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Special Awards
Several years after its inception, DRAW responded to a growing desire to recognize special contributors . . . individuals or groups that gave a little something extra to further the cause of DRAW. And while those who so faithfully contribute to DRAW seldom seek any personal recognition, some kind deeds were simply too generous to go unacknowledged.
In an effort to honor the extra-special efforts of these contributors, DRAW created their own special award, DRAW Person Of The Year.
In addition to Person of the Year, DRAW occassionally names a Company, Group, Couple, and Volunteer of the Year. These awards are presented annually each October at the Texas Motorplex in Dallas during the DRAW Memorabilia Auction.
Throughout the racing season, DRAW's Board of Trustees accepts nominations for these awards and each September during the board meeting at the U.S. Nationals, a lively discussion ensues to decide who will be honored. Sifting through the many kind deeds performed each year by wonderful DRAW supporters, it's a difficult job to narrow the list down to just one recipient, a task best described by board members as "a labor of love".
DRAW's 2008 Special Awards
DRAW Person of the Year
The 2008 DRAW Person of the Year award was presented to a group of people rather than a single person. This group worked very hard to promote DRAW by involving both the drag racing community and the fans in a fund raising activity that was indeed a lot of fun. Even though Mother Nature didn’t cooperate and the first ball of the softball game in Maple Grove wasn’t even thrown out, everyone attending had a great time. Accepting the DRAW Persons of the Year Award on behalf of the NHRA Media Relations Staff was Staff Member Lachelle Seymour.
DRAW Company of the Year
The 2008 DRAW Company of the Year award was presented to MOPAR. To help make the Mopar racers more aware of DRAW’s efforts to provide “Fast Help for Fast Friends,” Mopar included DRAW in the autograph session held during the Block Party at the Mopar Mile High Nationals in Denver, CO. Accepting the Company of the Year Award on behalf of Mopar was John Danato.
DRAW Volunteer of the Year
It would be very difficult for any DRAW Volunteer to follow in the footsteps of this year’s DRAW Volunteer of the Year. This volunteer with the help of his wife has raised $80,000 for DRAW in the last ten years holding 50/50 raffles. The raffle in Dallas was the 53rd raffle in which he has participated. He averages walking 25 miles an event where a raffle is being held. This year’s DRAW Volunteer of the Year is John Cole.
Previous Honorees
DRAW Person Of The Year
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Year: |
Recipient: |
Contribution: |
| 2007 |
Carolyn Ashbee
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For her outstanding service and support |
| 2006 |
William McLemore
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For 20 years of dedicated service to DRAW |
| 2005 |
Alan Reinhart
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For being one of DRAW's most vocal supporters |
| 2004 |
Betty Doke
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For unselfishly lending her creative talents to DRAW's fundraising activities |
| 2003 |
Jerry Gwynn
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For his strong support of DRAW since its inception |
| 2002 |
John Force
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For his unequalled contribution to DRAW and drag racing |
| 2001 |
Ken Warner
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For transporting DRAW's National Event Booth to NHRA events |
| 2000 |
Terry Noble
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For coordinating the DRAW ladder sheet program |
| 1999 |
TAG
(Track Announcers Guild) |
For their faithful and spirited support as the "Mouthpiece of DRAW" |
| 1998 |
PRO |
For their promotion and contribution to DRAW |
| 1997 |
Beth Hyatt |
For spearheading DRAW's move to accept credit cards |
| 1996 |
Bob Frey |
For his tireless promotion of DRAW and Auctioneer Volunteer |
| 1995 |
Louise McClelland |
For her priceless hand-crafted quilts for DRAW Auctions |
| 1994 |
Dave McClelland |
For his tireless promotion of DRAW and Auctioneer Volunteer |
| 1993 |
NHRA Staff |
For their extensive support of DRAW in a multitude of ways |
| 1992 |
Jack McCormack |
For transporting DRAW's National Event Booth to each NHRA event |
DRAW
Celebrating 24 Years of Service to the Drag Racing Community!
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