THANKS: Jayski, founder of the NASCAR news site, Jayski.com and his readers have exceeded their initial pledge of $75,000 for the Victory Junction Computer Lab, raising more than $81,000. The pledge was exceeded after the camp received a $17,211.23 donation from a group who only want to be recognized as "Fans of Jayski.com in the Cup, Busch, and Truck garage." "We are thrilled that Jayski and his supporters have done so much for Victory Junction," said Pattie Petty, CEO and co-founder of the camp. "Having a computer lab enables campers to learn about and use the latest and greatest technology. Members of our Summer Staff don't get to watch a lot of TV while they're here at camp so the computer lab lets them stay up to date with the latest news, as well as stay in touch with friends and family." The Computer Lab is located inside the Silver Theater at Victory Junction and it consists of 20 computers as well as printing and scanning equipment. The Victory Junction is a member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Gang Camps and is free to children and their families. The camp operates solely on the generous donations of individuals, corporations and foundation.(Victory Junction PR)(2-14-2007)
FINAL TOTAL last report from the camp was 8/19/2007 gifts totaling $85,713.46 of the $75,000 goal, no idea if they are still accepting donations.(8-15-2008)
ANY and ALL question concerning donations of equipment or software should be directed to the folks at victoryjunction.org or call 877-VJG-CAMP, thanks.
As far as I know, Victory Junction will still accept donation's for the Jayski Computer Lab to help maintain and update equipment. I also donate the entire amount each year of a few certian ads run on the site, plus personally donate to the camp.(12-8-2010)

Military Veteran Father and Son Receive Special Father's Day Surprise at Michigan: Joel Correll, a United States Marine Corps veteran, and his 15-year son, Jarrett, who lives with cystic fibrosis, received a Father's Day surprise of a lifetime today at Michigan International Speedway. Joel and Jarrett Correll, along with Jarrett's mother, were on a VIP tour of the track - or at least that's what they thought - when Aric Almirola, "The King" Richard Petty and representatives from Operation Homefront and Victory Junction surprised the family with an experience they will not soon forget.
As part of the "tour," the family was brought to the facility's media center to listen to a press conference involving Almirola and NASCAR Hall of Famer, Petty. In the middle of the press conference, Almirola called the family to the front. The driver of the famed #43 announced that Eckrich, part of the John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, would be providing Jarrett with a week at Victory Junction, a camp founded by the Petty family that hosts children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.
But, the surprises weren't over yet. "The King" then offered Joel and his son Eckrich crew uniforms and asked them to be a part of the race team on Sunday as special guests of the team, Eckrich and Operation Homefront. Petty and Almirola also informed Joel and Jarrett that they would have their names on the #43 Eckrich Ford on Sunday to honor them and help celebrate Father's Day. This Father's Day surprise was a part of "Operation Inspiration," a campaign launched by Eckrich and Operation Homefront earlier this year to help honor, thank and support the military families who inspire their fellow Americans. Eckrich is providing additional assistance to military families by donating up to $250,000 to Operation Homefront this year through the contribution of five cents from the purchase of specially-marked packages from May 1 through July 4.(RPM)(6-15-2013)

Yale Study Shows Positive Impact on Children at Victory Junction: Children with serious illness are faced with a myriad of physical and social challenges often resulting in isolation from peers, loneliness and limited personal growth. According to an evaluation conducted by the Yale Child Study Center, children with serious illness who attend a SeriousFun Camp showed improved confidence, higher self-esteem, a greater sense of independence and increased interest in social activities. The study also revealed that children’s stress related to their illness decreased as a result of the camp experience.
More than 250 families from 12 of SeriousFun’s U.S. and European–based camps, including Victory Junction, were surveyed before and after the 2012 summer camp experience, examining the impact of residential camps on the lives of children and their families. All SeriousFun Camps deliver the same or similar programs, and there were no material differences in outcomes among member camps.
“The study confirms what we’ve known anecdotally about the positive impact our camps have on children,” said Kyle Petty, Founder of Victory Junction. “We plan to use this information to optimize the outcome-based programming our camp delivers.” Significant findings from the study include the following observations from parents of children that attended a SeriousFun Camp:
· 83% reported an increase in confidence;
· 80% reported an increase in self-esteem;
· 76% reported an increase in maturity;
· 74% reported an increase in independence;
· 72% reported an increased interest in social activities.
The ability for children with serious illness to make friendships and form social connections also appeared to be a formative outcome of the research. 98% of campers reported making at least one friend and 58% of those reported that the friendships lasted beyond the camp experience through in-person visits, texting, phone and online communications. In addition, the data suggests that resilience indicators such as possessing positive coping strategies, illness-related stress and happiness, were higher or showed significant improvement following camp. “Developing positive adaptive abilities for dealing with challenges such as illness is critical, especially for children, for their personal growth, development, and building a set of resilience- promoting skills,” said Dr. Linda Mayes, M.D., professor and co-principal investigator, Yale Child Study Center. “Our work with SeriousFun points to the impact of the camp experience on fostering these resilience-promoting skills and facilitating children’s ability to develop and maintain more positive, social connections important to their overall health and well-being.” The research team from Yale Child Study Center includes Dr. Linda Mayes, M.D., Dr. Steven Southwick M.D and Dr. Shauna Tominey, Ph.D. All have extensive expertise in the fields of child development and neuropsychology, among others. The survey, from which comparative data was drawn, was conducted one month after camp. A six month follow-up survey with the same group of parents is currently in progress with the intention of better understanding the potential for lasting change in children following camp attendance. The full evaluation completed by the Yale Child Study Center is available upon request.(PR)(4-29-2013)

Proposed Victory Junction Midwest camp officially at standstill: The planned Victory Junction Midwest camp for chronically ill children in Wyandotte County (KS) is on hold. Former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, who along with his wife, Pattie, founded the original camp in North Carolina, said the economy has not rebounded sufficiently to pursue donations to build and operate a second camp, which is free of charge for children and their families. “We decided at our last board meeting in North Carolina to suspend the operations in Kansas City,” Petty said. “We have just beat our head against the wall with the economy right now. We don’t see in the near future we’re going to be able to raise $30, $40, $50 million, whatever it costs. Obviously, the price keeps going up on it. We’re going to step back. We have not abandoned the idea by any stretch, but instead of just keep dragging it on, we’re going to suspend, regroup and focus on when will be the right time and look at it again.” The project has had its fits and starts since the Pettys announced plans in 2007 to build a $35 million camp in the Kansas City area. They founded the original camp in 2004 on 72 acres in Randleman, N.C., donated by Kyle Petty’s father, Hall of Famer Richard Petty, in tribute to their son, Adam, who was killed in a practice session at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2000. NASCAR drivers such as Michael Waltrip, Kurt Busch, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart made sizable donations to build facilities, and when the camp became so popular it couldn’t handle the demand, the Pettys selected the Kansas City area for a second camp, especially to serve children from the Midwest and West. After an enthusiastic response from the Kansas City-area business and civic community, the economic downturn caused donors to cut back on their original pledges. Also, the original site for the camp turned out to have environmental issues after ground was broken, forcing a search for a second site. “It’s really disappointing,” said Petty, who had hoped he would get more backing from Kansas City sports interests as well as from NASCAR drivers. “We made the announcement about the time the bottom fell out of Sprint Cup racing. If you go back and look at it, that was 2007, 2008 when we were riding a peak high in this sport … the most fans, the most dollars, the most TV ratings, most everything." The Victory Junction Camp in North Carolina is also experiencing about a 25% dip in donations and has had to reduce the number of campers from 120 to 100 for the past few summers.(Kansas City Star)(4-18-2013)

