To benefit Alonzo Mourning Charities
& University of Miami Sleep Center
Produced by The Grove Merchant Group Inc.
What: Bed racing returns this fall, Labor Day Weekend, Sunday September 5th with The 1.800.411 PAIN Great Grove Bed Race. The Bed Race is a free community event and fundraiser in Coconut Grove, Florida. The event proves a community can come together, have fun, be unique and hilarious and raise funds for the University of Miami and the Alonzo Mourning Charities.
When: The Bed Races will again roll through Labor Day Weekend, with races on Sunday September 5th and Saturday night, September 4th, the AM Charities Pajama Crawl
Where: Coconut Grove (Miami), FL on the village streets (Commodore & Grand Ave.) nearby breathtaking Biscayne Bay
Racing: The race involves rolling beds down a 1/8th mile "drag strip" street in Coconut Grove with the local community, individuals, businesses, organizations, and clubs sponsoring the beds. Teams consist of four race-bed pushers and one in-bed rider all racing against the clock until the fastest eight bed teams are determined and race head-to-head for the top position. Prizes are awarded for theme, décor, and racing success. (scroll to end for photos)
Who: Each year the race is attended by a Celebrity Grand Marshall, like 2009’s three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and Dancing with the Stars winner, Helio Castroneves. This year, over twenty thousand spectators are anticipated for 2010.
Ø Multi-ethnic, male and female
Ø Shoppers, diners and pub goers
Ø Tourists and travelers
Ø Public officials & community leaders
Ø Families & children
Ø Representatives and Celebrities of the Alonzo Mourning Foundation
Ø Representatives and Celebrities from the University of Miami
Ø Representatives and Celebrities from the Homestead Miami Speedway
Highlights of the 2009 Event:
ü Over 15 thousand attendees and visitors
ü International Media Coverage featured in print, television across Canada, North America and South America, statewide radio and National sports news coverage.
ü A total of more than $900k in advertising and exposure value to AM Charities, University of Miami and top sponsors.
ü Celebrity Grand Marshall Helio Castroneves, 3 time Indy Car champio& Dancing with the Stars winner
ü The Standing Room Only FORD MOTOR COMPANY family Pajama Party and story time featuring The Princess and the Pea read by the Alonzo Mourning Charities Honey Shine Girls
ü Indy interactive 40’ activity trailer and Homestead Miami Speedway show car were sold out!
ü Pit Row parade and display of the decorated and themed beds was a media frenzy and a performance not to be missed in 2010!
ü Music, media, interactive activities and merchant specials
Who Won 2009:
Speed: The Sandbar Grill came in first for speed followed closely by The University of Miami Sleep Center and Newbeeiz in third. A special Honorable mention goes to Animal Crackers who were second fastest qualifying time but went head to head with number one in the first round.
Decor: The Tuuci umbrellas team was all decked out and took best overall, The Woomba was most creative theme and SoFLo Skate and Bike took third.
Event Goal:
To encourage visitors and patrons to enjoy the tree lined streets of Coconut Grove, to brand Coconut Grove as a busy, engaging, exciting and viable village and to create a culture where interaction, innovation, fun and humor help shift the community of Coconut Grove into a collaboration of community leaders and fundraisers who can change the world through humanitarianism and kindness.
Admission: The event is free to spectators, VIP tent passes available by sponsoring the event or for teams who raise over $2k for the charities.