1962 Ford Galaxie Donated as Tribute to Bart Starr
65,000 fans crowded New York City’s Yankee Stadium in 1962 to watch the small-town Green Bay Packers take on the big-time New York Football Giants. The single digit temps and 35–40 mph winds caused television crews to thaw cameras with dugout bonfires. The Packers emerged victorious over the Giants for the second year in a row, winning 16–7.
Bart Starr Gains an 8-Year-Old Fan
Scott Roberts was 8 years old at the time, living in Wisconsin and admiring Bart Starr’s perfect placement on holds that allowed Jerry Kramer to kick the deciding three field goals and extra point in the Packers’ victory. Scott hasn’t forgotten about that game or the impact Bart Starr had on the Packers, leading them to multiple championships. Scott also watched as Bart’s contribution to the community included raffling off his MVP 1968 Corvette as a fundraiser for Rawhide Boys Ranch.
In honor of his boyhood hero, Scott recently decided to donate a car to Rawhide, hoping to encourage Bart’s recovery from his stroke in 2014.
1962 was a Very Good Year
In the mid-1990s, Scott bought a 1962 Ford Galaxie. He used the vehicle only in summer because the giant trunk was perfect for hauling family camping supplies on weekend trips.
When Scott heard about Bart Starr’s stroke, he wanted to find a way to support his boyhood hero at least in spirit. Scott remembered that his Ford Galaxie was built in 1962 — the same year he became a life-long Bart Starr fan.
1962 had another significance for Scott. He considers the 1962 Packers team a powerhouse with some of the greatest players ever assembled in NFL history. Putting that all together with his admiration and respect for Bart led to one conclusion; Scott would follow in Bart’s footsteps and support Rawhide by donating his 1962 Ford Galaxie.
Bart Starr’s Humble Character
While growing up watching Bart Starr’s football field heroics, Scott was most impressed by Bart’s humble personality and charitable heart. Scott is amazed by how respectful Bart is and what a true inspiration Bart could be to everyone. Scott told Rawhide, “Bart embodies everything good.”
Scott’s car donation to Rawhide is his way of saying thank you to Bart and in hopes that it would somehow inspire Bart’s recovery.
A Lifetime Connection to Rawhide
Scott’s boyhood admiration for Bart Starr wasn’t his only connection to Rawhide. He practiced law from 1979 until July of 2015, retiring to experience new chapters in his life. During his time as a private practice lawyer and assistant district attorney, he dealt with young men facing difficult problems.
When Scott received cases regarding young men, he remembered everything good Bart Starr embodied and Bart’s connection to Rawhide. Scott learned about Rawhide’s unique and successful programs and never hesitated to refer youth to Rawhide if he felt the situation was right.
Encourage Bart Starr’s Recovery
You can show your support for Bart Starr, even if you don’t have a Ford Galaxie to donate. If you would like to encourage Bart Starr’s recovery, leave a motivating message in the comment section of this blog. We will pass all words of encouragement to the Starr family.
Originally published at www.rawhide.org.
