Local businesses sponsor cars for soap box derby, Hailson advances to finals in Ohio

HAVERHILL, Mass. (July 15, 2010) –– Children ages eight to 12 participated in the Pentucket Kiwanis All-American Soap Box Derby on June 12 at the Bradford Elementary School in Haverhill. One of three soap box derbies in Massachusetts, this race is unique in that the cars are provided by Pentucket Kiwanis and are each sponsored by a local business, like Haverhill Bank. Most other racing clubs require that the drivers build their own vehicles.

This year, Aaron Cullen, age 11, of Danville, N.H., drove the Haverhill Bank car. Cullen is the son of Shelley-Ann A. Cullen, a commercial loan assistant at Haverhill Bank.

Katie Hailson, of Haverhill, won this year’s race, making her eligible to compete in July at the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio where racers from across the country will compete in homemade, non-motorized cars. The week-long celebration includes a limousine ride to the hotel with a police escort, rally, parade and celebrity appearances.

“When we decided to start the Derby, we wanted to be sure that children from all backgrounds would be able to enjoy the thrill of racing, so we decided to bear the cost of buying the cars,” said Brian D’Ambrosio, who coordinates the derby on behalf of the Pentucket Kiwanis. “Donations from local businesses help us to cover the costs associated with maintaining and storing the cars.”

“For years, Haverhill Bank has sponsored a derby car, which is decorated with the bank’s logo. It’s a great opportunity to encourage younger members of the community to become more involved,” said Haverhill Bank President and CEO Thomas L. Mortimer.

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