Future Non-Profit Animal Facility in Iredell County Holds First Phase Ground Breaking Ceremony: NASCAR Driver Ryan Newman and wife Krissie began discussing plans for an animal rescue facility in Iredell County a few years ago, and the first step in the process took place a couple of miles from their home in Statesville, NC. The facility is called “Rescue Ranch” and will lay on 87 acres off NC Highway 21 and has been a dream of Krissie’s. The Ranch will have similarities to the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. where a good friend Mike Arms is the President. The facility will have a number of phases; the first consisting of offices and classrooms. Future phases will consist of a boarding facility, veterinary clinic, horse stalls and pastures, riding trails, educational camps and a small animal and creepy/crawly building.
“Building a rescue facility has been something I’ve wanted to do for some time,” said Krissie who is the vice president of the Ryan Newman Foundation and sits on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of Iredell County. “Ryan and I are big animal lovers and want to educate people, mainly children why it’s important to spay and neuter their pets, but also give them the tools on how to care for pets. Giving the opportunity to see different animals and critters allows children to have a better understanding about being a caregiver and also helps with self esteem and the way they might treat people as they get older.”
Leading pet food maker, Iams, is a proud supporter of the Ryan Newman Foundation. Both organizations are dedicated to helping animals.
“The entire team at Iams is thrilled to see the Rescue Ranch become a reality for the Ryan Newman Foundation and for the many animals that will benefit from this amazing facility,” said Jason Taylor, external relations manager for P&G Pet Care. “Like the Newman’s, we share a passion for improving the lives of animals and congratulate them on today’s ground breaking.”
The first phase of the project has been awarded to Mooresville based R.L. Smith, Inc. owned by Ronnie Smith. The projected completion date is early fall 2012. “My wife Lee and I have been supporters of the Ryan Newman Foundation from the beginning,” Smith noted. “We are huge animal lovers and honored to be part of Rescue Ranch and the building of phase one. The facility is something that I believe our county will be proud of and I commend Ryan and Krissie for their efforts.” Non-profit 501c (3) paperwork is being established. Until all paperwork is complete, the facility will be placed as a project of the Ryan Newman Foundation which the Newman’s started in 2005. Grants will be applied for to maintain many of the facilities programs.(Ryan Newman Foundation)(1-31-2012)

Newman Foundation Charity Events Raise $333,000: The 7th Annual Ryan Newman Foundation Charity Dinner and 6th Annual Charity Fishing Tournament raised $333,000 for its animal welfare, education and conservation efforts. The dinner, presented by the Gene Haas Foundation, was held at the Statesville Civic Center in Statesville, NC on Friday, December 9th. Former Miss Sprint Monica Palumbo emceed the evening’s festivities. Country music singer/song writers Kendell Marvel, Billy and Randy Montana and Heidi Newfield took to the stage providing entertainment for the sold out crowd of 500 sponsors, NASCAR drivers, professional anglers, outdoorsmen and fans. Guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items and participate in the “Fishing for Fun” Raffle. The big items of the evening were a John Deere Gator, Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV and a Holstein Hyde Lounge. Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart walked away with the lounge.
Returning this year were hand-painted dog/cat bowls and treat jars painted by the employees of the Ryan Newman Foundation and Ryan Newman Motorsports. Ryan even joined in and painted a set of bowls. Money raised from the pottery auction will be used to help vaccinate and sterilize dogs and cats in the surrounding area.
JHE Productions managed the event, adding a number of surprises. Upon arrival, guests walked the red carpet, taking photos next to an event-themed show car displaying sponsor logos. Presenting sponsors were treated to a VIP reception hosted by Ryan and Krissie prior to the doors opening. New fun items were an ice sculpture of a dog and a cat fishing and photo booths. The photo booths were stocked with props, which guests used to “style” themselves for the photos. The guests were then able to download their photos. “This year’s event was a huge success,” said Krissie Newman. “We moved the location to the civic center and it didn’t disappoint us. JHE out did themselves and it’s going to be hard to top next year, but I’m looking forward to it. Funds raised from the event will be used for our spay/neuter grants, which will be awarded in the summer. ”
For the second year, Bass Pro Shops and BASS presented the charity fishing tournament. Like the dinner, this year’s tournament was the most successful, featuring 197 boats that took to the water from Blythe Landing on Lake Norman in Huntersville, NC. A record number of professional anglers including Jami Fralick, Britt Myers, Marty Robinson, Todd Auten, Boyd Duckett, Guy Eaker, Davey Hite, David Walker and many more competed for the grand prize; a Nitro Z9 Bass Boat equipped with a motor, trolling motor, electronics and matching trailer. Four-time Bassmaster Champion and seven-time Angler of the year Kevin VanDam and Bassmaster Elite Series emcee and Outdoor Channel host Mark Zona were the tournament emcees and kept the participants and the crowd on their feet while 92 teams weighed-in.
This year’s winners were Ron Wolfarth from Oakboro, NC and Larry Inman from Greensboro, NC. They weighed in five fish for a total weight of 13 pounds and 14 ounces. The duo also won the Senior Citizen trophy.
“Krissie and I appreciate everyone who participates in the fishing tournament,” said Ryan Newman. “The weather isn’t the best and the fishing can be tough in December, so to see a record number of entries was pretty awesome. Bass Pro Shops donated a Nitro Z9 again this year, which helps with getting a mix of amateur and professional anglers. There aren’t a lot of tournaments giving out over $60,000 in prizes- especially charity events, so we’re lucky to have great partners that believe in our mission and support us throughout the year.
“I thought Kevin (VanDam) and Mark (Zona) took the tournament to a new level. Their celebrity status in the fishing world helped draw a record crowd for the weigh-in which was also exciting. We would love to have them back next year. ” Second place trophies were taken home by the husband/wife team of John and Angela Mayo of Maiden, NC, weighing in five fish at 13 pounds, 4 ounces. They also took home the big fish and husband/wife honors. Third place went to Troy LeHew of Charlotte, NC and Adams Waters of Denver, NC. They had four fish weighing in at 12 pounds, 13 ounces. Chad and Austin Schroder’s five fish were good enough to win the adult/child trophies.
A chicken dinner and vendor area were added for our supporters to enjoy before the boats returned. Sponsors of the Foundation were given the opportunity to meet with guests, sample products and give out information and items from their companies. John Deere had their newest products on display, Oral B gave away goodie bags, Tornados offered taste testing throughout the day while Tom Johnson RV and Camping Centers gave people the chance to watch sporting events outside the motor homes on display. Other venders included: Visit Lake Norman, Humane Society of Iredell County, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Wine Shop at Home, Bulova and Reeds Jewelers, Wix, Parks Chevrolet and the Ryan Newman Foundation. Kids had a play area with games and inflatables to enjoy while listening to live music. Over 1000 people visited the boat ramp to show their support of the Annual Ryan Newman Foundation Fishing Tournament.(see more at the Ryan Newman Foundation website)(1-8-2012)