Get set for 45 days of heart-pounding philanthropic fun at participating Krispy Kreme US locations. Krispy Kreme has teamed up with former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and the Victory Junction Camp for the fifth annual Krispy Kreme Drive for 45 Campaign. For 45 consecutive days, April 5 through May 19, Krispy Kreme fans can help provide a chronically ill child a life-changing, week-long summer camping experience by making a donation at checkout, or online at KrispyKreme.com.

Founded and operated by Kyle and Pattie Petty in Randleman, North Carolina, the Victory Junction camp is a non-profit organization that enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing fun, unique and life-changing camping experiences in a safe and medically-sound environment. The number 45 is a tribute to their son Adam Petty, former NASCAR #45 car driver who lost his life during a tragic racing accident in 2000.

Here are a few easy ways to make a donation to the Krispy Kreme Drive for 45 Campaign, April 5 through May 19, at a participating Krispy Kreme location near you.:
· At Checkout- Make a $1, $2, $5 or $45 donation at checkout. A paper Drive for 45 certificate will be displayed in-store, throughout the campaign, in recognition of your support.
· “Round Up” – Tell the cashier to ‘Round Up’ your purchase amount to the nearest dollar. The difference is your donation.
· Tire Banks – Make a pit stop and drop your donation inside a Drive for 45 Tire Bank at your nearest participating Krispy Kreme.
Learn more about Victory Junction, or make an online donation to the Krispy Kreme Drive for 45 Campaign at KrispyKreme.com/Drivefor45.

During a weeklong event this spring, former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty will lead more than 175 motorcycle riders on a cross-country motorcycle trek to benefit Victory Junction. The 19th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America presented by Manheim will commence on April 27 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and extend 2,100 miles before finishing in Tempe, Arizona on May 3. The Charity Ride raises funds and awareness for Victory Junction, a camp created to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical illnesses.

“Over the years, the Ride has turned into so much more than we ever anticipated,” said Petty, who started the Ride as a small group of friends riding from track to track across the country. “I’m grateful for the chance to spend time with friends, while meeting fans and generous supporters who ultimately help create memorable and fun camp experiences for wonderful children and their families.”

The 2013 Schedule includes overnight stops in:
· Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to Boise, Idaho (April 27)
· Boise, Idaho to Jackson, Wyo. (April 28)
· Jackson, Wyo. to Green River, Wyo. (April 29)
· Green River, Wyo. to Grand Junction, Colo. (April 30)
· Grand Junction, Colo. to Durango, Colo. (May 1)
· Durango, Colo. to Show Low, Ariz. (May 2)
· Show Low, Ariz. to Tempe, Ariz. (May 3)

According to Herschel Walker, former NFL great and 1982 Heisman Trophy winner, he enjoys the camaraderie among the riders each year, as well as seeing Petty interact with the crowds.

“Kyle is incredible. He works so hard and cares so much about the riders, the Charity Ride and the children who attend Victory Junction,” said Walker, who is participating in his 8th Charity Ride this year. “It’s truly a blessing to be a part of this experience.”

Spectators, visitors and residents are encouraged to visit one of the daily scheduled fuel stops or overnight locations to show support for the riders, meet Petty and also contribute to the Charity Ride’s “Small Change. Big Impact.” program that benefits children with chronic illnesses.

In the last nine years, more than 7,650 children have attended Victory Junction at no cost to their families, thanks to the Kyle Petty Charity Ride. The camp has served as the Ride’s primary beneficiary since its establishment by the Petty family in 2004 in honor of their late son, Adam.

The 2013 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is made possible by presenting sponsor Manheim, as well as Coca-Cola, Pilot Flying J, Racing Electronics, FLUIDYNE Racing Products, WinCraft Racing, Krispy Kreme, FGX International and the Petty Family Foundation.

“Manheim is extremely proud to sponsor the Kyle Petty Charity Ride through 2015,” said Nick Peluso, Manheim senior vice president of customer management. “Previously having sponsored the Ride, Manheim values the national awareness it brings to chronic illness and enriching the lives of children who live with chronic illness. Giving back is definitely a priority for Manheim and our parent company COX; we are looking forward to our three-year sponsorship.”

Individuals can follow Petty and the riders live by visiting www.facebook.com/KPCharityRide or on Twitter @KylePetty and @KPCharityRide and at kylepettycharityride.com.

One enchanted evening in December, Victory Junction will present the "Visions of Sugarplums" Holiday Gala for children and their families. The 2nd Annual Piedmont-Triad "Visions of Sugarplums" Holiday Gala will take place on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Adaumont Farms, home of Kyle and Pattie Petty, in Trinity, NC.

This red carpet children's event will be hosted by local youth serving as ambassadors to motivate and teach their peers what it means to contribute and give back to their community.

Children will feel like stars when they walk the red carpet at these unique venues and will enjoy a photo booth, games, silent and live auctions geared toward kids, raffles and entertainment by chart-topping singer/songwriter Kellie Pickler as well as The Swinging Richards, a house band long associated with Victory Junction.

The original Holiday Gala was created by Brooke Hondros, Director of Development for Victory Junction, a North Carolina camp for children with chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses. "Recognizing that December is filled with many adult events, our hope was that kids would embrace the opportunity to get dressed up and have a night out on the town that was all about them," explained Hondros. The Gala allows Victory Junction to thank our current donors, raise awareness for prospective donors, and most importantly tell children that they are big enough to have an impact in their communities."

The event's youth hosts, their peers and local corporations ask that the children and families attending consider being part of the "spirit of giving" by bringing the gift of a toy to be donated to Toys for Tots or canned food for the North Carolina Food Bank. The hosts will also challenge the other children in the room to consider the needs of individuals locally during the holiday season and throughout the year. Victory Junction campers who have experienced the impact of the Randleman, NC-based wonderland, will grace the stage to share their camp experience.

