About 3800 spectators came out to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center to cheer on drivers who competed in the Sixth Annual Builders Care Demolition Derby. The day started at 7 a.m., with participants working on their cars for the much anticipated event. Everyone was in a frenzy trying to get everything ready from the cars all the way down to the scrumptious lunch that was prepared by TECO Peoples Gas.

This is the second year the thrilling event was held at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. "The Demolition Derby has become a much loved event for the staff here at the equestrian center, because we see such interest from the community. The Builders Care group is probably one of our favorite groups to work with and they do such great work for our community," said Lesa Williams, assistant facility manager for the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

It was an all day event with companies coming together for a good cause. There were five areas of competition: three heats, the final event that had the top drivers from each heat, and a final smash-off that included all the cars that could make it back into the competition.

"Bill Wilson and the Builders Care team give the greatest gift in the world. Not only do they help people living in substandard conditions, they also allow the community to get involved and be part of the Builders Care family," said Kevin Hardy, former NFL player for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hardy also said that the Demolition Derby was an action packed event that the whole family could take pleasure in and that he enjoyed participating in an event that was put on by people who do great work for their community.

The 2008 Demolition Derby winner was Guy Lachapelle, in the Shapells "space mobile." The final smash off winner was Julie Castine, who drove for Coastal View Windows.

The Gator County 99.9-FM morning crew emceed the event. Their very own Steve Sutton even drove in the derby. Sutton said the best part of the event is completely intangible. The sense of sportsmanship and fellowship are attributes that every event strives for but few pull off. Sutton said that this event hit a home run in both aspects.

"Our sorry old jalopy never would have made it to the arena without the help of Bobby Sutton, Stephens Advertising, and American Electrical just to name a few," said Sutton. "My thanks again to everyone at Builders Care for letting us be apart of this event. We hope it's a beneficial partnership that continues to raise awareness of a most worthwhile charity."

The money made from the event will all be put back into the Jacksonville community and will allow Northeast Florida Builders Association Builders Care to repair more than 50 roofs for Jacksonville's fragile citizens.

"I had a good time and we wrecked a lot of cars. This year giving the state of the housing market, it was important to have our annual fundraiser, a real "fun raiser", and I think we did it. The participants included all the guys that help us on a day to day basis and it was good to hear them laughing together," said Bill Wilson, executive director for Builders Care.
Written by: Dalia Mousa, dmousa@builderscare.org