Waltrip launches Alzheimer's fund-raiser

NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip has partnered with The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation to launch the "Waltrip Challenge," a nationwide fundraising competition for Alzheimer's disease research.

The "Waltrip Challenge" offers fans a chance to win an all-expense paid race day experience for two and a variety of instant win prizes. The Challenge continues through Nov. 1.

"I know, through personal experience, the devastation and destruction this disease causes to our loved ones," Waltrip said. "It is a disease that strikes fear in my heart for those who are directly and indirectly affected by the disease."

"My hope is that through the 'Waltrip Challenge' we are able to raise money for Alzheimer's research and increase awareness throughout the country and the NASCAR community."

Through this campaign, Waltrip is challenging people to raise awareness as well as funds for Alzheimer's research.

"With Michael Waltrip's help we are trying to change the misconception that Alzheimer's is an old person's disease," said Mary Asta, vice president and COO of The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation. "The 4.5 million Americans affected by Alzheimer's does not even come close to identifying the tens of millions of Americans that are caregivers, family and friends. Every seven seconds there is a new case of dementia reported."

Fans can participate in two ways by logging on to www.waltripchallenge.com.

First, they register to create their own Web site for raising funds. The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research will help fans with ways to raise funds. Fund-raisers invite friends and family to donate money to the challenge and the fan that raises the most money will win an all expense paid trip for two to meet Michael Waltrip and attend the Daytona 500 in 2008.

Second, through an online viral instant win game, fans can register to win instant prizes and be entered in a drawing for the grand prize of an all-expense paid trip for two for a Best Western Race Day Experience to the Phoenix race on Nov. 11, 2007.