Bob and Kathy Butcher have long traveled the circuit of the Raybestos Brakes NW Tour as chaplains for MRO supporting the series. Not too long ago there was compensation for the support they provided the teams. But the economy began to take a dive last year and it impacted a number of organizations, including MRO.
The Butchers learned in the middle of 2000 that there would be no money for them. If they and the other chaplains in the west were going to continue to offer their services to the racing community they would have to do so through the kindness and generosity of others or out of their own pocket.
Most recently it was the generosity of a driver that grabbed Butcher's heart and he wanted to share a real blessing and act of kindness given to the MRO.
Said Butcher, “Joe Benedetti lost his long-time sponsor the day before the first race at Monroe. At South Sound he put ‘Happy Mother's Day’ on the fenders as sponsor. Now for the last two races Joe, his dad (Andy) and mom (Karen) have sought to use this opportunity to some good and bring attention to MRO and the Chaplains by having ‘Support MRO’ on the car as ‘sponsor’."
Benedetti ran upfront at South Sound, but settled for seventh-place after succombing to tire stagger problems. Last weekend in Yakima he chased Ron Eaton througout the race and finally finishing second. Benedetti gave some excellent PR to the needs of MRO and what they do. Apparently the announcer kept mentioning MRO also, as Butcher heard a lot of good comments from people later after the race regarding MRO.
”Personally I am very grateful and on MRO's behalf I cannot say thank you enough for the kindness and thoughtfulness (of Benedetti). I know it can have an impact on all of us Chaplains from the Cup level and down,” said Butcher.
"The Benedetti's are a neat family and I long to see Joe fulfill his dream of getting a shot of a Truck or Busch tryout; at least a new sponsor," Butcher continued. “He is so capable and is proving it by doing so much with so little. I hope someone takes notice soon. I know the family are all very tired and taking on lots of extra work and stress to keep going even though second place helped.”
To Joe Benedetti, Steve McCormack, the late Dirk Piz, Gaylon Stewart, Mr. Beebe, Joe Nava, Donna Walker, Terry Turner and the Raybestos Brakes, Dave Reed Racing, Duane Drummond, Bill McAnally, an anonymous SW crew, Gary Lewis Racing, Marina Wright, Scott Gaylord, and all the many others that I am failing to mention, we all thank you for your wonderful support of the chaplains.
Through the efforts of the racing community the Winston West chaplain is currently able to attend all the races. Now the the Southwest and Northwest chaplains are in dire need of the support of teams, sponsors and fans to make it to the next race. They are taking it one race at a time.
We all need them there! There was one young lady that sent a dollar. If 20 people did that it would pay a gas bill, if 100 did that it would pay food and lodging for a night. If you can help, will you?
WHAT COULD YOU BUY WITH THE $ FROM A RACE ENGINE??
