PDT Michigan Alpha Box Car Derby 2022

Established in 2009, the Box Car Derby was jointly initiated by the Phi Delta Theta (PDT) Michigan Alpha Chapter and Active Against ALS to raise awareness and funds for research seeking more effective treatments, and ultimately a cure, for ALS which is commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

 

All levels of donations are greatly appreciated to help us reach our fundraising goal! Sponsorships are available too. All individual and sponsorship donations are collected directly by Active Against ALS, so 100% of contributions go to the charitable purpose which is tax deductible.

 

The Box Car Derby features wooden kit cars raced on an approximately 100 yard course located on the East Keech hill along Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor starting at the intersection with South Main Street. The annual event, now in its 11th year, near the Big House attracts positive media coverage and hundreds of spectators to watch this outdoor retro activity for children that celebrates a simpler time when low-tech ingenuity could create family fun and great memories.

 

The race utilizes a "double elimination” format that guarantees each car at least two runs. Winners are determined by age brackets -- primarily children between the ages of 5 to 16 -- while an overall race champion is also declared. More than 40 racers participated in the last Box Car Derby (2018) which raised about $20,000 for Active Against ALS. Since its founding, the Box Car Derby has raised more than $75,000 for some of the most advanced ALS research in the nation.

 

The Box Car Derby brings together University of Michigan (U of M) students, U of M alums, fraternity members, people supporting the fight against ALS and neighborhood residents as well as parents and children from across Ann Arbor for a family-friendly event that engages a broad representation of the community in the effort to combat this devastating disease.

 

PDT's primary national philanthropic focus is ALS because PDT Brother Lou Gehrig, Columbia University, Class of 1925, suffered from the disease which subsequently was named after him. The PDT Michigan Alpha Chapter dedicates its participation in Box Car Derby to honoring the memories of U of M and fraternity alumni Dr. Richard S. Rasmussen '70 and Donald D. Redick '85 who in recent years bravely fought ALS before succumbing to the disease.

 

For more information about the event or to inquire about sponsorships, please contact the PDT Michigan Alpha Alumni Association by the e-mail address on our web site.