So Cal BMX Turns Out For Erin Schaefer Benefit

On April 27, the BMXNEWS forum carried a thread that there was a benefit race coming together to help Erin’s family offset the considerable cost associated with helping Erin in her battle against cancer and related conditions. By 9PM central time on May 3, that thread had, sadly, turned from a message of support and hope, to one of mourning and remembrance. That thread ultimately swelled to 50 posts from people wanting to express their condolences to the family, via the Website.

Then, on May 21, the “Race for Erin” thread was posted, with news that Lake Perris BMX would be hosting a benefit race on May 23. Well, the race turned out to be a big success yesterday, and we thought we’d bring a brief report on how things all came together. For that, we called upon one of the key players in making the race happen, Jeremy Sizemore (better known as “Schmick” on the forum).

The weather may have kept some people away as it seemed to be raining, hailing or snowing with thunder claps in every direction but for some reason the track was covered by a blue sky and sunlight. The raffle was huge as there were just a ton of things to give out, some went unclaimed. Randy and 3 of the Schaefer kids made it up with Erin’s horse- I cant begin to imagine how hard it is for them, but hope that the show of love from their extended BMX family helped.

Rusty Nesvig won the Pro Am, I think the next 3 were riders out of the 15 ex class Nate Padilla, Nick Koehler and Zack VanKammen. I don’t know how much money was raised in total but I can say that some teams/tracks were incredibly generous… Apple Valley BMX, WOW! and thank you so much. Crystal and Jesse Blair had some of the greatest Carne Asada tacos and home made salsa I have ever had and they raised close to $700 just in taco sales. Crystal was nervous about using her last name until she knew what sort of reception the tacos would get, its safe to now say, its “Blair!!”

Thank you to Wayne and Terry for letting us hold this event at their track, thank you to Reuben for coming out from the Orange Y and showing their support, thank you to all of the sponsors for their donations to the raffle and silent auction.

We are so very happy that the weather held, and the event was able to happen, as planned. Sounds like, based on what Schmick said, the Lake Perris track had a little angel watching over the weather yesterday.