On June 14th, Christian Weir along with his family will host the 15th Annual Drive for 155. The Drive is a 3-hour endurance karting race held at Kart Circuit Autobahn in Joliet, Illinois. With a goal of raising $155,000, the event invites teams to join together and seek donations to benefit DuPagePADS; an award winning and ground breaking non-profit with a simple goal – ending homelessness.
Over the past 15 years this highly anticipated kart racing fundraiser has provided more than $1.5 million to help end homelessness and fund life-saving housing programs with support services for homeless families and neighbors in shelter at DuPagePADS. This year’s fundraising race will bring more food, shelter, and solutions to over 300 men, women, and children at their Interim Housing Center. Each team will compete for fundraising and race day success helping more than 100 children and 200 adults on their successful journey to reach stable housing.
Having done his first Drive at the age of 12, Christian happily accepted the request to take over the planning of the event when the previous chair resigned. “My family and I were very honored to be asked to help with this amazing event.” says Christian. “This will be my 7th year participating and my 6th of being part of the planning. When I first started, I was only racing go-karts locally so it easily fit into my schedule. Now one of the first things we do when I get my racing schedule is to find a date for the Drive that works for both me and other loyal participants. It really has become a highlight of every season and I am very proud to be partnered with DuPagePADS.”
Christian along with his teammates; Evan Cooley, Ben Hasbourck and Zach Kubinski make up Dark Mode Racing. They are a group of young talented drivers that are dedicated to coming together every year to end homelessness. Their combined efforts have raised over $60,000 and every dollar has gone directly to the families and individuals that need a place to call home. “When you make a donation to the Drive, it goes directly towards providing shelter and services to someone that needs our help.” explains Weir. “This is an event and a cause that I have become very dedicated to and none of it would be possible without the generosity of those who donate and participate.”
To make a donation to the Drive for 155 please visit: www.givesignup.org/christianweir
Recognizing 40 years of service, DuPagePads is the largest provider of services to those who are homeless in DuPage County. DuPagePads’ solution to ending homelessness is housing, coupled with support services and employment to restore hope and transform lives. The administration office is located at 601 West Liberty, Wheaton, IL 60187.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting DuPagePads at 630.682.3846 or at www.dupagepads.org.
