INVESTING IN THE FUTURE: Unique Program Gives Underprivileged Children a Valuable Leg Up
September 18, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by Barbara Toombs
In its more than 50 years of existence, Barrett-Jackson has evolved from a charity “car show” into a world-renowned automotive lifestyle event that brings multiple generations together in a truly remarkable way. In particular, the company has been committed to embracing the younger generation in a number of ways, including hosting dedicated Family Days at their events, providing scholarships to those pursuing careers in automotive restoration, supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping children through the sale of charity cars, and engaging in a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) initiatives for youth.
Bidders, consignors and attendees at the 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction in October will have a unique opportunity to learn about – and get involved in – Barrett-Jackson’s latest collaboration, which will provide what could be a life-changing experience for children from some of Arizona’s most underserved communities.
Through a special integration with The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 12, in the auction arena, two amazing organizations – the Friends of Freedom Foundation and the Tribute to Valor Foundation – will announce the very first of their special STEAMliner programs in Arizona (previous programs have taken place in Dallas, Texas; Watts/Compton, California; and Branson, Missouri).
“Involving the next generation in STEAM is a point of pride for all of us at Barrett-Jackson,” says company Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson. “Hosting these two incredible organizations is just a small part of what we can do to ensure that the future looks bright for children in Arizona and across the country. Without my interest in STEAM at a young age, the auctions would not be what they are today. Passing it on and paying it forward is a cornerstone of our company.”
STEAMliner will enable over 50 children from the San Carlos Apache Reservation and Colorado City in Arizona to board a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft provided by the U.S. Air Force for a trip to NASA in Houston from Nov. 17-20. Here, the group will work with astronauts, space technicians, roboticists and strategists and discover how STEAM can be applied in a variety of career paths. In addition, the youngsters will meet with two of just 60 living Medal of Honor recipients, from whom they’ll learn how values like integrity, sacrifice, courage, commitment, patriotism and citizenship can make a significant difference in their lives.
“Barrett-Jackson is such an integral part of this,” says David Haddad, president of Fumar Cigars (an exhibitor at the Scottsdale Auction for more than 30 years) and chairman emeritus/founder of the Friends of Freedom Foundation. “After his brother Brian died, I watched Craig (Jackson) take the company from a boutique auction to the next level and become a real force of nature. I’ve gotten to know many hard-working people like Craig at Barrett-Jackson – and the bulk of them have that element of ‘I did it myself.’ This is the same mindset we’d like to instill in these kids through this program. We want to show them they can make a difference in their lives. They can break the cycle of poverty. They can get out of their current environments.”
Just prior to the start of the Collector Car Auction at noon on Saturday, Oct. 12, several of the Arizona children selected for STEAMliner will be onstage as representatives from Friends of Freedom and Tribute to Valor, as well as two Medal of Honor recipients, to tell Barrett-Jackson guests about this unique program. They will be joined by none other than pop/rock icon Tony Orlando, who is celebrating over six decades in the entertainment industry. Orlando – who has dedicated years of service to the USO and is on the board of directors for the Tribute to Valor Foundation – will perform his worldwide hit “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,” which has become an “anthem” of sorts for all those awaiting the return of a loved one serving in the military.
Attendees interested in the program will be able to attend a meet and greet after the stage presentation to find out more.
Barrett-Jackson is proud to support the STEAMliner program and we hope you’ll join us in helping children from underserved communities get a much-needed leg up in life. To donate or for more information, visit the website for either the Friends of Freedom Foundation (friendsoffreedomusa.org) or the Tribute to Valor Foundation (tributetovalor.org).