5th Annual Fund Racer
2026 FUND-Racer Pinewood Derby Car Assembly Event!
We’re thrilled to announce that the 2026 FUND-Racer Car Assembly Event is happening on Thursday, April 16th, from 6:00–8:00 PM at The Arc Main Office.
We are excited that we will have guest co-hosts from the Scouts to share thier knowledge and expertise. This evening will be dedicated to assembling, decorating, and test-driving cars in preparation for the 5th Annual FUND-Racer on May 6th.
Pizza will be provided for dinner, and the Scouts, along with our generous volunteers, will be on hand to help with assembly, decoration, and testing of your cars.
To help us plan, please RSVP for each person attending so we can get an accurate count for pizza.
The cars are pre-cut and we will have them primed and painted (white, yellow and orange base colors) and ready to decorate. The Arc will provide supplies for decorating, although participants are welcome to bring thier own supplies as well.
Let’s build some amazing cars and have a fantastic time together!
What is the FundRacer
The Arc’s 5th Annual “Fund-Racer” Event
Pinewood Derby Race • Part of The Arc's fundraising efforts during Centre Gives
We’re gearing up for The Arc’s 5th Annual Fund-Racer Event, taking place Wednesday, May 6 from 3:30–5:30 PM as part of Centre Gives! This exciting annual fundraiser supports the work of The Arc of Centre County and the individuals we serve throughout the community by adding funds to support our vehicle fleet.
New This Year: Pinewood Derby Racing
For the first time ever, the Fund-Racer event will feature a Pinewood Derby Race—a fast-paced competition where wooden cars race down an inclined track using nothing but gravity.
Participants can enter as:
- An individual racer, or
- A team of up to three people
Each racer (or team) commits to raising at least $300 to support The Arc’s mission. In return, racers will compete for bragging rights—and the chance to be crowned champion in TheArc300 Inaugural Race.
Why Your Support Matters
At the heart of the Fund-Racer event is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Centre County.
For more than 73 years, The Arc of Centre County has worked to protect and advance the human rights of individuals with disabilities. Our mission is to provide person-centered support that enhances quality of life, promotes freedom of choice, and fosters full inclusion in the community.
When you support this event, you’re helping ensure that individuals with disabilities have the resources and opportunities they need to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
Powering Our Programs Through Transportation
Funds raised during this year’s Fund-Racer will help upgrade The Arc’s vehicle fleet. Reliable transportation is essential for many of our programs, enabling the individuals we serve to:
- Participate in community activities
- Attend medical appointment and carry out other essential activities of daily living
- Access employment and skill-building opportunities
- Stay connected with their community
Your support helps ensure that everyone has the ability to fully participate in community life.
Event Location
We are currently finalizing the location and are considering:
- Boalsburg Fire Company
- Wed, May 6th from 3:30-5:00 PM. The "Featured Race" begins at 4:30 PM with awards and membership meeting and Awards Ceremony immediately following.
- Those who would like to try thier luck and test thier cars are welcome to arrive at 3:30pm to kick off the fun.
- In order to be a FEATURED RACER, The Arc asks racers to commit to asking friends, family and those you know to make a contribution in your name/your team name to The Arc during #CentreGives.
- The Arc will provide individualized Driver Profile Pamphlets and personalized information for each FEATURED RACER to distribute in order to help their fundraising efforts. The Arc asks that you commit to sending a picture of you/of your team to Bridget (bwaltz@taocc.org) to be used for our FEATURED DRIVER individualized Driver Profile pamphlets.
Join the Race. Fuel the Mission.
Whether you participate as a racer, donate, or cheer from the sidelines, the Fund-Racer Pinewood Derby is a fun and meaningful way to support The Arc of Centre County and the people we serve. Start your engines and help us race toward a stronger, more inclusive community!
