Daytona Toyota Blog

Paul Newman, cofounder of Camp Boggy Creek, along with Bruce Rossmeyer, owner of Daytona Harley Davidson, were the center of attention at the Ride For Children Auction back in 1998.  During the auction, both gentlemen noticed the lackluster atmosphere at the event.  Mr. Rossmeyer decided to jumpstart the event by proclaiming he would match any bid submitted on any item at the auction.  Mr. Newman followed Mr. Rossmeyer’s lead by randomly selecting a small wooden gator grand prix race car, decorated by a camp member and being used as a prop, and autographed it.  The auction immediately started to percolate with excitement and the bidding began to accelorate.  David Horvitz, a camp founder and board member got involved.  Mr Horvitz and Mr. Newman exchanged bids on the now small wooden classic and eventually the gavel pounded with Mr. Newman representing the winning bid at $5000.00.  Of course the last laugh, in good fun, was on Mr. Rossmeyer who gladly matched the $5000.00 offer.  Mr. Newman then donated the car back to the camp.  As an interesting aside, when Mr. Newman was approached for his $5000.00 donation by V.P. of maketing and good friend, Sarah Gurtis, Paul was a tad hesitant.  Mr. Newman, not anticipating participating in the auction, did not bring his checkbook.  Fortunately, when he looked in his wallet, he found an old blank check. The account, interestingly enough, was still open and Mr. Newman made good on his offer.  During the 14th Annual Ride For Children in 2008, the Paul Newman autographed classic resurfaced for auction.  Again, the gentleman who submitted the winning bid donated the car back to the Camp.  More excitement ensued at the 15th Annual Ride For Children in October 2009 when the autographed wooden car was up for grabs yet again. Mr. Gib Dannehower, close friend and business partner of the late Mr. Rossmeyer ( who passed away July, 2009 in a motorcycle accident ) was very interested in securing the prize in memory of his dearly departed associate. As the bidding was slogging along in the four to five thousand dollar range, Mr. Dannehower surprised the floor and declared a $10,000.00 bid which easily secured the car.  Currently the car proudly sits on Mr. Dannehower’s fireplace mantle, ready for its next adventure.