The inaugural Holiday Gala started in Charlotte, NC where that region will also enjoy a comparable event on December 14, 2012 at the Fillmore.

To purchase tickets or a family package to the Piedmont-Triad Gala or the Charlotte Gala, email Kinsley Parsons at kparsons@victoryjunction.org. Proceeds send children with chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses to camp at Victory Junction free of charge. More info at victoryjunction.org

Victory Junction asks Pattie Petty to take a back seat UPDATE: If the planned Victory Junction Midwest becomes a reality, it likely will be without the help of Pattie Petty, the driving force who created the original NASCAR-themed camp in North Carolina for children with chronic diseases. The Victory Junction board of directors has informed Petty, wife of former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and daughter-in-law of Hall of Famer Richard Petty, that she will no longer be part of the day-to-day operations of the camp. The board has offered her emeritus status, but she is balking at serving in a purely ceremonial role. “They don’t want anything to do with me,” said Pattie Petty, who has been living in Kansas City part time while raising funds for the camp in Wyandotte County. “They gave me not one reason. They said they wanted to make a change. … I’m not sure what I did wrong, but the word came back to me I was making irrational decisions. Two board members who wanted me to leave gave me an ultimatum … never go to the camp, not talk to anybody with the camp. … It was probably the most hurtful thing that’s ever happened to me in my life.” John McKee, president of Victory Junction and who was hired by Pattie Petty, said he has been instructed by the board not to have any comment “because there is an ongoing employment negotiation.”(see full story and more quotes at the Kansas City Star)(4-22-2012)
UPDATE: Statement by Victory Junction’s Chief Operating Officer, Austin Petty in Response to Founder, Pattie Petty Transitioning to Emeritus Status:
"Victory Junction has extremely high ethical standards and only decisions that benefit the sustainability and longevity of camp are made by our well-respected Board Of Directors. I can confirm my mom accepted a goodwill ambassador position as Chairwoman Emeritus from our Board, but that is all I can confirm at this point, given that this involves ongoing negotiations between an employee and employer. While public figures are involved, this situation is no different from a regulatory perspective and personnel matters are private and confidential per the law and human resource policies. Because of this, we will not have any further comment on this or any other personnel issues at this time. Seriously ill children are the motivation of Victory Junction and we are as committed as ever to enriching the lives of chronically ill kids at our existing facility in Randleman, NC, as well as pushing forward the successes of a second camp serving the Midwest."
AND Kyle Petty doesn’t believe the removal of his wife, Pattie, as chief executive officer of Victory Junction Gang Camp will negatively impact the camp the couple founded in memory of their son Adam. “It doesn’t impact anything, it really doesn’t,” Kyle Petty, a former NASCAR star, said Monday. “Basically, the board had decided to ask Pattie to take an emeritus role and just be a spokesperson. … I have no concerns with the direction of the camp at all. Period. We’re always going to be involved in the camp,” said Kyle, the son of seven-time Cup champion Richard Petty and a driver from 1979 to 2008. “The camp was founded in memory of Adam, and we have worked incredibly hard to build the camp. But the camp is about the kids that come, and it’s all about what’s best for the kids.” Kyle Petty, who is vice chairman of the board, said Pattie, who was chairman and CEO, was primarily running the fund-raising efforts for the Kansas City camp. He said Austin and Victory Junction president John McKee handled the day-to-day operations of the North Carolina camp. The North Carolina and Kansas City camps have separate board of directors that meet quarterly to make decisions on how the camps operate. Kyle continues to serve on the board of directors for the camp and conducts a charity motorcycle ride across the United States to raise funds. Kyle said he and Richard Petty, who also is on the board, did not participate in discussions about the role for Pattie, who is battling Parkinson’s Disease. Pattie Petty, 60, wasn’t immediately available for comment. “It’s a bigger story because she’s Pattie and the work she put in the camp and founding the camp and stuff,” Kyle Petty said.(in part from the Sporting News)(4-24-2012)

VICTORY JUNCTION Becomes A SeRIOUSFUN CAMP: Victory Junction announced that The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, to which Victory Junction Camp has been a member for eight years, has become SeriousFun Children's Network. SeriousFun Children’s Network President and CEO John C. Read noted that the new name is an opportunity to share the remarkable journey of the organization, which over the course of 25 years has grown from one camp in Connecticut to a strong, united network of 28 camps and programs around the world. Since the inception of its flagship member, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Connecticut in 1988, more than 384,700 children and their families have been served by an evolving global network of camps and programs. Read cited this global growth as a principal motivator for the name change, noting the importance of more clearly linking the camps together under the distinct SeriousFun Children’s Network name. With a new strategic plan for elevating global awareness and encouraging charitable donations, SeriousFun Children’s Network aims to strengthen support and bring Paul Newman’s vision to new corners of the world. A renewed focus on cultivating relationships with national and global corporations will be instrumental in continuing SeriousFun’s growth and excellence worldwide. Victory Junction retains its name and logo, yet will be known as part of SeriousFun Children's Network moving forward.(VJ PR)(4-9-2012)

The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America announced today the course for its April 28 – May 4 cross-country motorcycle trek. More than 175 riders will join the 18th anniversary ride beginning in Napa, Cal., and travel over 2,500 miles before finishing at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded by former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Kyle Petty, the Charity Ride raises funds and awareness for Victory Junction, a camp created to benefit children with chronic or life threatening illnesses.

To follow Petty and the riders live, fans should visit facebook.com/KPCharityRide or follow Kyle and the ride on Twitter: @kylepetty and @kpcharityride. For detailed information on Ride pit stops, or for more information on Victory Junction and the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, visit kylepettcharityride.com.

2012 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule
Day 1 Saturday, April 28 Napa, Cal., to Redding, Cal.
Day 2 Sunday, April 29 Redding, Cal., to Reno, Nev.
Day 3 Monday, April 30 Reno, Nev., to Richfield, Utah
Day 4 Tuesday, May 1 Richfield, Utah, to Grand Junction, Co.
Day 5 Wednesday, May 2 Grand Junction, Co., to Albuquerque, N.M.
Day 6 Thursday, May 3 Albuquerque, N.M., to Lubbock, Texas
Day 7 Friday, May 4 Lubbock, Texas, to Fort Worth, Texas
For more media information, visit kylepettycharityride.com/press_kit.php.

