Ray Evernham’s son, Ray
J, sparked an idea to create a program for young people with autism and
Asperger’s syndrome. That idea turned into IGNITE, and it also set the wheels
in motion for Evernham, a legendary NASCAR crew chief and team owner, to design
and build his first custom hot rod project to fund the new program.
Today, Ray Evernham and
the Evernham Family Racing for a Reason presented $280,000 in proceeds from the
recent auction of Evernham’s one-of-a-kind 1964 Plymouth Belvedere ForPly at
the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction to the Autism Society of North Carolina
to benefit IGNITE, the new community center in Davidson, NC, co-founded by
Evernham.
IGNITE, operated by the
Autism Society of North Carolina, is a membership-based community center for
young adults with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. IGNITE provides members an
opportunity to explore their talents and interests, develop social skills and
become more involved in the local community. It is located in the Cotton Mill,
in Davidson, NC.
The ForPly, housed in
the restored body of a near-half-century-old 1964 Plymouth Belvedere – the
year, make and model that won the 1964 Daytona 500 and NASCAR Grand National
Championship -- features a Kasey Kahne-driven Dodge racing powertrain, plus the
driveline of a modern day race car that Evernham’s former team Evernham
Motorsports built and raced at the Daytona 500. The one-of-a-kind ForPly, which
was restored and built at the Ray Evernham Enterprises facility in Mooresville,
NC, is the first custom design and build project by Evernham. Hot Rod magazine,
which will feature the ForPly in an upcoming issue, recognized it as “One of
the Top 10 Trendsetting Cars of SEMA Show 2012.” For more information on the
ForPly, visit www.rayevernham.shutterfly.com.
“We saw the need in the
community for a program and a place where young adults with autism and
Asperger’s can go not only to make friends and socialize, but to learn new job
skills and life skills,” said Evernham, whose son, Ray J, now 21, has
Asperger’s syndrome. “We looked at options around the region and there really
weren’t any, so we were able to work with the Autism Society of North Carolina
to create a unique new community called IGNITE.”
Tracey Sheriff, CEO of
the Autism Society of North Carolina, said the program has been very well
received and there is interest in developing similar programs around the country.
“Our thanks go out to
Ray and his family for all they have done to help create the IGNITE program and
inspire young adults with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome
achieve new levels of success and independence. IGNITE would not have been
possible without his support,” said Sheriff.
IGNITE is
membership-based, so interested individuals must apply for membership. Young
adults with high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome, who have graduated
from high school and are looking for ways to become involved in the community,
may apply by contacting IGNITE's Director. Membership slots are limited, but
the number of available slots is expected to expand as the program grows.
Acceptance to IGNITE
will be determined by the Director and staff of IGNITE. Likely candidates are
those who have a desire to participate, ability to work in a group, and
beginning independence skills. For more information, please email IGNITE's
Director, Stacy Hultgren at shultgren@autismsociety-nc.org.
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