Experienced by Adrian McQueen
Photos by Adrenaline Lifestyles
The holiday season is upon us and it was time to partner with Children’s National Health System for our annual Christmas Drive. This year we were able to bring on CCAA Events, Three Time Grammy Nominee Raheem DeVaughn’s LoveLife Foundation, Guy Lambert of WPGC 95.5, Capitol Public Relations and former NFL Washington Redskins Joshua Morgan, Fred Smoot, Clinton Portis and Darnerian McCants. Collections for new & unwrapped toys for boys and girls took place at Bahama Breeze Island Grille in Woodbridge, VA as well as various car meets throughout the Washington DC area. Thanks to the generosity and philanthropic nature of the good people at Mazda, we were provided a Soul Red Crystal Metallic 2018 Mazda CX-9 to deliver the toys to the hospital. It really looked like Santa’s sleigh pulled up to the loading dock.
Having been involved in this effort for a few years, I see how the holiday season can prove to be one of the most stressful seasons, as people are faced with the decision of want vs. need. Children’s National Health System has more than 50 pediatric subspecialties and with this great collaborative effort we were able to help brighten the spirits of over 300 patients and families that are spending the Christmas holidays in the hospital. Spending the holidays in an unfamiliar environment can be jarring, especially for patients who are trying to recover or aren’t feeling well. Children’s National Health System helps to create a holiday experience for patients that can be as comfortable and memorable as being at home.
As we arrived at the hospital, many compliments and joyous comments were given about the Mazda CX-9. The Soul Red Crystal Metallic hue truly fit the theme and the season. The CX-9 is eye-catching as soon as you see the long sloping hood that leads to the large Mazda symbol which is prominently placed on the sharply angled front grille. This 3 row, 7 passenger SUV, sits on 20-inch alloy wheels. The second and third rows of seats easily folded as we needed to make quick configuration changes to load up the gifts. The CX-9’s second row is a 60/40 split-folding bench seat while the third row is a 50/50 split-folding bench, that flipped into the floor to create a completely flat cargo area.
From pickup to delivery, driving the Mazda CX-9 around town was a pleasure. Christmas tunes were blaring from the 12 speaker BOSE system as we grooved throughout the city. The throttle response was quick and boost from the turbo is instantaneous. Sport mode in the six-speed automatic transmission definitely adds some pep in your step while the normal mode set us up for a more relaxed commute. The G-Vectoring Control system reduces engine torque to help settle the front end so the SUV would take the turns smoothly. The 227 hp, SKYACTIV-G 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder engine was surprisingly very good on gas averaging 23 mpg, 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The model used comes in at $43,905.00 and very well worth price tag considering the size, safety and comfort of the vehicle.
I always say, “As blessed as we are, it is our duty to give back to those that are less fortunate.” I will continue to live by the motto and move forward with uplifting the communities around me. Stay tuned as we continue reaching out to families and communities in need of assistance. Enjoy the photos.
