In December 2004, my brother Craig Webb, died suddenly of a heart attack at the young age of 43. Three months later, my mother, Nancy Webb, also suddenly passed after receiving a heart valve transplant. She died of complications due to that surgery at 69 years young. That was a tough time for me and my entire family and Craig's wife Jamie. They were only married for a short time before his passing. We still struggle within ourselves about these terrible events in our lives. The thing is... were certainly not alone. Every 37 seconds someone in the United States dies from heart disease, stroke and other forms of cardiovascular disease---the No. 1 killer in every state. Cardiovascular disease will cost the United States an estimated $475 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity in 2009- more than any other disease. That is alot of families that are left with an emptiness in their souls. The loss of a family member is devastating for everyone.
I was determined to do something, so I decided to raise money for the American Heart Association by participating in Heart-Walks. They were fun, but I wanted to step it up a bit and have a few events a year. I decided to have The Craig Webb Golf Tournament, which is the sport he loved the most and was pretty good at too. A pig roast in honor of him and my mother, and then this mini-bike race that I have been having for the past three years. Craig loved motorcycles all his life and was a huge part of me starting to ride back in 1980. I can't count out my mother Nancy, she was definetly a huge supporter of my Pro BMX days and motorcycle riding. It was because of her and my father, Bob, that I excelled in both of those sports.
A long time friend of mine, Mike Billy, who is an accomplished A rider in AMA District 6, he started having this vintage mini-bike race in his back yard. Everyone showed up on their 1970's and 1980's XR 80's, CT 70's, QA 50's etc., ate food, hung out with friends, and had a great time. I thought to myself, after one of Mike's races, why can't I do the same thing and raise money for the AHA. In 2005, that's exactly what I did and it has grown in three years to the biggest back yard mini-bike/pit-bike event on the east coast. The first year there were 15 entries, the second year there were 55 entries, and last year there were over 100 entries, with around 250 people there. We raised $12,000 in one day in 2008.
Now with many sponsors on board such as, TB Parts, SGR, McBride Sports Accessories, 2UP Minis, 230 Cafe', Vitamin Water, Troy Lee Designs, Dead Mikes Bikes, Solomon Racing, Brownstone Cafe', Max Machine, Rhinesmith Masonry, Castles K9, Turkey Hill, Champions Sports Bar, Toytech, ECS Honda, Davis Fire Protection, Gannet, Sugarcoat, and family and friends, I now have the ability to raise the funds that will support research, education and community programs leading the fight against America’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease.
I want to thank each and everyone of you who believe in me and what I am trying to do. I couldn't of done it without YOU! See you all there for the funnest backyard mini-moto/pig roast event you'll ever attend.
This event is open to the public and not a specific invite only, so don't be afraid of bring friends and family. The more people, the more I can donate to the AHA.
Thank You!
Jeff Webb