“So, what should I expect during the Rally?” I asked my coworkers. Every answer I received was different and equally vague. I knew I was in for a wild ride for my first Rally North America.

On the website, the description says,

“For the last 12 years, Rally North America has been creating awesome and fulfilling auto adventures in the USA. Each year, over 75 teams raise money for charity and compete in a scavenger hunt-style rally across all parts of the United States.” 

Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) is one of the nonprofits on rotation.

The others are Camp Sunshine, C.O.P.S, and Race to Erase MS.  To put it into perspective, over two million dollars has been raised for the four charity partners since the Rally began.

HOPE will be the beneficiary in 2026, so this year, I had the honor of participating and representing HOPE on the journey to Camp Sunshine in Maine. 

We started our adventure in Syracuse, New York. Over 75 cars arrived from all over the country, and some drivers even flew from Europe to participate in this unique and unforgettable event.

Our first stop was Lake Placid, over 300 miles away from Syracuse.

On the way, we hit the Museum of Oz (did you know the writer of The Wizard of Oz was born in Chittenango, N.Y.? I sure didn’t!) and the Fulton Chain of Lakes (There are eight of them!) and the Lake Placid Olympic Center.

Some of our tasks included taking photos with the Oz costumes, visiting local fire departments, and riding a bobsled roller coaster. 

What made this trip so unique were the stops along the journey.

We stopped at a small restaurant along the Fulton Chain of Lakes and started chatting with several locals about what we were doing. They were eager to help us decipher the clues and learn about HOPE and Camp Sunshine.

I’ll explain more about the Camp later, but trust me, you want to continue reading. I would have NEVER met these people if I had not jumped in the car.

You’re encouraged to buy items at the little museums or purchase a well-known food or snack in a specific town. So, the Rally isn’t just raising money for nonprofits; they’re literally boosting the local economy every day. It’s extraordinary. 

On day two, we made our way to Shelburne, New Hampshire. One task was going across Lake Champlain on a ferry with your vehicle after climbing Champlain Memorial Lighthouse.

Another was to stop by the Star Trek Museum, which was a memorable moment. Sitting in Captain Kirk’s chair on the U.S.S. Enterprise is something I NEVER thought I’d do. The organizers are Tony and Scott – they pick breathtaking routes.

You’re not cruising on highways; you’re zipping around on backroads with views that make you say, “Wow,” at least 20 times a day.

I never knew our country packed so much beauty. 

We saw covered bridges, waterfalls, and mountains that went on for miles. We even made a stop at the biggest zipper in the world! Did you know that it’s located in Vermont? Who knew? 

Every night, we’d socialize with the other Rally folks. We’d hear their stories, why they’re a part of this event, and where they came from. One of my favorite things about my job at HOPE is talking with people from all walks of life.

You hear about a son who came back from Afghanistan suffering from PTSD and is struggling to find care. You see the needs in person, and you can bet that we are taking those concerns and struggles home, working to find solutions. 

On our final day, we drove to Maine. We were directed to stop by the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum, where we touched a meteorite that is 7.2 BILLION years old.

We even were able to hold a piece of the Moon and Mars. If not for Rally North America, I would have never known this place existed. We even went to Poland … Springs and got to drink the freshest water we’ve ever tasted.

My coworker Erin and I shared a lot of laughs and chuckled at the lack of cell phone service the entire trip while looking for moose, bears, and eagles for points on our scavenger hunt cards. 

I knew the last stop would be emotional, and I braced myself heading up the hill to Camp Sunshine.

To give a little background, Camp Sunshine inspires hope in children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through our unique, supportive program at its beautiful campus on Maine’s Sebago Lake. I have a three-year-old son, and I am SO incredibly blessed that he is a healthy and happy little boy. Unfortunately, so many families are not that fortunate. 

Dozens of kids and their families were lined up with signs, cheering as the 70+ cars drove through. They were smiling, laughing, and saying “Thank you” to each person. I immediately started crying.

Some of these kids have endured unimaginable pain and suffering, yet they’re out in the sun, smiling and laughing. They are stronger than I will ever be. I saw a little boy with a hat who looked about my son’s age. All I could see was his face. I’ll never forget this moment.

Camp Sunshine is giving these sweet, innocent faces a getaway. They’re allowing them to be kids with their families. These children are not thinking about chemo treatments and hospital visits.

They’re focused on swimming in the lake, playing mini golf, and climbing rock walls with their parents. The emotion comes from knowing that some might not have much time. 

I walked on memorial bricks through the camp; some would have names of children just ten years old when they passed. I want to think Camp Sunshine gave them some of their happiest moments before their final ones. 

This year’s rally raised over $190,000 for Camp Sunshine.

Stepping on those grounds with strangers who became family was one of my life’s most impactful and indescribable moments. We were a part of something so much bigger than ourselves, and I can’t wait to do it again next year. 

*Written by Kate Dudley

Kate Dudley is a military spouse and Communications manager for HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS. You can also catch her on the HFTW Podcast. 

You can also connect with pother powerful stories at the M:M Expert Author Page.