More info at kylepettycharityride.com

Victory Junction Creates “Wish Upon a Star Holiday Gala”: On two enchanting evenings in December, Victory Junction will present the “Wish Upon a Star Holiday Gala” for children and their families. The inaugural Piedmont-Triad “Wish Upon a Star Holiday Gala” will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Adaumont Farm, home of Kyle and Pattie Petty, in Trinity, NC. On December 16, 2011 the 2nd Annual Charlotte “Wish Upon a Star Holiday Gala” will take place at The Fillmore in Charlotte, NC.

These red carpet children’s events will be hosted by local youth serving as ambassadors to motivate and teach their peers what it means to contribute and give back to their community. Children will feel like stars when they walk the red carpet at these unique venues and will enjoy a photo booth, games, silent and live auctions, raffles and entertainment by chart-topping singer/songwriter Edwin McCain as well as a house band.

The “Wish Upon a Star Holiday Gala” is the original idea of Brooke Hondros, Director of Development for Victory Junction, a North Carolina camp for children with chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses. “Victory Junction was looking for a way to thank the individuals, corporations, and families from the Charlotte and Triad regions that have helped us sustain our mission,” explained Hondros. “Recognizing that December is filled with many adult events, our hope was that kids would embrace the opportunity to get dressed up and have a night out on the town that was all about them. The Gala allows us to thank our current donors, raise awareness for potential donors, and most importantly tell these children that they are big enough to have an impact in their communities.”

The event’s youth hosts chosen by Victory Junction, their peers and local corporations will ask that the children and families attending consider being part of the “spirit of giving” by bringing the gift of a toy to be donated to Toys for Tots. The hosts will also challenge the other children in the room to consider the needs of individuals locally during the holiday season and throughout the year.

To secure an invitation to the Piedmont-Triad or the Charlotte Holiday Gala, email events@victoryjunction.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at www.victoryjunction.org.

Proceeds send children with chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses to camp at Victory Junction. To watch a two minute video on 2010’s event visit www.victoryjunction.org/video_player/video_archive.php# and scroll down to “2010 Wish Upon a Star.”

About Victory Junction: Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, NC. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals.
Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, groups and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. For more information or to donate, visit www.victoryjunction.org.(11-4-2011)

Pattie Petty Reveals Parkinson's Diagnosis MORE: Pattie Petty, the wife of former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, has revealed that she has Parkinson's disease. It was confirmed through a new test at the University of Kansas Hospital. Petty talked exclusively with FOX 4 medical reporter Meryl Lin McKean, and says Parkinson's won't stop her efforts to build a camp in Kansas City for kids with chronic illnesses. Petty is the sunny personality beside husband Kyle, and behind Victory Junction, a camp for sick kids. Petty noticed mood changes in recent years, and she linked them to the death of their son, Adam, in a crash 11 years ago. "I just assumed the depression or the emotional mood swings were that I'd lost my son, my husband's job had changed, I see the children at camp and they're not healthy and I can't fix it," she said. Petty is now living and working in Kansas City to build a camp like North Carolina's Victory Junction near the Speedway. The down economy was making fundraising harder, and she thought maybe that was behind the depression, too. But she had another symptom -- her hands shook. While having dinner with a doctor in Nashville 18 months ago, she asked if it could be Parkinson's Disease. "Because my hands are tremoring and he said, 'Oh, you have the disease,'" she said. It's the same disease her dad had. Petty began taking medicine to control Parkinson's symptoms, which include mood swings. She also began receiving care at the University of Kansas Hospital. Just last week, Petty had a brand new test called DaTscan to confirm the diagnosis. It looks at function of the brain instead of anatomy by spotting changes in brain chemistry. Petty wants others to know she has Parkinson's, but she hasn't lost her wits. "It's always nice to get all the facts that my cognitive skills are there," she said. And her desire is there to keep working for the kids. "Nothing's gonna stop me. I think anytime God puts something on your heart, to do," Petty said.(FOX 4 News)(9-27-2011)
MORE: Petty, 60, suspected she had Parkinson's in early 2010 when she began experiencing resting tremors and aching muscles – two symptoms her father suffered in the early stages of his 15 year battle with the disease. A doctor in Nashville, TN, confirmed her concerns giving her an initial diagnosis based on her distinctive outward symptoms and started her on anti-Parkinson's drugs last summer. "After watching my father live with Parkinson's, it was not a surprise when I was told that I may be suffering from this disease as well," explained Petty. "I followed my doctor's advice and began a series of medications, so that I could continue my plan of working a couple of weeks a month in Kansas City laying the ground work to open Victory Junction Midwest." Victory Junction Midwest is slated be the sister camp to Victory Junction in Randleman, NC, a camp for chronically ill children started by Petty and her husband in honor of their oldest son Adam who died in a NASCAR practice session in 2000. "When I was introduced to the medical staff at University of Kansas Hospital," Petty continued, "I knew immediately Victory Junction Midwest was not the only reason I was meant to be in Kansas City. Even after receiving the unfortunate results from DaTscan, I feel relief," explained Petty. "I am relieved that my family and I are confident in my diagnosis and can focus on the work we have ahead of us to live with Parkinson's disease. Kyle and I have already been blessed by the outpouring support to bring Victory Junction Midwest to Greater Kansas City and we feel doubly blessed that we have a strong and dedicated group of professionals at University of Kansas Hospital providing us with the latest medical technology and assisting us with this disease. This 'official' diagnosis does not change our efforts in Kansas City. My hands may not be still, and I might move a bit slower right now, but we are moving full-steam ahead to change the lives of chronically ill children in the Midwest."
"Pattie's dedication to Victory Junction Midwest is firm," said Kyle Petty, her husband of 33 years. "Staying active is an important part of managing Parkinson's and that will not be hard for my wife. Pattie will not let Parkinson's regulate her life. She will continue her initiative to expand Victory Junction, while our kids and I will support her and help her cope with this disease."(Victory Junction)(9-28-2011)

Volunteer at the Race Track with Victory Junction and the NASCAR Foundation: “Do you have a passion for helping children? Do you have a passion for NASCAR? If so, join us at the track this season! Victory Junction has partnered with The NASCAR Foundation to collect donations for NASCAR Day at tracks across the country this season! Volunteering at the track is a great way to experience the thrills of a NASCAR race weekend and interact with other NASCAR Fans who have the same passion for helping others as you. All the proceeds from NASCAR Day Sales will benefit Victory Junction! To Feel Your Heart Race, sign up to volunteer at foundation.nascar.com or visit the Victory Junction facebook at facebook.com/VictoryJunction.