Irwin Jr. Dare to Dream Camp to close: The New Castle, IN-area The Kenny Irwin Jr. Foundation's Dare to Dream Camp for underprivileged, at-risk, neglected and abused children was supposed to carry on for years to come, just like the racing career of its namesake, Kenny Irwin Jr. But the camp is coming to an end 11 years after the passing of the popular Indianapolis driver killed July 7, 2000, in a NASCAR Cup Series crash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The former U.S. Auto Club midget champion and NASCAR Rookie of the Year was 30 years old. The Kenny Irwin Jr. Foundation's Dare to Dream Camp, which hosts a minimum of 300 children a year and about 4,000 over the past eight years, grew from Irwin's love of children. His parents learned after his fatal crash that he had paid hospital bills of children they didn't even know. The camp gave children a week to forget the challenges in their lives, making them feel special, loved and wanted. They were allowed to eat as much as they wanted, with some having ice cream for the first time. They could play basketball, miniature golf and swim while sharing new adventures. "We could take a tragedy in our life and make something good of it," Irwin's father, Kenny Sr., said of the camp. But keeping things going became too much of a physical challenge for the Irwins. Kenny's mother, Reva, has endured a series of heart procedures in the past year-plus, leading to the decision to sell the camp. "We're both 65, and it's beyond our ability to take care of the camp like we did," Kenny Sr. said Thursday afternoon. "I normally took care of all the maintenance, and in fact I'm out here right now mowing all the property. Reva took care of all the bookwork, bringing the kids in, taking care of campers, and she just told me she couldn't do it anymore. And I can't do it without her." It is a 45-mile drive from the Irwins' longtime home in Lawrence to the camp, which has five buildings, cabins, a six-acre lake, pool, sports fields and 100 campsites on 27 acres along I-70. The foundation had many financial donors over the years, including Bob Bahre and his family, former owners of the New Hampshire track. Two potential buyers toured the property this week, including a church group. If it's still unsold, an auction is scheduled Sept. 14. The Irwins won't stop helping children, though. The foundation that Reva and their three grown daughters operate plans to pay to send 150 children per year to three one-week camps around the country.(Indianapolis Star)(8-19-2011)

Friends Asking Friends Program - Create Your Fundraiser: The Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation has just launched our Friends Asking Friends Program! The JGCF is excited to launch this new program - (g2) Gather Friends, Giving Hope. g2 is an online tool created to assist individuals who wish to fundraise in support of childhood cancer, it taps your creativity and individualism by allowing you to create your own fundraiser! More info at Jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org

NASCAR Foundation Contributes $3.3 Million: In 2010, The NASCAR Foundation contributed more than $3.3 million in charitable support to nonprofit organizations nationwide and united more than 250,000 fans in support of children’s charities across the United States. More info at nascar.com/foundation.(1-12-2011)

NASCAR Fine Payments Go to NASCAR Foundation: NASCAR announced that starting with the 2008 season, all money collected from fines and penalties issued to drivers will go to the NASCAR Foundation for its charitable initiatives.(NASCAR PR)

Other Jayski Charity pages:
Victory Junction and Jayski's Computer Lab
Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge
Ongoing Events/Support the Troops/Past NewsAcutions/News page

NASCAR driver Robert Richardson Jr. and The ALS Association have partnered together to bring ALS awareness to NASCAR fans and to raise funds to fight ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Richardson is the primary driver for the #23 Chevy in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for his family-owned team of R3 Motorsports. He began his racing career in 2001 driving Legend Cars and progressively advanced through the ranks of NASCAR to the Daytona 500; a race he has competed in three times.

