WHAT’s NEXT?? Status of Uncle Jack – our last “grand finale” task
By John | November 6, 2009
Hello All, Glenn Merrell here, TTA North America Charity Drive Coordinator.
First, my gracious thanks to all who participated in this drive, hosts, clubs, media, caravaners’, donors, restoration team, roadside support, parts suppliers – ALL, Job Well Done!!
The top most popular comment followed by the most frequently asked question to me from Monterey California right through departing San Luis Obispo have been:
- ” Excellent Job, this was GREAT fun!!” followed by …
- What’s NEXT?? (or as some said “WOT’s Next eh?”)
Whoa folks!!
Before we get too far along into planning something NEW, we have an issue of completing our unfinished business and our main goal; that being the purchase of the STAG for the benefit of our charities.
The STAG as you should know, has been named all along this drive as “Uncle Jack” in memory of Jack Drews, Friends of Triumph TR4 race car driver.
As many of you have read and heard me say as I propagated the commitment from John that it was our desire to raffle this STAG, it was only after having painstakingly researched the raffle laws of 51 States and territories, and those of Canada, we found huge legal barriers in place to keep raffle funds within the borders of each principality, or that raffles were simply flat out illegal as “gambling” in many principalities. Yeah, I too would have loved to hold a $100 raffle ticket for a 1-in-350 chance to win such an internationally well known, superbly restored and now historic vehicle, but for the ultimate good of the charity cause that ain’t gonna happen!
I digress …
The whole intent of building this Stag was to fulfill many goals, among which were:
- Raise as much money as possible for 3 charities, and the public awareness for the affliction known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – how PTSD adversely affects more people in the private sectors so much more than military, where and how these people can seek help;
- bring together as many Triumph, British car enthusiasts and Vintage Triumph Register clubs in camaraderie to be united for one cause at one time with one focus and have a LOT of fun in the process;
- bring attention to the high reliability and superb grand sport touring, handling and comfort inherent in the Flagship of all Triumphs, the Triumph Stag.
#2 and #3 have been accomplished beyond our wildest dreams! So many people have remarked to me that this epic first-of-its-kind-anywhere charity drive was one of their most memorable and enjoyable events they have had the honor to participate of their British Car experiences ever.
Unfortunately, goal #1 has fallen well short of our initial goal in hope of raising $100K USD for each of the three charities, raising something over $25k USD that will be evened out between the three charities. Although $25k USD is not to be scoffed at, we can do better, can’t we!?!
It is my hope that Uncle Jack, due to his sheer reputation of completing this 15,466 mile epic drive with Triumph personality John Macartney at the wheel meeting every one of the scheduled 45 plus stopovers ON TIME, can be the source to make up some of our shortfall to the charities. Actual total miles driven including banzai delivery to Florida and return from SLO to Lafayette Colorado is over 17,876 relatively trouble free miles.
How do we set about completing this crucial important last order of business – which is selling Uncle Jack for Charity??
I know there are people in our midsts who are themselves able, or who know people who have the means to easily meet our charity goal and have the pleasure of adding this historic Stag – “Uncle Jack” to their prestigious collection of classic cars. YOU know who you are, or who these people of means are and how to get their attention. Is Uncle Jack perfect? Those who have seen UJ along the routes know of the high standard of restoration applied to this car, but of course UJ is not a 100 point Pebble Beach Concours ‘d Elegance show car trailer queen. UJ has been DRIVEN! Sure there are cars in that reputation that have done epic drives, but for charity? But Uncle Jack IS a 382 point VTR Concours ‘d Elegance show winner!
Our final task then, as key participants and organizers of this first of its kind epic drive, is to get these people’s attention, direct them to what this drive has accomplished for PTSD, stress that the majority of their “donation” is tax deductible for charity, and to what the Grand Finale wrap up of this drive can accomplish for the good of humanity.
When we accomplish this last great deed, I’d like to propose it wraps up with a grand ceremony or Triumph style bash somewhere to hand a “big check” to these charities, and then hand the keys for Uncle Jack to the proud new owner.
The best method to accomplish the final purchase of Uncle Jack if not purchased outright by a beneficiary, in my opinion is through a well publicized on-line auction, right here on this TTA web site!
We are planning the details, photo shoots, videos and such, so do stay tuned! All we need is PUBLICITY and lots of it!! Tell Everyone!!
Charities – please KEEP THE TTA WEB SITE LINK ON YOUR CHARITY WEB SITE!!
Got ideas? Can you help build the showcase for UJ in WordPress? Contact me!
Cheers!
Glenn Merrell
Triumph Trans AmeriCan Charity Drive 2009 North American Coordinator
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