Stricken with grief after the accident, the McDonough family sought solace from their minister, who warned them.
“He told us to expect tough times, especially Christmas and birthdays,” said McDonough. “He said the anniversary of the accident would be one of the hardest. I said, there’s no way I can sit around and dread this one-year anniversary.”
The McDonoughs came up with the idea for a 5K run. Then Brett’s sister, Jenny, sent him a computer link detailing a “color run,” in which runners were sprayed with colors of powder throughout.
“I thought, that’s it,” said McDonough. “That’s my little Zoie to a tee. She was always having fun, always making others happy. It kind of became an obsession for my wife and I.”
They attended color runs around the country to get an idea what they would need. They partnered with several corporations and sponsors in the Chattanooga area. A large committee of people helped them put it together.
And, despite the weather forecast, it all went well. Around 1,700 runners turned out and it was estimated between $25,000 and $30,000 was raised for various charities, including the New Richland Area Food Shelf.
“It did everything we hoped it would,” said McDonough. “Honestly, it wasn’t a sad day. It was a celebration.”
Next year, McDonough hopes to double the money raised. They plan to hold the event for at least three years and then see what happens.
McDonough said the whole thing has been good for the family, including his dad, who McDonough said has had a “rough year.”
McDonough tried to brighten it a bit for his dad with a gift: a mint condition 1962 Chevrolet Corvair.
“He had a Corvair when he and Mom met,” said McDonough. “I found one on eBay that was exactly what he wanted, 100 percent original, 40,000 miles. It was very cheap for what the car was worth.”
McDonough placed a bid and forgot about it.
“A few days later I looked at my e-mail and it said, ‘You won,’” said McDonough. “I didn’t tell my wife anything. She just laughed and said, ‘You owe me big time.’”
McDonough’s nephew, Steven, hauled the car from Tennessee, but McDonough got to drive it to the house.
“As soon as the car came up the street, he just stopped, looking at the car,” said McDonough. “Even when I pulled into the driveway, he didn’t know it was me. He was still looking at the car.”
Mike McDonough was a little overwhelmed, and he later paid his son for the vehicle.
Brett McDonough remains a bit in awe over the entire Zoe’s Rainbow Dash experience.
“We’re just really overwhelmed by the support of everyone, the sponsors, the Minnesota people who came down,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to putting it on next year.”
