Van Meter Night raises money for Women's Center

CEDAR RAPIDS - Lura McBride has not created a bucket list, per se.

If she gets around to making one, Van Meter Industrial's Chief Operating Officer has an item she can immediately cross off.

McBride will take her first spin in a legends race, competing in the Fourth Annual Celebrity Charity Race during Van Meter Night at Hawkeye Downs Speedway on Friday night. The fundraising event will benefit local breast cancer patients and their families at Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Women's Center.

The races begin with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and admission is free with a minimum of a $1 donation. McBride will compete against television personality Tiffany O'Donnell, KZIA's Clair Duffy and Lindsey McGrath of McGrath Auto Group.

"I've never raced a car before, but I'm passionate about Mercy Women's Center and support for breast cancer patients and survivors," McBride said. "I will do pretty much anything, at least race a car, to a good cause."

She was approached more than six months ago by Van Meter Regional Vice President Todd Ettleman. She jumped at the chance to participate in a race that has included Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett, former University of Iowa and NFL standout wide receiver Tim Dwight and Hawkeye wrestling champions Tom Brands and Mark Ironside.

Surprisingly, McBride felt comfortable the first time behind she climbed in the legends car. She praised coaches, including Kevin Korsmo and Randy Schmitt, and said practices have been very helpful.

"The first time in a car I thought I'd be a little more nervous," McBride said. "I think it's one thing when you're on the track by yourself, but it's another thing when you have a few other cars out there. We'll have to see how it goes."

She has some big shoes to fill. Van Meter representatives Barry Boyer, Mike Gassman and Mick Slinger have won the previous races. The streak rests on her shoulders.

"The pressure is on," McBride said with a slight laugh. "I'm going to do my very best to live up to that. At the end of the day, Mercy Women's Center is the winner in this whole deal."

The annual effort has raised thousands of dollars for causes like Cedar Rapids flood recovery, Children's Miracle Network and Aiming For A Cure. Breast cancer is an issue that hits close to home for Van Meter and McBride.

McBride said many friends and family of Van Meter's more than 400 employee owners have been affected by the disease. McBride said she has two friends and an aunt, who resides in Texas, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer within the last year.

The entire company is passionate to support the cause, according to McBride.

"The work that Mercy Women's Center does is amazing, particularly the support they give people going through treatment and after," McBride said. "I couldn't be more thrilled to be doing this and to be doing it for those three people in my life."

She also shared her appreciation for the other women who will take the track with her. They might battle on the track but they are fighting for the same cause.

"I can't thank them enough for getting out of their comfort zone a little bit," McBride said. "Coming out and supporting a good cause."