ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – A couple of brave local kids were given the opportunity on Friday to meet their larger than life heroes.
It was a special opportunity for Brody and Miguel. Both boys have been affected by cancer and were able to spend the afternoon hanging out with their favorite Monster Truck drivers at the Resch Center.
The jaws of both kids were on the dirt floor when they stepped into the arena and saw the giant trucks.
“I think what they’re used to seeing is the size of their little Hot Wheels,” quipped Arlene Duran, the mother of Miguel.
Brandon Vinson, the driver of Gravedigger, was on-hand to take pictures with both boys and to let them get into the driver seat.
He says these opportunities to put a smile on kids faces are always special to him.
“It’s always cool to get inside a 12,000-pound Monster Jam Truck, let alone Gravedigger,” he says. “It’s like a 36-year legacy and they’ll remember that the rest of their lives.”
The meet-and-greet and opportunity to get behind the wheel was set up by apparel brand “Love you Melon,” which has a partnership with Monster Jam. The Resch Center provided tickets and lodging for the families.
Arlene Duran says her family was thrilled when they were contacted. The most rewarding aspect was seeing Miguel run around with his heroes.
“It’s awesome,” she says. “I love seeing him have his energy back.”
Arlene had her doubts if Miguel would physically be up to their all-day schedule, but it turned out that wasn’t a problem.
“I was a little worried because he just had his big round of Kemothereopy on Monday, but he perked up to come here,” she explains.
For Brandon Vinson, the opportunity to connect with kids reminds him why he got involved in this career in the first place.
“I always said, if I was ever to become a driver in Monster Jam I would love to do that,” he says. “Here I am right here in Green Bay giving back to these kids, it’s a cool thing.”
A limited-edition Monster Jam Love Your Melon beanie is available only with an advance Monster Jam ticket purchase.
The fight against pediatric cancer is supported by fifty percent of all net profits from the sale of all Love Your Melon products being given to Love Your Melon nonprofit partners.
Monster Jam at the Resch Center is taking place Friday, November 9 at 7 PM and Saturday, November 10 at both 1 PM and 7 PM.
