Editor’s note: This story was originally published on April 14, 2020 but was updated on April 22, 2020.
Denny Hamlin was the first NASCAR driver to join the ALL IN Challenge, which has pegged itself as the largest digital fundraiser ever, but Kyle and Kurt Busch have also hopped onboard.
Fanatics’ ALL IN challenges athletes across all sports to help raise $100 million for COVID-19 crisis relief. The money will provide food to those in need, specifically kids, elderly and frontline workers. The official statement says, “We challenge every athlete, sports owner, team, league, celebrity and artist to go ALL IN and donate one of their most prized possessions or create a once-in-a-lifetime fan experience.”
How it works: Fans bid on prizes and experiences of their choice through an auction. Those bids then double as the fundraiser’s donations.
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Hamlin was first nominated by former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver and three-time Daytona 500 winner announced last Tuesday he’s offering up the opportunity to play Michael Jordan’s new exclusive golf club in Florida alongside himself and PGA Tour’s Bubba Watson. That’s not all. In addition to the round of golf, the package will feature a private flight and VIP access to the 2021 Daytona 500.
Hey @TikiBarber I accept your nomination for the #ALLINCHALLENGE and so does my friend @bubbawatson. We're all in together to reach the $100 million goal & help feed those in need. Watch the vid and go to https://t.co/3EBiwZgNim. @LarryFitzgerald @MW55 @Nelly_Mo are you all in? pic.twitter.com/peTraJSXUt
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) April 14, 2020
Hamlin’s Joe Gibbs Racing teammate and the reigning Cup Series champion, Kyle Busch, followed up Monday with his participation in the challenge, offering a VIP experience to a future NASCAR race for the winner and a guest.
I accept the #ALLINCHALLENGE. Check out the video below to hear what I’m offering up.
Head over to https://t.co/w5u479B8Z3 to get involved. 🏁 pic.twitter.com/mQ4PSb9CjH— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) April 20, 2020
Kurt Busch then shared his new Wednesday. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver is offering a “dream race weekend” at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, highlighted by a helicopter ride and VIP passes.
I’ve accepted the #ALLINCHALLENGE. Watch my video to see what my friends & I came up with, and visit https://t.co/sg8MzMUjUq to bid. I challenge my fellow Vegas guys, @bryceharper3, @KrisBryant_23, & @MikeTyson to go ALL IN. C’mon boys! @allinchallenge pic.twitter.com/NXNo2cFwGP
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) April 21, 2020
Many non-racing sports names have also accepted the challenged. Peyton and Eli Manning, Magic Johnson, Aaron Rodgers, Alex Rodriguez and Joel Embiid are just a few of the athletes. Leagues and teams are involved, too.
All of the money raised will benefit the following organizations: Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry, America’s Food Fund, Feeding America and World Central Kitchen.