Greg Biffle spent a day touring New Orleans and the damaged animal shelters. Credit: Autostock

Biffle Foundation aids Gulf Coast animals

Driver's organization to provide $50,000 in hurricane relief

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Greg Biffle Foundation brought some relief to four animal shelters in the New Orleans area Thursday by donating $10,000 to help cover the costs of damages caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

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Greg Biffle and Nicole Lunders, of the Foundation, toured the New Orleans facilities and, with the help of the Humane Society of the United States, identified the shelters that need immediate assistance. St. Tammany Humane Society, Ascension Animal Advocates, Washington Parish Humane Society and Hancock County Humane Society will receive $10,000 each for supplies and repairs.

The Foundation has already made a donation to the North Shore Animal League to help cover the costs of transporting more than 300 animals out of Texas. The funding for this relief was raised through direct donations and an eBay auction.

"Thousands of animals have been left behind or separated from their families and homes with no place to go. These shelters have sustained heavy damage from the storms, yet are still accepting animals that need help," said Biffle, founder of the Greg Biffle Foundation. "Medical costs for these animals are skyrocketing, and as the number of homeless animals increase, the shelter's space and supplies decrease. Our mission is to provide these shelters with the means to care for these animals properly and give them the attention they need."

In addition to their fundraising efforts for events such as disaster relief, the Greg Biffle Foundation also produces the NASCAR Pet Calendar. In its inaugural year, the 2006 NASCAR Pet Calendar exceeded expectations, selling more than 50,000 copies requiring a second printing of the calendar. The 2007 calendar is already in production, and has welcomed Pedigree as the sponsor of this year's calendar.

"Our success last year with the calendar was tremendous, and we expect great things from this year's calendar as well, especially with Pedigree on board," Lunders said. "With their reputation as an industry leader and innovator in the welfare and care of animals, we are looking forward to a successful year which will allow us to provide more shelters with funding to help care for animals in need."

The Greg Biffle Foundation is supported by the NASCAR Foundation which uses the strength of the sport and its fans to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. The NASCAR Foundation supports more than 25 driver, track and motorsports industry charities.