The Goals of the Beat the Heat Organization
The organization was founded to educate our youth in our own communities about the problems and dangers of illegal drug and alcohol use. The program enlightens people of all ages to the horrors and tragedies that stem from alcohol and/or drug impaired driving. Through public interaction and appearances, Officers from the Beat the Heat Organization aim to promote a better understanding between Police Officers and the communities they serve and to foster a stronger relationship between the two. Lastly, the program provides education about illegal street racing and the dangers of such reckless activity, promoting the sport of drag racing in a safe manner and encouraging participation in the appropriate venue.
The program catches the attention of young people at an age when they’re most willing and able to learn, and that is the exact time to encourage them to stay in school, focus on education, and stay away from drugs and alcohol. The slogan of the Beat the Heat program aptly sums up what it is we stand for: “Racing for Education”.
Brief History of the Beat the Heat Organization
The program was started in 1984 by Sgt. Don Robertson of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (Florida). In 1990, the concept was brought to Texas, where the Dallas and Duncanville Police Departments entered the race.
Over the years, the program has grown exponentially, with over 170 members in 30 states (and Canada) by 2000. Most importantly, the members come in contact with hundreds of thousands of children each year.
Funding the Program
Beat the Heat is a non-profit organization recognized by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3). Everything that goes into the program comes from donations and donated goods and services. There are ZERO TAX DOLLARS spent on any portion of the program. Involved Officers volunteer their time out of a passion and enthusiasm for what the program represents, as well as a love for the sport of drag racing.
Dragnet Racing, Inc.
In 2007, I began looking into how I could become a member of this great organization. With an interest in the automotive hobby, experience drag racing, and status as a Police Officer, I had all the ingredients necessary to be an active member of the program, but I needed the foundation to build upon.
The vehicle to start that foundation came in the form of a donated 1993 Ford Mustang LX. The famous “5.0” Mustang is a great, relatively inexpensive platform to develop into a race car, and even the youngest members of our target audience know that the Ford Mustang represents power and performance.
The Mustang is presently being covered with a police-themed, black and white paint scheme. It will be outfitted with a functional light bar and police insignia, as is required to participate in the organization. The paint and bodywork is being donated, 100% free of charge, by one of our early sponsors.
The name of our local program is DragNet Racing, Inc. This name is a play on words, as a dragnet is a system for finding or catching someone, in our case, the attention of our audience, and the obvious incorporation of the word drag, since racing is our sport of choice.
Why Donate to Dragnet Racing, Inc.?
All sponsors benefit from exposure to thousands upon thousands of potential customers each year. The company’s logo is conspicuously placed on the race car and on the enclosed trailer for all fans and spectators to see. A sign board that features all of the program sponsors will be on display everywhere the race car is shown and in the pits at the race track. Logos, contact information, and links to each sponsors’ website will be prominently featured on our website, which has also been donated, along with hosting, by a program sponsor. It’s a great way to let people know your company cares about the community and believes in educating our youth on the dangers of drug and alcohol impaired driving and illegal street racing.
Aside from the great exposure, all donations made to our organization are tax-deductible. Your company has nothing to lose and lots to gain by becoming part of this awareness-raising program.
We hope you will join the Dragnet Racing Team by sponsoring our program and taking part in this rare and exciting opportunity. |