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This 25th commemorative
edition of the WCRWA Cookbook is a compilation of our cookbooks
in the past, plus new recipes from our members. There are many quick
and easy recipes for "the fast crowd". We hope you enjoy
this very special edition.
I have been
asked time and again as to how this club was started - so an opportunity
like this is not to be overlooked.
In 1963, my
husband Marvin was critically burned during a practice run at Daytona
for the 24 hour race. He was hospitalized for several months. Throughout
this period I was so grateful for the support of friends, fans and
expecially Briggs Cunningham - the car owner. He had the foresight
to take out insurance for his two drivers. During these months,
Marvin's team mates also were involved in a number of accidents
that involved hospitalization. It was at this period that several
of the wives were in a discussion of our fortunate position with
Ford. The majority of us felt that had these accidents happened
a few years earlier we may have lost our homes and possessions.
That committed me to the organization of the Grand National Racing
Wives Auxiliary. I thanked God for my ability and fortitude to sustain
me, and also Marvin who supported me all the way upon this decision.
Once the decision
was made, I called upon Skimp (Bob) Latford to help with the Constitution
and By-Laws, then presented the draft at a couple of informal meetings.
Upon agreement, we had thirteen Charter members to the GNRWA. February
1964 we were officially charted in the state of Florida. Our main
objective was to form a closer relationship to families of the racing
fraternity, to help one another emotionally and financially in whatever
way we can.
Emotions we
had lots of - finances, nil. So we learned the trade of "promoting
the promoters". The promoters at the various tracks were great.
We received space for meetings, selling raffles and whatever service
they could give to help publicize our cause. These promotions have
continued on for 25 years. We even have fashion shows, dances, auctions,
public appearances, ball games, bowling tournaments and other fund
raisers. But all is for nought, the WCRWA Trust Fund has been generously
aiding the families of injured participants of the Winston Cup Racing
Series.
During the past
25 years we have had very strong Presidents and Officers. The job
is a tremendous challenge - try conducting an organization with
members and activities throughout the states, and meeting under
grandstands! To them my deepest gratitude for their leadership of
the WCRWA. I know they have felt like crying, throwing in the towel
and asking "What, who and why am I doing this?". But as
I reflect, you can also look back, pat yourself on the shoulder
and say, "I'm proud of you, you're a good leader", this
country needs people like you.
Remember the
day your daughter came home and announced, "Mom and Dad, I'm
getting married". Yes, that funny feeling (she's grown up,
changing her name, next cycle ofher life). Well, that was the feeling
I had in 1987 during the discussion of changing GNRWA to WCRWA.
But oh what a marriage it has been! We aer so happy to have Winston
as part of the great family of stock car racing. So now we shall
go forward for the next 25 years as the Winston Cup Racing Wives
Auxiliary.
It has been
a joint effort of many to have made this organization so outstanding.
We have all lived such a hurried life and haven't had the opportunity
to thank those that have supported the club...
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