Dale Jr. Foundation sets forth All-Star fund-raisers

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- In a month-long push to raise money and awareness for key charities dedicated to helping children, the Dale Jr. Foundation has created several initiatives as part of its All-Star charity lineup. Through these events, the Dale Jr. Foundation will donate to Make-A-Wish, March of Dimes / Bikers for Babies, the NASCAR Foundation and Speedway Children's Charities.

Mission Statement

The Dale Jr. Foundation is a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals with a focus on youth, the resources to improve their confidence and education, and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals.

• Official Web site

• Beginning Saturday at the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, the Dale Jr. Foundation will host 50 guests from the Victory Junction Gang Camp, Make-A-Wish and Kid's Wish Network in a pre-race chalet. The chalet and 50 race tickets were donated by race sponsor GoDaddy.com and includes an appearance by Brad Keselowski.

"The Dale Jr. Foundation is committed to helping underprivileged youth achieve their goals," said Kelley Earnhardt, vice president and general manager of JR Motorsports. "Last year, with the help of all of our fans and supporters, we were able to donate to over 250 charitable organizations. This year we want to continue setting the bar higher for our charitable goals. These events surrounding the All-Star Race are a great way to start our fund-raising efforts for 2009."

• As part of the second Dale Jr. Foundation initiative, Earnhardt will donate a custom motorcycle to March of Dimes / Bikers for Babies, a charity in partnership with Dee Snider of the rock band Twisted Sister.

The motorcycle, made for Earnhardt by the team at Orange County Choppers, currently is on display at JR Motorsports. Fans can visit JR Motorsports on May 21 or go to the foundation's Web site to find out how they can win this one-of-a-kind chopper.

• Complementing the special Dale Jr. Foundation paint scheme that Earnhardt will run on track at the Sprint All-Star Race on May 16, the foundation is hosting a Dale Jr. All-Star suite to benefit Speedway Children's Charities. Fans who want to give to get closer to the racing action will receive a VIP experience, which includes a pre-race pit tour, an appearance by Earnhardt and Richard Petty, a seat in the suite to view the race, complimentary food and drinks, and souvenirs.

• NASCAR Day Web site
• NASCAR Foundation

"This is going to be a really cool time during the All-Star week," Earnhardt said. "In addition to a special Dale Jr. Foundation paint scheme on the hood of the 88, we have a number of charities we're working with over the next couple of weeks. The foundation has always been important to my sister, Kelley, and me. Because of that, I am making a matching gift of the donations received from fans through our Web site."

• JR Motorsports has been selling NASCAR Day pins in its retail store in partnership with the NASCAR Foundation. It will donate a portion of the proceeds raised from the pins and the funds raised during the NASCAR Day Radio-thon to Make-A-Wish. Fans should call 1-877-515-GIVE and mention the Dale Jr. Foundation to take part in this special event.

The Dale Jr. Foundation has unique collectibles, including many autographed items, to be purchased through its partnership with e-Bay. All the proceeds from the auctions will benefit the Dale Jr. Foundation.

The foundation's Web site also offers six different selections of hard card memberships. Fans can attain memberships and not only get exclusive Dale Jr. items, but help the foundation further its mission.

To learn more about how you can help Dale Jr. make a difference, go to www.thedalejrfoundation.org .