[tarheel1231]

This is great! You guys did a really nice thing for Max. I never knew him personally, but it's pretty obvious how much he mattered to everyone he knew. Glad to see an empty seat for media day.

[carowindsman6654]

Keep my money. I remember sitting right next to Max at the bar across the street from Carowinds with Wormy, Coasterbruh, and Arby after the August announcement. Good times. He will be missed.

[Jarsh]

So glad to hear that we could make this happen! Thank you to everyone who donated.

[AMartin777]

It's just the best news! I'm so glad Max got that seat. This is what it's all about and you are all the best. Fury 325 will be a great ride but what you've done for Max is even beyond that and I thank you all.

[CodyH3333]

Glad to see that so many people can make this happen for someone that is so important to our community. Just like what tarheel said..I did not know Max personally but he is obviously someone very special to you guys. I am very happy to see everyone make this happen. Its really incredible. Great job pals!

[anthonydj]

This is really AWESOME!!! I am so glad that we could get Max a seat. I did not know Max but i am glad we could do this for him!!

[Bigcoasterguy]

I did not know Max personally and did not have any money to donate but I feel honored to be a part of a community that cares so much about its other member's. I'm sure Max would be honored through all the work you have done. Very happy you guys got him a front row seat

[arby]

Please use my donation on Max's behalf. I agree with gamndbndr.

Even though it was an auction for "a seat", the money I donated was in honor of Max with a charitable donation. If it doesn't go to the Cam Newton foundation, it should go to the fund identified by Max's family: Mount Home Graceful Giving Fund at 2272 Mt. Home Church Rd. Morganton, NC 28655.

PS. I hope the family knows about this honor he's received.

If anybody is interested in a park bench with a plate in memory of Max, let me know and I can look into that possibility separately.

[Ty-Rant_13]

I'm really sorry I was unable to donate anything, but, as others have said, this is absolutely outstanding. While I never knew Max, I love being part of a community that works so hard for someone who meant so much to so many. I look forward to hearing how the remaining money is used to honour Max. If it is used for a bench, or a tree, or whatever, I will be sure to visit it at least once every trip to Carowinds to show my respect.

[carowindsman6654]

http://youtu.be/ukDxR0lfG7o

[chknwing]

Thanks everyone! This was amazing.

To everyone who donated, I will probably be sending out an email later in the week. Since the donation was specifically for the auction I don't feel completely comfortable changing the use of the leftover money, so everyone will have the option of having the unused percentage of their donation refunded if they choose. For those who choose not to, we will work on some way to use it. Suggestions welcome.

I didn't know Max outside of the forum but if he had any family maybe just donate whatever is left from the auction to his family.

[Jonathan]

I have conducted the random drawing for the auction prizes. https://www.random.org/integers/ was used for the randomization. Each whole dollar donated counted as one entry, so there were 2,191 entries. For example, someone who donated $50 had 50 entries. $3.25 would be 3 entries. The prizes were drawn in the order shown below.

The winners:

1. Autographed Cam Newton football: Rick Barber
2. Two regular single day 2015 admission tickets: Brian Mitchell
3. Large Fury 325 First Rider Charity Auction T-shirt: Ken Beard
4. Fury 325 First Rider Auction Hat: Doug Robinson

I swear I did not rig it so that two admins would win prizes. That's how the numbers came out!

I will contact everyone at a later date to arrange shipping of the prizes.

[Homey G.]

Shenanigans!!!!

Nah I'm just thrilled that Max will get to ride in the best seat before anyone else

[KenB]

I'm so thrilled that we got Max the money seat. I imagine Mike will explain why that seat is going out empty, and the media might be interested in the story behind that so Jonathan better be ready for an interview or two. Or you could throw Doug to the media wolves

[Jonathan]

I just sent out an email to donors. If you did not receive it please private message me and let me know.

In short, donors have been given the option of refunding the unused portion of their donation or leaving it in the account which will be split into thirds and donated equally to the following organizations which we believe Max would have appreciated: Catawba Valley Pride (http://www.catawbavalleypride.org/), American Diabetes Association (http://www.diabetes.org/), and National Kidney Foundation (https://www.kidney.org/).