Recreational Cycling Event Starts and Ends at Victory Junction: The Victory Junction to Host Inaugural Team Camp Challenge Ride event will offer participants and guests the opportunity to enjoy Victory Junction and see what makes this camp such a magical experience for children with chronic medical conditions. Participation in the recreational bicycle ride is only $35 and features three mileage options: 15, 30 and 62.5. It includes breakfast, lunch, and post-ride entertainment at the Dale Jr. Corral and Amphitheatre for all participants and guests. This event is open to the public from 12:30-2:00pm on Saturday, September 10 at the price of $5 per person, but they must RSVP by Thursday, September 8.(9-5-2011)

The 6th Annual Run To Victory will be held on September 24, 2011 with the hopes of warmer weather and even more participants. 1,000 athletes are expected to run, walk and wheel through Randleman, NC in support of Victory Junction, a camp for chronically and seriously ill children.

Both the half marathon and 5k events begin and end at Victory Junction this year with a starting time of 7am. Run To Victory provides great photo opportunities and great chance to see first-hand what makes Victory Junction such a special place for the children that attend camp each year. The post-race festivities will include a pancake meal at the camp’s Fuel Stop and an award ceremony for participants.

“It’s amazing to think of the continued support we have received for this event each year,” said Kyle Petty, Founder and Vice Chairman of Victory Junction Camp. “Our community, camper families and volunteers are like no other and that’s the reason this event is so successful after six years. It’s an event that not only helps us see more campers, but helps us stay in touch with our community and our donors.”

Participants are encouraged to register online at www.runtovictory.org. The half-marathon is a $50 registration fee and the 5K run/walk is a $30 fee.

The schedule will also feature a special dinner for the Victory Circle Club on Friday evening. The Victory Circle Club dinner will be held at 6:30pm in the Fuel Stop for those participants that have raised $1,450 or more. The dinner gives donors a chance to celebrate their fundraising goal and receive special recognition. The event is open to 100 ticket holders, $15 for adults and $10 for children (12 and under), to enjoy the evening at Victory Junction.

Guests will also have the opportunity to register as a bone marrow donor on Saturday during activities. Victory Junction will be hosting a bone marrow drive through DKMS. This is a great opportunity to extend a child’s life through a donation. For more information visit, www.dkmsamericas.org.

LAMB OF GOD lead guitarist Mark Morton is auctioning one of his stage guitars played during the band's performance at D-Tox Fest on June 17th in Montebello, Quebec. The guitar, a Mark Morton Signature model Jackson Dominion from Morton's personal collection, is autographed and will come with photographs from the performance and a personal letter of appreciation and authenticity from Morton.

All proceeds from the auction will benefit Victory Junction, a camp for chronically ill children in Randleman, NC. More specifically, the funds generated by the auction will allow a child to experience Victory Junction for the first time.

During a recent visit to the camp, Morton and his family spent time with staff and campers, including 16-year old Brian Walker, a Lamb Of God fan, music lover and Victory Junction camper. “Victory Junction is amazing,” explained Morton. “One of the highlights for me was getting to hang out with Brian. Hearing first-hand about how special this camp is to these kids and learning about all the liberating experiences they pack into a week made me that much more thrilled about our auction. Not only will the winning bidder get a beautiful instrument, they will also receive the joy of knowing that their generosity gave a special child, like my buddy Brian, a week at camp that they will surely never forget!"

The auction will begin on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, and last for 10 days ending on Saturday, October 1st. To participate in the auction visit: myworld.ebay.com/victoryjunction.

This year marks the 3rd Annual Richard Petty Charity Golf Classic with proceeds benefiting Victory Junction and the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). The purpose of this event is to enrich the lives and families of those affected by serious illness and injury through the support and generosity of friends, families, and corporations nationwide. I am honored to invite you to assist us in our ongoing efforts to raise awareness and funds for the Petty Family Foundation and our charitable endeavors by participating in one of our levels of sponsorship for the Richard Petty Charity Golf Classic. The Richard Petty Charity Golf Classic is a two-day event beginning with a Dinner and Auction Monday evening, October 10th at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina and continues Tuesday, October 11th with a great day of golf at Rocky River Golf Club in Concord, North Carolina (adjacent to Charlotte Motor Speedway). Participation and/or donation of an auction item will help the Petty Family Foundation support programs and services for Victory Junction and Paralyzed Veterans of America. I hope you will give thoughtful consideration to supporting the fundraiser through an event sponsorship, by attending the dinner at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, or by donating an auction item. Participation levels vary – golf foursome and dinner packages begin at $2,500 and sponsorship benefits can be customized based on your business/entertainment wants and needs. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kevin Babusiak at 336-495-6630 or by email kbabusiak@pettyfamilyfoundation.org for more information or go to pettyfamilyfoundation.org.

Fans and supporters of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will have a new way of making an impact this year. Beginning today, the public can make a $10 donation by texting RIDE to 27722 from their mobile phones. Funds raised will support the children's charities the Ride benefits, including Victory Junction, a camp for chronically ill children founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their late son Adam.

Victory Junction, which operates solely on donations, is a year-round camp serving children, ages 6 to 16, whose health issues would typically prevent them from attending camp. Since the Charity Ride's inception in 1995, more than $14 million has been donated to Victory Junction and other children's charities. The 2010 Charity Ride raised enough money to send 180 children to Victory Junction for a five-day session free of charge.

"We're really excited about the new texting program and hope it's a way to make people feel involved," said Petty, former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver and Charity Ride founder. "People ask us all the time how they can help, and this is an easy way to do it. Whether or not the Ride is going to be near their hometown this year, it's an opportunity for fans around the nation to feel connected and know they're really doing something to make a difference."

What started more than a decade ago as four friends wanting to travel from one race track to another has grown into a highly organized motorcycle ride. Petty will lead a field of more than 175 riders on this year's 17th-Annivesary Ride from Lake Placid, N.Y., to Amelia Island, Fla.

Fans and spectators along the Charity Ride route may also contribute through the Charity Ride's "Small Change. Big Impact." program, which accepts donations at pit stop locations. Fans may also follow Petty and the riders on several social media sites, including facebook.com/kpcharityride, twitter.com/kpcharityride, and twitter.com/kylepetty.

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Announces East Coast Tour:The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America announced the route today for its 17th anniversary motorcycle event, which takes place May 7-14.

What started more than a decade ago as four friends wanting to travel from one race track to another has grown into a highly organized motorcycle ride that raises funds for Victory Junction and other children's charities. This year Kyle Petty, former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver and Charity Ride founder, will lead a field of more than 175 riders from Lake Placid, N.Y., to Amelia Island, Fla., as they raise awareness and funds for several causes, including Victory Junction, a camp for chronically ill children founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their late son Adam.

