It had to be one of the more enjoyable car rides ever for the folks who entered the North Carolina P.E.O. Chapter CD Fun’Raiser Car Rally at Lake Gaston. It was a time for team work and quick thinking for all the people involved….and a time to raise funds for P.E.O. projects. Each attendee paid an entry fee of $15 to participate in the rally, which included dinner afterward.
This was a race—but not one for speeding down the road, nor did it require a special type of vehicle. Likened to a scavenger hunt, the Car Rally required an every-day type car, carrying at least four passengers, including the driver.
The reason for the number of passengers became evident once the contenders in the race were given their instructions. The driver, for safety’s sake, had only to 
keep his eye on the road and follow directions as given to him by a passenger with a map and explanations. Other passengers acted as lookouts for whatever the list had them identify and write down for a prize. One passenger was designated to be ready to jump out of the car when they reached a destination where there was an item to be secured and brought in to submit for a prize.
Passengers were kept busy and alert, since what was on the list for identification or to be taken to the end of the race for a prize could be easily overlooked if they did not watch carefully. Sometimes there were two prizes at one area. An alert list reader was an asset, since time was of the essence, but speed limits had to be honored for the roads they
drove on.
Photos were taken at three different stops where someone had to leave the vehicle in order to snatch the item to bring it in for a prize. Those passengers could really hustle!
Actual stops included The Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer to retrieve a newspaper from a box on the steps, The Lake Gaston Flower Shop, where white mums had been placed in a large bucket and the Lake Gaston Golf Course for a scorecard.
It was all in good fun and the game began at Lakeside Lutheran Church where the lists and directions were handed out; it ended at the Roanoke Wildwood VFD, where welcome refreshments and a substantial dinner was waiting when the game was finished. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed dinner while sharing fun stories. Those who participated asked when the next car rally would be held.
The Chapter worked hard to make the event enjoyable for all. Each member of the chapter participated in some manner—flyer design, meal preparation, tallying cars—whatever task was needed. Several BILs assisted as well.
The best part of the car rally was that it raised $710 for P.E.O. projects!
