NWKT has always been about promoting a positive image of today’s Tuners, and this is none more evident than by our commitment to maintain a family-like atmosphere among our members, not only at events, but online as well. And, we’ve always wanted to take that even further by giving back to our community, or and organization that could really benefit from our support.
It wasn’t until recently that we had one of our founding members make a startling confession to everyone. It seems that Fragile X, a family of genetic conditions which can impact individuals and families in various ways, runs in their family. Even though they’ve always been active in the Fragile X communities in the area, it wasn’t until another member of their family was recently diagnosed with Fragile X that they decided to step things up a bit, and were brave enough to ask the support of everyone on the NWKT Team.
It was then that we collectively decided to support the National Fragile X Foundation.
What is Fragile X?
Fragile X is a family of genetic conditions, which can impact individuals and families in various ways. These genetic conditions are related in that they are all caused by gene changes in the same gene, called the FMR1 gene.
Fragile X includes:
fragile X syndrome(FXS), the most common cause of inherited mental impairment. This impairment can range from learning disabilities to more severe cognitive or intellectual disabilities. (Sometimes referred to as mental retardation.) FXS is the most common known cause of autism or "autistic-like" behaviors. Symptoms also can include characteristic physical and behavioral features and delays in speech and language development.
fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome(FXTAS), a condition which affects balance, tremor and memory in some older male gene carriers.
fragile X-associated premature ovarian failure(POF), a problem with ovarian function which can lead to infertility and early menopause in some female gene carriers.
Some gene carriers do not exhibit any of these features. To learn more about carriers click HERE.
Fragile X can be passed on in a family by individuals who have no apparent signs of this genetic condition. In some families a number of family members appear to be affected, whereas in other families a newly diagnosed individual may be the first family member to exhibit symptoms.
The National Fragile X Foundation (NFXF) has been helping individuals with Fragile X, their families, and the professionals who work with them, since 1984. As research into Fragile X continues, our understanding of who it affects and how it affects them will grow. The NFXF is committed to keeping the Fragile X community well informed.
Our Commitment
We decided to give this cause our utmost attention, and incorporate it into everything we do. From our club related events, to attending car shows, or Autocross events, to communicating our dedication to this organization to our many business contacts, and Team associates.
The NFXF operates solely on gifts from individuals and corporations and they greatly appreciate every donation, large and small. With this in mind, we decided to have a fundraising car show benefiting the NFXF.
Fundraising Car Show for Fragile X
That's right! We're having a car show to benefit the NFXF. It'll be held on July 27th, 2008, at the Pierce County Fairgrounds in Graham, WA.
Address: 21800 Meridian Ave. E.
Graham, WA 98338
Directions:
Cost: TBD
Times: TBD
We're still wrapping-up the final details with this event, but our goal is to raise $5000 to donate to the NFXF. We're inviting anyone, and everyone to attend this car show, and we would love to see the Kia Tuning Communities stand-up and join us for this worthy cause.
So, to all you NWKT'ers throughout the great Pacific Northwest... to all the StreetKiaz members... to all the people, businesses, and organizations that are affiliated with these fine groups... the call goes out to you all. It's time for all the Kia Tuners to step things up, and do great things for an organization that can really benefit from our support. It's time to put aside any reasons you may have for not being able to attend an event, and do whatever you can to attend this benefit car show. It doesn't even matter if you ride is show-ready or not... if it's drivable, then you should attend. If you can't attend this event, then maybe you should have a small gathering in your area where you live, take up a collection, and either send it to NWKT* to add to their collective donation, or click HERE to donate it directly to the NFXF.
* - Please contact the NWKT Site Admin for information regarding this donation option.
Vendor Participation
We're not too proud to say this, but NWKT has a very limited budget. In fact, everything with NWKT is funded solely by it's memebrs. This is why in order to make this event be an overwhelming success, we're looking for vender support, or event sponsorships. About the only thing we can offer at this point, in exchange for your support, is advertising on our website and any publications or videos we make about this event.
If this is something you would be interested, please take a look at the follwing "Vendor Attendance Package Option" forms. If you're able to participate in this manner, please feel free to print out Page 2, make your selections, total your your donation ammount, and be sure to include it when you send the form back to us.
Page 1:
Page 2:
Additional Information
As this event draws near, we will continue to update this section of our website. Please bookmark this page to stay up-to-date on this outstanding event.
Event Sponsorship or Vendor Participation Info
With every sponsor, or vendor that gets involved with this event with us, we'll post that information here. If you want to see your name up here, please don't hesitate to offer your support.