Gordon pitches in with 'Winter Wonderland Gala'

Maine fund-raiser to feature American Idol winner Underwood

NEW YORK -- Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, along with the Portland Pirates, the Bill Dodge Auto Group and Get-Etched.com, will partner for "The Winter Wonderland Gala with Jeff Gordon & Friends" at 6 p.m. ET on Jan.14 in Portland, Maine.

With a sold-out dinner and highly coveted auction items, the event is set to raise more than $500,000 for The Jeff Gordon Foundation charities and is expected to be the largest fundraiser in the history of the state.

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Highlighting the festivities will be American Idol winner Carrie Underwood, who will take the microphone at the Cumberland County Civic Center with a highly anticipated afternoon music concert for 6,500 fans. Concert attendees will be further treated with a complimentary collectible granite coaster of Underwood provided by Get-Etched.com.

Opening for Underwood will be country music recording artists The Don Campbell Band.

Jumpstarting a weekend of celebration and encouragement at 7 p.m. ET on Jan. 13, the Portland Pirates will present a special pre-game show featuring a motivating and inspirational story of former NASCAR driver Jerry Nadeau. Jerry's story features a strong message of personal conviction, tragedy and triumph, and will leave the audience with the belief that passion and perseverance can overcome all.

Established in 1999, The Jeff Gordon Foundation primarily provides support for Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation, The Marrow Foundation in partnership with the Hendrick Marrow Program, Riley Hospital for Children and Jeff Gordon's Children Hospital at NorthEast Medical Center. Knowing that gaining speed over serious illness is the greatest victory of all, Gordon and The Foundation are honored to bring needed monies and assistance to chronically ill children and their families.

"The most rewarding blessing of my career is the ability to reach beyond my own life and bring joy to those in need," Gordon said. "Although my adrenaline peaks behind the wheel, the smile of a child in need is the fastest way to warm my heart. I extend my deepest appreciation to Carrie Underwood, the Portland Pirates, the Bill Dodge Auto Group and Get-Etched.com for helping me to further the work of my foundation."

• The Jeff Gordon Foundation was established in December of 1999 by the four-time NASCAR Nextel Cup champion to support children and families in need. The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Marrow Foundation in partnership with The Hendrick Marrow Program and Riley Hospital for Children and Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital at NorthEast Medical Center. For more information, visit www.JeffGordonFoundation.org.

• The Bill Dodge Auto Group offers Maine's largest new vehicle selections with GMC Truck, Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac BMW, Infiniti, KIA and Saturn as well as one of the largest inventories of pre-owned vehicles. For more information, visit www.billdodgeautogroup.com.

• Get-Etched.com is Touted as one of the nation's quickest growing keepsake and specialty gift item companies, Get-Etched.com permanently laser etches photos, logos, images and text onto granite to capture special moments and memories that will be treasured for generations to come. Get-Etched is proud to be part of The Jeff Gordon Foundations' ongoing charitable work by contributing to this special event and also by offering on its website Jeff Gordon collectibles and special ordering envelopes that benefit the foundation. To place an order or for more information, visit www.get-etched.com.