Seniors with a need for speed cross ‘race BMW’ off bucket lists thanks to MyJump!
“I have always loved going fast, and I have the tickets to prove it,” says Palm Desert resident Joan Keys, 92, a former bookkeeper and antiques dealer.
On Saturday, Sept. 30, Keys was one of 10 gung-ho senior citizens who were treated to the BMW Experience in Thermal, thanks to Coachella Valley-based nonprofit MyJump!.
MyJump! was founded by Webb Weiman, a former TV producer for "Project Runway" and "Top Chef." Years ago when his mother died, he observed his father retreating into isolation and expressing that he had no reason to live. Weiman decided his dad needed a boost, so he got him a date. The date went so well that his father married the woman and led a happy, fulfilled life to the end.
The experience sparked a new life direction for Weiman who, for the past 12 years, has granted bucket list wishes for more than 100 senior citizens around the country, with a special focus on its home base here in the Coachella Valley.
MyJump! takes an innovative approach to aging in place, relying on inspiration to improve the lives of elderly citizens. Loneliness in this age group has been linked to health challenges, both mental and physical. Since emerging from the pandemic, research has shown how important social experiences, like those provided by MyJump!, are for our elders.
MyJump! partnered with the Auen Foundation, Bighorn Cares, Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS) and the Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation to sponsor the first annual race day.
Julie Hirsch of JFS says each time Weiman and his team put on an event, her people “feel special and valued, like queen or king for the day. They simply can’t believe someone is enhancing their lives so much for free.”
In a BMW M240i, the seniors learned handling, steering and throttle control before racing each other in timed runs on the track.
One of those lucky seniors was Indian Wells resident Gena Smith, a former elementary school teacher who, at 92-years-young, couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel.
See a video below.
“I like to drive fast,” Smith said. “My family has always said I had a lead foot, and I do just love the feel of a car going fast.”
Smith says her BMW Experience was “a dream come true. It was thrilling. I was scared silly because I'd never been in a car that had that kind of horsepower. It was even more than I had dreamed of. I am just so happy I got to do it.”
Smith brought along her nurse advocate for the ride as well as a couple she’s been close to for nearly 50 years. They designated themselves as members of “Gena’s Pit Crew” and even had T-shirts made to identify themselves.
Fellow speed enthusiast Keys didn’t actually drive the car, having broken her hip in July, but she loved the ride nonetheless. “It was so much fun,” she says. "Going that fast felt great!"
Smith encourages others to pursue their own bucket list items. “All I can say is if you ever get the chance to do it, say yes, and then be first in line.”
As the philanthropy editor at The Desert Sun, Winston Gieseke writes about nonprofits, fundraising and locals who give back, like his beloved dog Ernie Banks, who volunteers at the local cancer center. Reach him at winston.gieseke@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Seniors with a need for speed cross ‘race BMW’ off bucket lists
