Living UNITED…in DIXIE!
Ready… Set…
GO-CARTS! By Rebekah Pectol
When it comes to putting the “fun” back in fundraising, SkyWest Airlines and the City of St. George fall nothing short, as they continue to host the popular Mini Indy charity event! A tradition held in St. George Utah every March, the Mini Indy brings the thrill of go-cart racing to new levels, all while raising funds to support local charitable organizations through United Way Dixie. SkyWest Airlines, a leading air service provider with headquarters located in St. George, partnered with the City of St. George in the year 2000 and created the first Mini Indy event in our area. What started with just a few go-cart teams at the events creation, has now grown to host over 40 competing race teams. Now in its 17th year, SkyWest Airlines, in partnership with the City of St. George, will host businesses and race teams from around the world, traveling in to enjoy the warm Southern Utah weather and take part in the adrenalin pumping experience that the Mini Indy event has to offer. The three day long event rallies around a full schedule of exciting activities sure to please its participants. In support of the SkyWest Scholarship Fund, day one, sponsors can hit the green during the SkyWest Golf Scramble and enjoy 18 holes with SkyWest executives at the St. George Sunbrook Golf Course. The excitement continues on the next day at the Dixie Convention Center, where attendees participate in practice heats and pit competitions, ending the evening with a crowd favorite “Race Dinner” where teams have an opportunity to show off their stunning show car designs and team members’ impressive themed costumes. The checkered flags will fly high the following morning as racers head up to the “Ridgetop Speedway” (Ridgetop Complex – Old St. George Airport) where they will compete in a full day of go-cart racing and heart-pumping fun. Although the race brings fun for all, the competition is real, as teams are narrowed down into divisions, timed heats, and NASCAR like pit-stops in order to be named “Grand Champions”! Throughout the history of the event, SkyWest Airlines and the City of St. George has shown outstanding community support and dedication as United Way Dixie’s leading Community Partners. With their support, the Mini Indy event has raised more than $1 million in 100 www.saintgeorgewellness.com
funding for the community. 100% of that funding has gone to support thousands of local families in need in the Washington County area. The Mini Indy event is a crucial part of United Way Dixie’s annual funding, and goes directly to support vital human service programs through partner agencies such as SwitchPoint CRC, The Doctors Volunteer Clinic, The St. George Community Soup Kitchen, The DOVE Center, and several other groups dedicated to serving out UWD’s mission. SkyWest Airlines and the City of St. George has proven that charity events and community support can be accomplished while still having fun and creating an unforgettable experience for all those who participate. Their examples lead the way, as we continue to LIVE UNITED in Dixie… while racing go-carts!
About the Author A self-described “huge humanitarian,” Rebekah’s motivation for volunteerism is personal, based largely on childhood memories of watching her own mother spend countless hours helping people in need—even when their family was also in need. After spending 3 years serving in AmeriCorps and working as a community advocate in St. George for 8 years, Pectol found United Way Dixie. As the administrator for the last 5 years, Pectol oversees the fundraising and distribution of funds to 17 local nonprofit agencies including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, Doctor’s Volunteer Clinic of St. George, Erin Kimball Foundation, Learning Center for Families and more.
To learn more about the Mini Indy event or to watch the event’s thrilling highlight videos please visit www.miniindy.org.
Interested in being part of Mini Indy 2017? Scheduled for March 22nd-24th, 2017, we invite businesses to hit the pavement and join in on the fun! Race teams, event sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are a few of the several ways to join in the excitement of this unforgettable go-cart race and charity event. To inquire, please contact United Way Dixie at info@unitedwaydixie.org. Media Inquiries
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover this funfilled charity race. For media inquiries and to secure a media pass please contact SkyWest Airline’s Corporate Communications Dept. at 435-634-3553.