This year’s 10th annual Darlington Bed Race was slated to be held on the first Friday in June as the customary “kick off to summer.” Due to the current public health situation and uncertainty of restrictions on an event with more than 1,000 onlookers on the downtown square, the decision was made last week to postpone the Darlington Bed Race until Fall.
The event that supports the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville and Noblesville Parks & Recreation raises funds to support youth scholarships for camp programs that take place during out-of-school times. Postponing the event will still allow both organizations to benefit from utilizing proceeds to support local youth scholarships throughout year.
“Each year the Bed Race raises money to fund scholarships for youth programs,” said BGCN Unit Director Abby Stutesman. “These scholarships ease the financial burdens of a long list of priorities within families as well as provide positive, engaging activities for their children. Now more than ever, our services have more of a purpose. Youth will need the social connections our organizations offer, and families will need the financial assistance events like the Bed Race make possible.”
“In working with Noblesville Main Street and the Boys & Girls Club, we are disappointed to change the event date, however, the health and safety for our community is a top priority,” said Noblesville Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Amber Mink. “We hope by postponing this event we are able to draw a bigger attendance and, in turn, hope to raise even more funds for youth scholarships.”
Since its inception, the annual Bed Race has been title sponsored by Darlington Snacks. “With recent events affecting our community as a whole due to COVID-19, more than ever, Darlington Snacks is committed to supporting The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville as they navigate finding new ways to supporting families and the youth in our community,” said Darlington Snacks CEO Phil Hockemeyer. “We are also committing to extend our sponsorship of the Darlington Bed Race as the event postpones its date to the Fall of 2020.”
Each year, the event kicks off summer as one of Noblesville Main Street’s First Friday events.
“While we are so sad to postpone the Bed Race we are excited for its new date in the fall,” said Noblesville Main Street Executive Director Lorna Oskouie. “It will be so nice for all of us to come together for this great event at that time.”
Sponsorship opportunities are currently available to support the event, and teams are able to sign up and reserve their spot in the 10th annual event. Information can be found on BGCN’s website at bgcni.org/#Bed. Questions and requests can be sent to Abigail Stutesman at astutesman@bgcni.org.