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Local family modifies demo cars to benefit autism research
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When John and Kodi Wright of Lyndon, Ill., were told last November that their sons Axil, 2, and Blake, 3, have autism, they decided to do something positive. Avid Demo Derby fans and participants, they decided to start modifying cars for demolition derbies and then auction them off at events, with all the proceeds going to research through Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org). "Since there isn't a cure, we just figured it should go toward research," said Ms. Wright. "I called Bill Gussey at the Bike Barn in Lyndon (where demo derbies are held) and he was more than happy to help us do this." "The number of children with autism is growing tremendously, and they don't know why," said Ms. Wright. "There's no research that says its one thing. I didn't realize how many children are affected. Blake was really advanced with talking and walking, but after he got his 1-year-old shots, he wasn't the same." "They had auctioned a car off for something before, but they never had a cause," said Mr. Wright, who came up with the idea to raffle off a demo car and donates about 20 hours of his time getting a car ready for the competition. "It just seemed perfect; our kids love demo derbies." After purchasing the first car to modify and raffle off, the Wrights got a second car by donation. "We raised $1,500 in the last two derbies," said Mrs. Wright. "Since there isn't a cure, we just figured the money should go toward research. "We just approach everybody and ask if they want to buy raffle tickets. We will be doing it again next summer and beyond." To contact the Wrights about car donations, email k_wright2008@yahoo.com. 
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Today is Saturday, May 25, the 145th day of 2013. There are 220 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: The annual review of the fire department of this city took placeyesterday and made a fine showing with machines and hose carts in tip-top order.
1888 -- 125 years ago: Last night's prayer meeting at Central Presbyterian Church wascalled off due to water in the basement, residue of last week's flood.
1913 -- 100 years ago: The junior class of Rock Island High School will hold a riverexcursion on the steamer St. Paul next Tuesday.
1938 -- 75 years ago: The 75th Anniversary of the Rock Island Arsenal today finds thenation's largest ordinance manufacturing plant filling many important orders for the army.
1963 -- 50 years ago: Miss Patrice Daly, Rock Island, a senior at Rock Island HighSchool, won second place in the recent state public speaking contest held in Peoria underthe auspices of the Knights of Pythias.
1988 -- 25 years ago: Hampton's sesquicentennial committee and the Hampton HistoricalSociety have scheduled a full slate of activities, which will be held throughout the year, to celebrate the village's 150th birthday. The first celebration will be the Memorial Dayprogram at 10 a.m. May 30, at the Brettun and Black Store Museum on River Road. Therewill be a sesquicentennial display.
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