Each year, the Dobrusin Law Firm comes out in full force to sponsor and support the Main Street Pontiac Phoenix Derby Races! Although the pandemic forced a cancellation in 2020, the event returned for a third year – with a slight change of vehicle.

In the past, the Races teamed area middle and high school STEAM students with working engineers to build wooden gravity-powered cars. This year, skateboards were the focus, a tie-in with the Pontiac Skatepark Project initiative to construct a safe, accessible, and sustainable skatepark facility in the city.

When kids showed up at assigned time slots, they were given skateboard kits and tools and watched a video showing how skateboards are made. Then it was off to their workbenches to build their boards with help from the experts. Safety is always the top priority, and thanks to generous sponsors, each contestant received safety equipment and then short lessons on their new boards by experienced skaters part of the Pontiac Skatepark Project.

At the end of the competition, Main Street Pontiac awarded three scholarships of $1,000 each based on earlier submitted essay-style applications, and four $50 gift cards to the People Skate and Snowboard skate shop as prizes for superior craftsmanship.

Marijayne Renny, the Dobrusin Law Firm’s community outreach coordinator, has been working diligently to raise funds and awareness for the Pontiac Skatepark Project. Marijayne and Daniela Walters took on the added job of leading the firm’s involvement with the Phoenix Races in 2021.

We thank Marijayne and Daniela for their tireless efforts and everyone else who helped make this year’s Phoenix Derby Races such a success!