A charity to grow with

Think back to those things that you remember as your "firsts" in life.

	Tim Packman

Whether it is your first memory of school, your first "best friend forever," that first kiss or the first time you laid eyes on the love of your life.

This past week, I went to what I thought was a routine press conference -- only to come away from it profoundly moved. We'll get to that in a minute, though.

When it comes to firsts, I remember the first professional athlete who became my favorite. It was Walt Patulski, a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills in the 1970's. I can't even tell you why he was my favorite, but he wore the No. 85, I had his jersey and I followed his stats for every game.

That became "my" number ever since, too. From football uniforms in high school, to softball teams to my race cars --- they all carried the No. 85. And, until this day, I still consider the number to be good luck.

I've never met the man, but I do know that he lives in Syracuse, N.Y. and has his own business. His bubble gum card is one of about six I have in my collection.

This past week, I discovered another first -- my first charity.

I went to Level Cross, N.C. to cover the "Going Green" event for Kyle and Pattie Petty's new Victory Junction Gang Camp. Ground was broken and cleared in September, but Tuesday's deal was to celebrate that construction could begin on the 36 scheduled buildings.

What I presumed was just another press conference left me with a profound feeling of purpose. I hope you'll join me in helping them out.

To hear Kyle and Pattie talk about the camp they are building for children ages seven to 15 with chronic and life-threatening illnesses is really something. It is intended to create camping experiences that are fun, exciting, physically safe and medically sound.

The camp is being built in honor of the Petty's son Adam. Pattie shared a conversation that she and Adam had a few nights before his tragic accident.

"We were talking about how things weren't going all that great for him with his racing," his mom said. "He was saying that his finishes weren't that great, he wasn't running great and things like that.

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"I reminded him of the hospital visit he made earlier in the week. I told him that that would matter more to God than where he finished on the race track that weekend.

"We need to remember what really counts while we're here on Earth."

Sitting among drivers Steve Park, Dave Blaney, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Michael Waltrip and owners Felix Sabates, Travis Carter and Felix Sabates, I noticed the reverence and respect that they had for the Pettys and their cause.

it didn't go unnoticed by Kyle.

"To you guys -- drivers and owners and others in the NASCAR community -- your being here means more to me than you'll ever know," Petty said, getting emotional. "Thank you.

"This camp is going to depend on donations to build it and to keep it going. Our goal is $24 million and so far we've raised just over $10 million.

"This is the one sport that has the fans that can make this happen. The fans of NASCAR are the ones who have made, and will make, this possible. One-third of the money we've raised so far has come from the fans."

Petty told a story about how during his Charity Ride Across America the two-wheeled group rolled into this town. There, on the edge of the road, stood a young kid with a jar in his hands.

When the group stopped, the youngster came up to Kyle and handed him the jar. He said how he'd been saving his change in this jar and wanted to give it to Kyle for his camp.

It probably amounted to less than $20, but it was the thought that counted that moved Kyle.

Then, he said something that hit me and made me realize what I could do to help.

"You would be surprised at how many people send in checks in the amount of $45 dollars in memory of Adam and his car number," Petty said. "Some folks even send in $450."

Right then, I had just found "my" first charity to contribute to on a regular basis. Having a healthy 17-year-old stepson, I realize my wife and I truly blessed.

So, from now until the summer of 2004, when the camp is scheduled to open, I am going to pledge $45 a month to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. It's going to be my official charity.

Oh sure, $45 doesn't seem to be a lot to the overall cause. But, if 10 of you join me, that's $450 each month. If 100 of you join me, that's $4,500 to the camp for the kids. I'm talking about $11.25 per week.

If you join in the monthly thing, that's great. Even if you make a one-time contribution of $45 to the cause, you're still helping out.

Just think, when the buildings are done and the camp opens, you can say you helped "build" the racing-themed facility. It can't hurt you to feel a little better helping someone else, either.

Print this column; wrap it around the check you mail in so the Pettys know how great the fans of this sport truly are and that you want to help them in their cause.

Send to:

The Victory Junction Gang Camp

311 Branson Mill Road

Randleman, NC 27317

C'mon --- join me.

Tim Packman's column appears every Saturday on NASCAR.com.

The opinions listed here are solely those of the writer.