I can't compliment Mary Johnson enough on the wonderful job she did on Randy's quilt and "the quilt" that raised $1,720 for Randy's expenses. Input was overwhelming that the $5 raffle fee was well worth the chance of winning this one of a kind quilt. For many it would be just another quilt, but for the racing fans in the quad cities it meant just a little bit more. We had many drivers and their teams sign both quilts, and any driver that did not have shirts available to donate could also sign in the 'Randy Wages' square to show their support. We had numerous drivers ask to be a part of the quilt and I was touched at the outstanding number of people who attended the benefit. A large amount of money was raised for Randy's expenses. On the track people may have their differences, but it was evident there is a racing family in the QCA. Ironically, the winner of the quilt was a family that had previously given Randy a ride in a recent late model, #66. I think it was a little easier for Mary to hand off her pride and joy to someone who had a close association with Randy, but we were sure hoping to keep it in close proximity to us by having one of our racing buddies or relatives being drawn the lucky winner. Our goal was to make a difference and I think we did with $1,720.

Ron Pershy, J&J Camper Sales, is also recognized for his assistance to the cause. From the first moment Ron was approached he has been helpful in more ways than we could have ever hoped for. Ron and Cathy Pershy are great fans of the racing circuit and they prove it by their actions and concern.

$1,720 raised

Drivers Appearing on the Quilt:

Adam's Racing, Verscheure Racing, Valentine Racing, Brian Rogers,
Rick Hixon, Gustaf Racing Engines, Sherbonda Racing, Ronnie Weedon,
LeRoy Brenner, Jason Veloz, John Bull Racing, Rob Toland, Wayne Harrison,
Doug Crampton, Ray Guss Jr., Gary Webb, Milo Veloz, Rick Wages,
Clint Hines, Brian Birkhofer, Zemo Motorsports, Doug Nigh,
And Randy Wages.

Randy's image is on both sides of the Quilt. As noted, at the 10/18 benefit more signatures were acquired and the square was complete with well wishes from Randy's competitors.

The Quilt is approximately 69 x 91. Our Quilt maker, Mary Johnson, is pictured
on the left.

We can't express our appreciation enough to all the drivers who offered their shirts for the benefit of Randy. Thanks to Kraig Wells for last minute photo request.

Werner Construction offered to build an exhibit to host the quilt. Thanks to Louie Meyer for offering his assistance.

All evening we had drivers and their crews sign the Quilt.

There were a few who wanted this quilt so bad, I couldn't help but feel for them.

The Late Model Owner of #66 won the raffle. He had bought tickets earlier on and again that night 20 minutes before the drawing. He was near our display most of the night and waited for the right time to by another 4 tickets.

There are 23 different drivers/teams displayed on the Quilt.

Randy will receive a quilt that is identical to this one. His quilt was customized by Mary to include tabs so the quilt may be displayed as a wall hanging. It will be hung in his trophy room.

Randy has improved tremendously since 9/8/02 and surpassed many expectations. He is on a road to recovery that will just take time. I'm told he is talking racing for next year already. Not exactly what I'd want my son to be talking about after such a hellacious accident, but then the family said they know Randy will have healed completely when he is ready to get back in the cockpit. When spoke that way, I can't help but understand where they are coming from.