On March 15, 2008, the Plaid Racing attended the Randolph-Macon dance marathon for the benefit of the Richmond-Area Children's Miracle Network facilites. While admission to the marathon is free; donations are accepted. Business and residents can sponsor participants.
This cause is important to us for many reasons. One because many of the children we support are helped by the wonderful nurses and doctors at these facilities. Also because both Matthew one of the youngest members of the Plaid Racing and even the Driver of the Plaid Racing herself, have been treated at the Children's Hospital that this money will go to support. These facilities are critical to those parents who have children who desperately need help, but there are financial constraints that may otherwise dictate the care they would receive.
Since 2002 this marathon has raised over $125,000 for the Richmond are facilities. Matthew has attended every marathon to date. There are many activities during the day, and each hour a special "miracle" child is featured. Matthew is one of those children. Everyone listened as Matthew, who was born with a heart defect, and has autism (Asperger's Syndrome) and mild cerebral told his own story, the gaps filled in by his mother and uncle.
The night was filled with surprises for Matthew, who is a huge Tony Stewart fan. Matthew's 7th birthday is on Easter Sunday and so he was presented with a Tony Stewart cake and many Tony gifts. We on the Plaid Racing are not worried though as he declared to everyone that the stuffed monkey he received was to be named Elliott Sadler. I have to tell you that Matthew is a very special little boy who holds a special place in my heart as I work with him in the classroom everyday. He and I both laugh as his orange and black clashes with my blue and yellow. We have a deal that if Elliott wins during the school year I owe him lunch for a week.
We also were fortunate enough to meet Miss Williamsburg, VA, Brittany Gordon, who has pledged to help the Plaid Racing any way she can. We are proud to have her on the team.
It was a wonderful night for everyone. We were proud to be a part of Matthew's night and hope to be there for many years to come. Please enjoy a look at Matthew's night as he glowed with excitement surrounded by so many people who care. Thanks to everyone who made this night a huge success.
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 Matthew with Miss Williamsburg, Brittany Gordon |
 Left to right: Shelley Goodall, Matthew and his mom,Jennifer |
 Matthew and the Theta Chi Fraternity of Randolph Macon College |
Left to right: Miss Williamsburg,Brittany Gordon, Matthew McMillen, Shelley Goodall and Miss Capital Region, Melissa Albright | 
Shelley and Matthew in their velcro suits |
 Matthew dancing with Miss Capital Region and Miss Williamsburg |
Matthew and his mom checking out his Tony Stewart Birthday Cake |  |
Matthew playing mini golf | 
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Matthew McMillen | ||
All photos were taken by the Plaid Racing, Inc.. These photos are the property of the Plaid Racing. These photos may not be reproduced or tranferred without the express written consent of the Plaid Racing.