MANSFIELD — Building and racing pinewood derby cars has been a Boy Scout tradition for decades. So when a couple of area scout leaders were brainstorming ideas for a fundraiser, it seemed like the perfect fit.
The 2020 Corporate Pinewood Derby on Thursday, sponsored by the Regional Manufacturer’s Coalition, raised $6,800 for the Johnny Appleseed Trail District of the Boy Scouts of America, which encompasses Richland and Ashland counties.
“We thought the event would be a fun way to engage local manufacturers, support the Boy Scouts and have a little fun while we’re at it,” said Bruce Cummins, president of the Regional Manufacturer’s Coalition and vice president of Mansfield Engineered Components.
Cummins said he hopes to make the fundraiser an annual competition. This year’s event was at the Ohio State Reformatory.
Six companies entered a total of 13 cars in the race. Those cars raced on the same 40-foot track used by Boy Scouts.
After 26 heats, one of Gorman-Rupp’s six entries was named the winner. The company took home a massive 1st place trophy, as well as designations for the slowest car, best looking car and best overall organization image.
OhioHealth, the only non-manufacturer in the competition, took second place.
Mansfield Engineered Components earned the 3rd place trophy, along with the ugliest car award.
Other participating companies included Taylor Metals, Step2 of Ashland and Midwest Aircraft Products Company.
Mark Taylor of Taylor Metal Products said he enjoyed the friendly competition among companies that don’t often get the chance to interact.
“It’s kinda fun, there’s a little rivalry,” said Taylor as he stood with his brother, Scott, at the end of the track, watching the cars whiz across the finish line.
Like many of the spectators, Taylor has fond memories of being a Boy Scout. While he didn’t build the two cars entered by Taylor Metal Products, he built a pinewood car as a boy and helped his son, Sam, build one years ago.
“It’s a good family program, now more than ever since girls are involved,” said Taylor.
Scott King, chief operating officer of Gorman-Rupp and an Eagle Scout, also built a pinewood car in his Boy Scout days and later built one with his son.
King said he was happy to support the local Boy Scouts.
“Scouting builds character,” said King. “In a world of instant gratification, scouting teaches long term commitment to getting something done.”
Brian Besecker, vice president of district operations for the Boy Scouts’ Buckeye Council, praised the fundraiser.
“Scouting exists because of the volunteer and financial support provided by the community,” Besecker said.
“By giving (to the Boy Scouts), you are directly supporting scouting programs where you live — programs that clean up your parks, gather food for the area needy and even help your community prepare for disaster and shape future community leaders.
Besecker also assured guests that local Boy Scout troops would be unaffected by the national organization declaring bankruptcy earlier this week.
According to Besecker, Boy Scouts of America filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy to protect the organization and set up a compensation fund for victims of sexual abuse. Local councils, he said, are independently funded and will continue to operate as usual.
