The NASCAR Foundation donates $450K to VJGC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Representatives for The NASCAR Foundation presented Victory Junction Gang with a $450,000 check on Thursday from funds raised through the NASCAR Day 2008 celebration.

NASCAR president Mike Helton and NASCAR vice president of corporate communications Jim Hunter, both board members of The NASCAR Foundation, made the presentation to camp founder Kyle Petty and Victory Junction camper Collin McCord at the camp in Randleman, N.C., prior to a service project carried out by members of The NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Network.

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"It's incredible what Kyle and Pattie Petty have been able to create with Victory Junction Gang," Helton said. "The NASCAR Foundation is proud to have a long history of supporting this organization that makes such a huge impact in the lives of children every day."

NASCAR Day recognizes the NASCAR spirit and has raised more than $5 million to help those who need it most in an event as unique as the sport itself. Celebrated annually on the third Friday in May, NASCAR Day is an opportunity for fans, corporations, schools and organizations across the country to donate $5 to The NASCAR Foundation. The funds raised go to support a wide variety of causes supported by The NASCAR Foundation Family of Charities.

Since its launch in 2006, The NASCAR Foundation's total contributions to Victory Junction Gang have topped $1.5 million, helping to send more than 600 kids to camp.

"Since Victory Junction's inception, NASCAR and The NASCAR Foundation have been key pillars to our success," Petty said. "As a beneficiary of The NASCAR Foundation's giving spirit and dedication to children, Victory Junction has served more than 500 children and been privileged to benefit from the national exposure and partnership opportunities they provide."

Several members of The NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Network also attended camp for a service project. Volunteers worked with the grounds crew from Victory Junction to spread mulch across the facility to help prepare for the next round of campers. They also were treated to a tour and lunch at the "Fuel Stop."

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