agencies.

The United Way hopes that many of the race spectators will come down with a bout of March Madness. Pearson said that there will be brackets for the public to fill out, and a champion will be crowned. Spectators can submit a bracket for $5, she said.

The owner of the winning bracket gets the prize of being in The Pilot. Unfortunately, there is no cash prize.

"We couldn't get into the whole gambling thing," Pearson said.

For those reasons and more, Pearson said, the event is much more than a chance to embarrass her friends. However, she said she's not competing.

"Nooooo," she said. "I won't participate unless at some point in time it's demanded of me."

Contact Matthew Moriarty at 693-2479 or by e-mail at moriarty@thepilot.com.