NewsThank You Thursday - Corbin Bernsen03.02.2017Corbin Bernsen In September, 2009, while traveling on a plane, veteran actor Corbin Bernsen ("Psych," Major League," "L.A. Law") noticed a story in USA TODAY detailing the financial problems of the All-American Soap Box Derby. "I picked up a USA Today and see an article: 'Soap Box Derby rolling to a stop,' or something like that," Bernsen said to a reporter from the Tribune-Review in September, 2011. "This 75-year-old tradition was basically out of money, didn't have sponsors, and a lack of enthusiasm for the sport." Bernsen knew little about the Derby and never raced as a child. "I didn't have any direct association with the derby, except that every kid growing up in the '50s and '60s had certainly heard about it,' Bernsen said. “It just struck me most, because here's this wholesome tradition going away, and the country's kind of upside down from the mortgage crisis and all that. There's something related about all this." After reading about the derby's financial problems Bernsen was inspired to write a script, and raise money for the production of the movie 25 Hill. He made the movie, through his Home Theater Films production company. The result was a family-friendly drama starring Bernsen and Nathan Gamble ("Dolphin Tale"), written and directed by Bernsen. The movie was released on July 9, 2011. “Corbin Bernsen brought a lot of attention to the Derby when it needed it most,” said Derby President & CEO Joe Mazur. “We were going through some tough times and 25 Hill was a much needed shot in the arm. It brought attention, buzz and financial help.” The Derby would like to say THANK YOU to Corbin Bernsen for helping us continue our mission of building knowledge and character, and creating meaningful experiences through collaboration and fair and honest competition. This is the 23rd installment of our weekly “Thank You Thursday” feature. Each week we will offer a heartfelt “Thank You” to a corporation, civic or community leader, volunteer, foundation or an individual who has helped us continue our mission. To view previous features please click below. Thank You ThursdayThursday, September 29, 2016 - FirstEnergy Corp.Thursday, October 6, 2016 - Don PlusquellicThursday, October 13, 2016 - Bill GinterThursday, October 20, 2016 - Marous Brothers ConstructionThursday, October 27, 2016 - Meggitt Aircraft Braking SystemsThursday, November 3, 2016 - Myers IndustriesThursday, November 10, 2016 - Outgoing Board MembersThursday, November 17, 2016 - New Board MembersThursday. November 24, 2016 - VolunteersThursday, December 1, 2016 - Dairy Queen Thursday, December 8, 2016 - Curriculum FundersThursday, December 15, 2016 - SUBWAY®Thursday, December 22, 2016 - Will LoomanThursday, December 29, 2016 - Taylor Made JewelryThursday, January 5, 2017 - Greater Akron ChamberThursday, January 12, 2017 - Bob TroyerThursday, January 19, 2017 - GPD GroupThursday, January 26, 2017 - Former Summit County Executive Russ Pry and the County of Summit, OhioThursday, February 2, 2017 - Pilot Flying JThursday, February 9, 2017 - Dave HubbellThursday, February 16, 2017 - AAA Akron Auto Club Thursday, February 23, 2017 - Danny Hughes