"The idea for the Charity Ride started back in 1993 with Robin Pemberton (Vice President of Competition, NASCAR), Eddie Gossage (President and General Manager, Texas Motor Speedway) and Michael Dranes (FOX network cameraman) and me just kind of riding from track to track. We called it the "Hey Buddy Tour," said Petty who currently serves as a racing analyst for TNT and Speed. "What began as a few friends having a good time riding has turned into what we have today. Once we got started, we decided we needed to give back to the towns we rode through, so we started donating to children's hospitals along the way. The past few years though, it's really enabled us to make a difference at Victory Junction. We've built a water park and sent hundreds of kids to camp all because a bunch of people like to ride. It's pretty amazing to me."

In addition to 28 total fuel stops, riders will make overnight visits in Corning, N.Y., Farmington, Pa., Irvington, Va., Wilmington, N.C., Mt. Pleasant, S.C., and Amelia Island, Fla. during their 2,400-mile trek down the East Coast. Celebrities scheduled to join for all or part of the trip include ESPN NASCAR analyst Brad Daugherty, former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker and NASCAR driver and Bo-Dyn Olympic bobsled founder Geoff Bodine.

Fans and spectators along the Charity Ride route may contribute through the Charity Ride's "Small Change. Big Impact." program, which accepts donations at pit stop locations. Fans may also follow Petty and the riders on several social media pages, including facebook.com/kpcharityride, twitter.com/kpcharityride, and twitter.com/kylepetty.

Since the Charity Ride's inception in 1995, 6,850 participants have logged more than 9.8 million cumulative motorcycle miles and donated more than $14 million to Victory Junction and other charities that support chronically ill children. The 2010 Charity Ride raised enough money to send 180 children to Victory Junction for a five-day session free of charge.

Victory Junction, which operates solely on donations, is a year-round camp serving children, ages 6 to 16, whose health issues would typically prevent them from attending camp. The Pettys founded the camp in 2004 and fundraising for a second Victory Junction in Kansas City, Kan., is currently underway.

Additional sponsors of the 2011 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America include Coca-Cola, Pilot Flying J, Dodge, Ram, Racing Electronics, WinCraft Racing and FLUIDYNE Racing Products, Sprint, Krispy Kreme and FGX International.

2011 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule
Day 1 Saturday, May 7 Lake Placid, N.Y. to Corning, N.Y.
Day 2 Sunday, May 8 Corning, N.Y. to Farmington, Pa.
Day 3 Monday, May 9 Farmington, Pa. to Irvington, Va.
Day 4 Tuesday, May 10 **Remain in Irvington, Va.**
Day 5 Wednesday, May 11 Irvington, Va. to Wilmington, N.C.
Day 6 Thursday, May 12 Wilmington, N.C. to Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
Day 7 Friday, May 13 Mt. Pleasant, S.C. to Amelia Island, Fla.
Day 8 Saturday, May 14 Ride officially ends in Amelia Island

2011 Kyle Petty Charity Ride announced: Approximately 200 motorcycle enthusiasts, NASCAR fans and Victory Junction supporters will hit the road May 7 – 14, 2011 for the 17th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. The Ride will travel from Lake Placid, N.Y. to Amelia Island, Fla. to raise awareness and funds for Victory Junction. As they travel across the country, the Charity Ride participants will greet fans and supporters at overnight stops in Corning, N.Y.; Farmington, Pa.; Irvington, Va.; Wilmington, N.C.; Charleston, S.C.; and Amelia Island, Fla.
For the first time, organizers have invited four riders to join AutoWeek's grizzled NASCAR correspondent and tour veteran Al Pearce on what we're proudly calling Team AutoWeek.(3-9-2011)

Fans of BC and Goody’s powders will notice new packages on the shelves branded with familiar faces and charity logos. The new packaging showcases the support of two charities personally selected by country music superstar Trace Adkins and racing legend and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty. For a limited time, you’ll find Trace Adkins and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) on select boxes of BC, and Richard Petty and Victory Junction on select boxes of Goody’s. With each purchase made between January 1 and March 31 of these specially-marked boxes of BC or Goody’s, fans of Richard Petty and Trace Adkins will be helping to give back to the organization affiliated with each man and each brand.

The release of the new packages of BC Powder and Goody’s Headache Powders is a part of the Pick A Powder campaign (www.pickapowder.com) sponsored by BC and Goody’s in which Adkins and Petty have been competing in a friendly rivalry since the summer of 2010. For the campaign, the two celebrities have gone head-to-head in each other’s “worlds” to see which one of them experiences the most pain and which brand – between BC Powder and Goody’s Headache Powders – has the most loyal users around the country.

“With this charity component of the Pick A Powder campaign, now the loyal fans of BC and Goody’s can team up with Team Trace and Team Richard to help the two charities and benefit wounded service members and chronically ill children across the country,” said Traci Plate, Powders Brand Manager, GlaxoSmithKline. “This is also a great opportunity for fans of the powders as well as fans of Richard and Trace to purchase limited-edition branded items for keepsakes.”

According to Wounded Warrior Project, more than 40,000 of our nation’s armed forces have been physically wounded during the current military conflicts. Hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be recovering from invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and traumatic brain injury.

“This is a wonderful partnership between BC Powder, Trace Adkins, and Wounded Warrior Project, and a great way for consumers to support our injured servicemen and women,” said Adam Silva, Chief Development Officer, Wounded Warrior Project. “Trace Adkins has been a long-time supporter of WWP. Fans of his and ours can now use their purchases to voice their support and make a difference in the lives of our wounded warriors.”

Victory Junction (www.victoryjunction.org) is a year-round facility located in Randleman, NC that is committed to providing children with serious and/or ongoing health issues an opportunity to attend camp and enjoy inspiring and rewarding experiences just like any other child. The organization holds a special place for Richard Petty because it was founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of Richard’s late grandson and former NASCAR driver, Adam Petty, who had the dream to start a camp. Today Adam’s dream lives on in the children who attend Victory Junction as well as the donors and volunteers who help fund and support these life changing experiences.

“It is an honor for our organization to be a part of this campaign in partnership with Goody’s Headache Powder and one of our biggest supporters, my grandfather, Richard Petty,” said Austin Petty, Executive Vice President, Victory Junction. “Victory Junction strives to make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of so many children who need us and now Goody’s users can have that same impact for our children for years to come. Camp supports Team Richard all the way!”

Adkins and Petty have both recorded messages in support of the charities that can be found on the Pick A Powder campaign web site. During the first weekend of April at the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 in Martinsville, their respective charities will be presented with a check from BC and Goody’s to continue their work and missions. For more information, visit www.pickapowder.com.

