Trying to Make a Difference

     I recently had the opportunity to be interviewed by a major business publication regarding Rennlist. In their opinion, not only are we one of the single largest automotive enthusiast websites on the Internet, but more importantly - perhaps the single one that has developed such a deep sense of community and camaraderie within this site. After thanking him for the complement about you - as this is the community you have developed, he went on to ask "how, with the number of the folks it must take to support an effort this size, could we continue to maintain that same "spirit"?". After reflection - my response was that the answer was in the question - Jen and I are able to do some things that are for the good of a larger community - rather then be constrained by the expense of a "support staff" and "business infrastructure". In fact, since both Jen and I have real jobs outside of Rennlist - as long as the site pays for the operational costs, we are happy. That gives us the flexibility to some unique things for the betterment of others, rather then be driven to accrue a profit margin. And this announcement is all about "one of those things"….

     On March 30 of this year, Adrian Streather was informed that his 17 year old daughter Natalie was dead from a drug overdose (Adrian's Page is here: http://www.porsche964.co.uk/as/ with a tribute to Natalie). She died alone, and her passing, like so many other children who die alone each year from that same poison, might have been nothing more then a short column in the obituary section. Rather - it was posted on Rennlist - and this worldwide community turned out in a tremendous showing of caring and support. Shortly after, Adrian, Gail and I began communication how their tragedy might be used for good - whether in an attempt to save one child or more from a similar fate. The event which was to "kick this effort off" was to be The Racers Group effort at Le Mans - where a simple decal across the hood or bumper would signify our commitment to a unique program - and I believe I am correct in saying, never attempted within the Internet at any time. In short - we will be jointly creating a fund in memory of Natalie Streather - where 100% of the proceeds will go to a teenager of a Rennlist Member as a grant to further their college education based on a piece of art they will submit before a committee. What we have learned, is that setting up a fund such as this is not an easy task - there are lawyers, charities and Universities who have all expressed an interest - but only if they control the distribution of funds to a candidate of their choice. Financial institutions have offered to manage the funds as well - but there are unfavorable have tax implications. So - we are not quite ready to announce the opening of the initial funding - but rather, we are ready to announce to you - this *will* happen, and for all the right reasons.

     Obviously, the Racers Group effort at Le Mans is a critical component to garner visiability for this cause. It is a worldwide event with millions of eyes on the competitors and winners - and supported by the Porsche factory as their team - does nothing more then to say to the world the this is a landmark effort and a landmark cause - and we have every right to expect a winning performance. However, The Racers Group has a commitment of funds that fell short from a sponsor - and therefore, I would be untruthful to say I was deeply concerned as it put all the efforts at risk. At the same time, I also believe it creates an opportunity to show what this Internet community can accomplish.

     So, at this time and in support of this cause, The Racers Group has removed all major commercial Sponsors Decals from the large area of the hood, with the exception of the decal that will read "Natalie Streather" - and has elected to join us by donating that same prime spot to a business who backs both their effort with our effort. As you know, that area shows up in all the photos, all the TV coverage - and that is the location that typically commands $75,000 to $100,000.

     How are we going to do this? I'll tell you how. I often been asked "how do I become a LifetimeRennlist Member"? As you know - Lifetime Memberships were given out to a very few folks who donated money when this site was making the change from "PorscheList" to "Rennlist" three years ago. They donated without any expectation for anything in return - and it was the only way I could say "Thank You". They have never been "sold", but have been awarded on two subsequent occasions for "random acts of kindness". Today, that same need exists - but the "returns" are far more substantial. And therefore, I am pleased to announce the following.

     To the first 100 people that gives $750 to supporting this effort - Le Mans, The Racers Group and the forthcoming Streather Fund - you will get a Lifetime Rennlist Membership. You will get a certificate, special Membership Card showing the car at Le Mans, posters and the like. From a funds standpoint - $250 will be donated in your name when the Streather Fund is able to take in funds, and $500 will go directly to Racers Group. In other words - Rennlist will keep $0, because this is one of the defining moments to "do something right". And for that, the fund in Natalie Streather's memory will be seeded an opened with an initial $25,000 and The Racers Group will be at Le Mans with the funds required to win. If you would like to participate, either go here: http://www.rennlist.com/racing/

     As well, if you own a business or are part of a Corporation that would like to participate at a more substantial level, please let me know. For example, I have recently offered a Porsche Authorized Dealer an exclusive strategic relationship with Rennlist for one year where they might have dedicated areas on Rennlist (such as only their banner in the Classifieds Section, dedicated parts pages that Rennlist Members can access their parts inventories for special pricing, specials on used/new cars from that dealership, etc.) As well - they would appear in that Prime Spot on the hood for Le Mans. So I will extend the same offer to any of you - and as in racing, first Corporate Sponsor across the line - "wins".

     I hope you choose to participate at any level within these programs, as they are tremendous causes. And from my perspective at Rennlist, while we take nothing out of this from a financial standpoint, what Jen and I take away in reality is simply knowing we tried to make a difference - today at Le Mans and tomorrow, for the future of some child. We can not fail.

     Relevant sites:

     Donations/Pledges - http://www.rennlist.com/racing/

     The Racers Group - http://www.theracersgroup.com/

     Streather Website - http://www.porsche964.co.uk/as/