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Checkered Dreams charity brings race fun to special-needs children

By Robin L. Gardner | Independent Tribune

Published: March 10, 2009

Sue Ziegler hopes to give sick and disabled children a break from the tough days they face through the sport of racing.
Checkered Dreams, which is what Ziegler calls her charity, wants to give these children and their loved ones some fun and create a night of memories that is filled with enjoyment.
The kids love the experience, Ziegler explained. "I can hold it together until the mommies start to cry," she said.
Zeigler's family is a racing family. "My daughter Jackie is now 19, and she races open-wheeled modified and mini sprints. My son Jake, he is 14, runs mini sprints and super trucks," she said.
Zeigler started the charity in Pennsylvania, but in 2007 her family moved to North Carolina, and so did her charity. There is no cost to the family of the kids who participate, Ziegler explained. The eligible children and their whole families will enjoy a night at the track, buffet meal, a helmet for the drivers to autograph, an interview with the track announcer, and a victory lap with a checkered flag. The drivers donate the used helmets, which are then painted white for the autographs.
Ziegler takes donations to help fund the charity. "I have a Checkered Dreams eBay account and the items I get donated I put on there for sale. We are a family run nonprofit 501(c)(3), we have a small board, and every penny we raise goes right to the kids," said Zeigler. "Most of the time, tracks will let us in for free. People will donate the food."
Concord speedway, Carolina Speedway, East Lincoln Speedway and Hickory Speedway all donate entrance to the tracks to Checkered Dreams.
"Racing has been good to our family, and we are so blessed that our kids are healthy," said Ziegler.
Checkered Dreams is looking for children who are sick or disabled, and at least 6 years old, who would like to participate. You can contact Sue Ziegler at dreamcheckered@aol.com or 704-235-8948. If you'd like more information, try www.checkereddreams.com
• Contact reporter Robin L. Gardner 704-789-9140