Help celebrate the magic of Victory Junction and forever become a part of the Gang by purchasing an engraved brick. Located at the entrance of the facility, this unique 36,000 brick path features an original Norfolk Southern train Caboose which offers camp information, interactive camp displays and a beautiful overview of the campus. Whether you are making a footprint for yourself, recognizing a favorite friend or honoring a special group, your purchase will help accelerate the dreams of our campers and shift camp into a whole new gear! Engraved brick price - $100 Order your brick day by calling 877-VJG-CAMP
More info and a form to fill out at victoryjunction.org

Michael Waltrip Racing Pit Crew Sending a Child to Camp: NASCARnival is a weekly tradition at Victory Junction. When the pit crew members from Michael Waltrip Racing came to play with the campers and showcase their talent on July 5th, they not only brought their smiles, but a check for $2,500. Michael Waltrip Racing pit crew members from the #00 and #56 teams were welcomed back to Victory Junction. The $2,500 donation they brought will send one child to camp this summer. Martin Truex Jr., driver of the NAPA Auto Parts Toyota, was also in attendance at NASCARnival, which takes place every Tuesday night during Victory Junction’s nine-week summer camp session. It’s an evening filled with fun as Victory Circle is transformed into a carnival atmosphere filled with hot air balloon rides, dunk tanks, dance parties and of course cotton candy. Throughout the summer, campers particularly look forward to the visit from pit crew members who are invited to display their talent by performing pit stops and give campers the opportunity to man the air guns and change tires themselves. This year, along with MWR, Kevin Harvick Inc., Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, Penske Racing, and Stewart-Haas Racing have all sent crew members to take part in this carnival-like night. After helping a camper change a tire Truex said, “Taking part in this night is an experience I will always remember. This place and the smiles that you see on the kid’s faces are truly inspiring.”(MWR)(7-15-2011)

Victory Junction Midwest moving forward: Pattie Petty, wife of former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, is so serious about making sure the Victory Junction Midwest camp planned for Wyandotte County becomes a reality, she has moved to Kansas City. Victory Junction Midwest, a year-round facility for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses, was to open by the end of 2011, but it ran into some unexpected problems last year. First, the original piece of property - on 71 acres at 8205 Riverview in Kansas City, Kan. - was deemed unsuitable for a hospital after soil samples were examined during excavation. Also, Mike Lepore, the camp's original president, left last summer for another job in Chicago, which put the project behind in its fund-raising efforts. The Pettys have identified another 70-to-80-acre location for the $35 million camp closer to Kansas Speedway and the Village West retail area than the original site. A benefactor will help buy the property, and once the core drilling and other preliminary studies are complete, they hope to announce the location in the next two weeks.(Kansas City Star)(3-6-2011)

Shop to Help Others and Victory Junction Create Partnership: Victory Junction, Inc. and Shop to Help Others (SHO) are pleased to announce their new partnership which will serve to fund camping opportunities and enrich the lives of children. “We are thrilled to come together with Victory Junction to help fund this important and inspiring work,” says Lynn Miller, Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer with Shop to Help Others. “We believe that participation in SHO will help to bring more children to this powerful experience of camping.” SHO is a Charlotte, N.C.-based company whose mission is to develop on-going income streams for non-profits and charitable organizations. This mission is carried out through participation in an innovative shopping network, the profits of which will be donated to designated organizations of choice. “Victory Junction is excited to be entering into relationship with SHO which will provide any internet shopper the ability to assist in the growth and expansion of the camp and the betterment of each child and family involved,” shares Carolyn Mullins, Vice President for Medical Development. “We hope our many supporters will visit our website and check out this great opportunity.” Victory Junction may be reached by calling toll free at 877-VJG-CAMP or the Camp’s main number, 336-498-9055. Visit their web site at www.victoryjunction.org.(11-28-2010)

AT&T presents Victory Junction with a check: AT&T presented Victory Junction with a $25,000 check as part of its AT&T Fastest Pit Crew text voting program that each week asked fans to text their vote for the Fastest Pit Crew in Cup racing. Victory Junction was built in honor of Adam Petty and provides life-changing experiences for kids with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Pictured left to right are Todd Lanham, regional director for external affairs for AT&T, Pattie Petty, founder and chairman of Victory Junction and Austin Petty, executive vice president for Victory Junction.(CE PR)(11-25-2010)

Victory Junction hosts Fort Bragg: Victory Junction opened their gates to Command Sergeant Majors, their spouses and support staff from Ft. Bragg on Monday November 8, 2010. The Commanding General, Frank Helmick has developed an initiative to encourage soldiers, family members, and civilian employees of the Ft. Bragg community to get involved with Victory Junction through volunteering. Soldiers will be provided with the opportunity to represent Ft. Bragg and also serve the role of a volunteer while working with a camper and/or their family. The relationship between Victory Junction and Ft. Bragg created another opportunity for both organizations to serve families of fallen heroes through Survivor Outreach Services. Families of the SOS program have had the chance to attend three family weekends at Victory Junction. The camp provides these families with the opportunity to spend time together and play at camp. One mother said, “It was a great bonding weekend with wonderful new friends and I got a chance to be a fun mommy again!” The next SOS family weekend is planned for March 2011. In addition to these weekends, Victory Junction plans to host a future event for wounded warriors and their families (Victory Junction)(11-12-2010)

Grand Opening of Dale Jr.’s Amphitheatre at Victory Junction: Victory Junction announced that it will feature a public open house in conjunction with Randleman’s NASCAR Days on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Headlining the day’s festivities is a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2:30pm honoring the grand opening of Dale Jr.’s Corral and Amphitheatre, with special guests Dale Earnhardt Jr. and members of the Earnhardt and Petty families.
Dale Jr.’s Corral and Amphitheatre was generously donated by Earnhardt Jr. and will be used as both a fun, interactive activity center for campers, and a venue for local concerts and camp fundraisers. The amphitheatre is western-themed in true Dale Jr. fashion and consists of a mock jail, general store, bank and outhouse. While the venue features playful and colorful buildings, the amphitheatre’s design is fashioned after the mock western town located on Dale Jr.’s property in Mooresville, N.C. The ceremony will be followed by a live performance by the Kevin Lee Band.
All of the buildings from the Bowling Alley to the Super Dome will be open for public viewing throughout the day, giving visitors a peek at what campers get to experience. Victory Junction staff will also be on hand to help answer questions and share amazing stories about camp. Chili, hot dogs, drinks and chips will be available for purchase in the Hendrick Fuel Stop. Hunt Brothers Pizza & Wings, as well as Bojangles’ famous sweet tea and chicken biscuits will be available on the lawn of Victory Circle. The annual “Vic’s Garage Sale,” featuring NASCAR memorabilia, will be held in the Michael Waltrip Sports Arena. All proceeds of the garage sale benefit Victory Junction.
There will be a Holiday Tours shuttle from the Petty Museum located in downtown Randleman to Victory Junction for a donation of $5 (the shuttle will run from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm).( victoryjunction.org)(10-21-2010)

Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital Partners with Victory Junction: Patients at Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital in Charlotte will experience the fun and learning experiences of camp when Victory Junction, a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses, introduces its Hospital Outreach Program (HOP) next week. Pediatric patients and their families are invited to a Kickoff Party on May 20 from 1 to 3 pm in the hospital’s NASCAR playroom. Pattie Petty, Victory Junction co-founder and CEO, and members of the Camp team, will bring arts, crafts, games and more to recreate, in a hospital setting, some of the camping experiences that Victory Junction has brought to more than 13,000 children and their families over the past six years.
Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital is the second hospital in North Carolina to partner with Victory Junction on this new initiative. Victory Junction will work with the hospital’s physicians, nurses and staff to provide arts and crafts, puppetry and video and music production to hospitalized children in one-on-one visits. Activities are designed to fit the specific needs and abilities of each individual child. The new hospital outreach program, like all Victory Junction camping experiences, is provided at no charge to the participants thanks to the generous donations of organizations, corporations and individuals.
“It’s wonderful to have the Victory Junction team bring these engaging activities to our patients,” said Brandi Newman, director of women’s and children’s services. “Victory Junction impacts the lives of so many children and their families, and we are honored to be associated with such a special organization.” Victory Junction staff will visit Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital once a week, with plans to increase the frequency in the future. “Bringing camp to the hospital will provide a truly enjoyable experience for the patients,” said Pattie Petty. “And we hope that the increased awareness about the Camp and the life-changing experiences we offer children and their families year round will help increase the number of children who visit the Camp from the Charlotte community.” For more information or to donate, visit www.victoryjunction.org.(VJ PR)(5-15-2010)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. donates $1 million, “Keeping the Dream Alive” at Victory Junction: Victory Junction kicked off their “Keeping the Dream Alive” campaign today by announcing that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will join the elite list of Victory Junction Founders, as he commits to donate $1 million to build and maintain The Dale Jr. Corral and Amphitheatre at the Randleman, N.C. camp for children with serious illnesses. On March 27, 2010, during The Dale Jr. Foundation Physical Disabilities Weekend at Victory Junction, Earnhardt Jr. will join the Victory Junction family as a Founder and will break ground on a one-of-a-kind project, The Dale Jr. Corral and Amphitheatre. Eighty-eight members of The JR Nation Crew, The Official Fan Club of Earnhardt Jr., will be randomly selected to be special guests for this private ground breaking ceremony. To become a part of the FREE JR Nation Crew fan club and be eligible to attend, go to www.dalejr.com/jrnation. “There are many reasons why we wanted to get involved with Victory Junction and build this amphitheatre, and it starts with the tremendous impact the camp has on these kids. It’s incredible how one week changes lives,” said Earnhardt Jr. “Just as important to me is my friendship with Kyle and Pattie Petty, and the memory of my buddy, Adam Petty. Adam and I met each other at an early age, and from that point on our lives and careers were virtually parallel. He was as genuine as they get and a great friend. If I can play a small part in helping Kyle and Pattie keep his dream alive, it doesn’t require a second thought.”
This unique, interactive & accessible outdoor amphitheatre will provide campers, the opportunity to sing a song, act in a play, tell a joke, play an instrument, watch a movie or even get their face pictured on an old, western “Wanted” poster along with the infamous outlaw, “Junior.” For more information about Victory Junction visit www.victoryjunction.org.(Victory Junction/Dale Jr. Foundation)(3-2-2010)

NASCAR Foundation makes $408k contribution to Victory Junction: The NASCAR Foundation announced a $408,000 contribution to Victory Junction to help send critically ill kids to camp for a life-changing experience. The donation was made possible through a variety of 2009 fundraisers including The NASCAR Foundation Charity Auctions, an annual partnership with Sprint, Inc. through Friends of the Foundation and the foundation’s signature event, NASCAR Day. “This donation is what The NASCAR Foundation is all about,” said the foundation’s chairperson, Betty Jane France. “Victory Junction is most deserving of whatever assistance we can provide. It’s a special place, and we are proud to help.” The donation will allow over 160 kids to attend the camp, as well as assisting with camper transportation. Since it launched in 2006, The NASCAR Foundation has contributed more than $1.97 million to the camp helping to provide 789 kids with a life-changing experience. To date, Victory Junction has served more than 12,900 campers and their families through the week-long summer sessions and family weekends that take place throughout the year. In 2009, Victory Junction served 2,323 campers and family members over 333 days in session.(The NASCAR Foundation)(2-26-2010)

Victory Junction Being Recognized by The North Carolina Motorsports Industry: Victory Junction, will be one of 10 outstanding organizations that will be recognized, by the North Carolina Motorsports Industry, for their 2009 achievements and contributions to the motorsports industry. The North Carolina Motorsports Industry 4th Annual Awards Banquet (NCMIA) presented by Senn Dunn Motorsports Insurance will be held January 25, 2010 at the Embassy Suites in Concord, NC. The NCMA will also recognize Dale Earnhardt Sr. who will be the 2010 Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award Recipient. Past recipients have included; Benny Parson’s (2007), Richard Petty (2008) and Richard Childress (2009). A fireside chat with many of Dale Earnhardt’s former Crew Chiefs will be part of the evening’s special events to honor the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. Additionally; the night will recognize nine other outstanding organizations for their contributions to the motorsports industry in 2009. The organizations are: NASCAR Technical Institute; Lowes Motor Speedway; Mel’s Custom Covers; Safety-Kleen; Hoosier Asphalt Oval South; JKS Motorsports; BSCI; Coca Cola Bottling Co.; and NASCAR. Winston Kelly, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and MRN Lead NASCAR Pit Reporter, will once again MC the event.(Victory Junction)(1-11-2010)

Walmart Joins Victory Junction's Elite Founder List: Victory Junction founders Kyle and Pattie Petty announced during the fourth Annual Run to Victory that Walmart, the world's largest retailer, has joined its elite Founder list by donating more than $1 million to the camp which serves children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Walmart supports Victory Junction in many different ways. Through the "Miles for Smiles" program, NASCAR Day activities and Kyle Petty's Charity Ride, Walmart has provided life-changing experiences for more than 500 campers. "Miles for Smiles" is a one-week annual campaign during which Walmart donates $.02 to Victory Junction for every safe mile driven by its transportation team.(Victory Junction PR)(12-15-2009)