Richardson gives credit to his former McKinney, Texas high school football coach, Billy Whitman, for the ability to incorporate what he learned in football into racing. Whitman, who died in 2005 due to ALS, taught Richardson to have a never-say no type attitude.

“All the competitive fire he put inside of me, I carry it with me every single race,” Richardson said. “Especially before qualifying, I listen to his voice. My car number is 23 because that was coach’s number when he played football. He had 23 tattooed on his arm, so I tattooed it on my car in honor of him.”

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative muscular disease that affects a person’s ability to breathe, eat, move, and swallow. An estimated 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time, and approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. ALS can strike anyone; people with the disease usually have a survival rate of two to five years from the time of their diagnoses.

Richardson has created a website to spread ALS awareness and raise funds to support The ALS Association. NASCAR fans and interested parties can make a donation to the “Drive Away ALS” campaign at www.RobertRichardson.net/als. Anyone who makes a donation to the campaign by February 2 will be entered to win two all-access pit passes to the Daytona 500 on February 26, 2012.

“We are thrilled to work with Robert to raise awareness and funds for ALS. This is a great opportunity to spread the word about the need for better treatments, better care, and a cure for this disease,” said President and CEO of The ALS Association Jane H. Gilbert.

The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure. For more information about The ALS Association, visit our website at www.alsa.org or call 800-782-4747.

The 6th Annual Legends Helping Legends will be held Saturday February 4, 2012 from 10am-2pm at Memory Lane Museum 769 River Hwy Mooresville NC Home of the Racers Reunion Hall of Fame.

This event on Sat February 4, 2012 will be in honor of the Flock Family. The Racing Flock family consisted of Brothers Tim, Bob, Fonty, and Sister Ethel. All the Flocks where Great Drivers and to this day hold many distinguish racing records. All the Flocks contributed much to the sport of Racing. Tim was the youngest brother but was considered the leader in wins and accomplishments. Tim was married to Frances who has also been a true asset to the sport of Racing. Frances Flock will be our honored guest at this event.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the medical fund of Old Timer’s Racing Club which helps early racing veterans in need. This group is under the leadership of Mike Sykes who devotes much of his time to supporting the people who where the true back bone of Racing.

The Statesville Shrine Club will be providing food and refreshments and will have their raffle car on site with the proceeds going to the Shriners Children’s Hospitals.

For more information go to www.memorylaneautomuseum.com or call 704-662-3673 or see their Facebook

The Living Legends of Auto Racing will hold their 20th annual beachside parade on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. The parade will stage as usual at the Drive-in Church located at 3140 S. Atlantic Avenue (A-1-A), Daytona Beach Shores, at 9:00am/et. Parade vehicles will then parade north A-1-A to Botefur Ave.and return to the Drive-in Church for display.
Registration for the parade will be on Monday, February 20, 2012 from 10am to 4pm at the Living Legends of Auto Racing Museum located at 2400 S. Ridgewood Avenue, South Daytona, Florida.
There will be a last minute registration at the Drive-in Church on Tuesday morning. For questions or additional information please contact John West at 386-290-4192.

The Living Legends of Auto Racing is announced that we will be moving our Banquet and Charity Auction & Celebrity Autograph Session to:
The Shores Resort & Spa
2637 S. Atlantic Avenue
Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118
The Charity Auction and Celebrity Autograph Session will take place on Tuesday evening, February 21, 2012 at 6:00pm/et.
Legends on hand to sign autographs are; Johnny Allen, Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, Jack Anderson, Dave Dion, LIghtnin Epton, Dick Fleck, Ray Fox, James Hylton, Jack Ingram, Flossie Johnson, Joe Mihalic, Eddie MacDonald, Sr., Cookie Osterhout, Dick Passwater, Buzzie Reutimann, Ronnie Rohn, Earl Sappenfield, Ernie Saxton, Yolanda Sheridan, Morgan Shepherd, Eddie Spurling, Don Tilley, Russ Truelove, Waddell Wilson, Bill Wimble and Vicki Wood. Additional names to be announced.
Tickets for the event are $15.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door.
For additional information contact; Paulette at: 386-299-7349 FLMetsFan@aol.com or Donna at 386-235-7449 jdrace@earthlink.net

More info at livinglegendsofautoracing.com

The 20th Annual Living Legends of Auto Racing Awards Banquet will take place on Wednesday evening, February 22, 2012 at:
The Shores Resort & Spa
2637 S. Atlantic Avenue
Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118
This year's award recipients are; Jr. Johnson, Richard Childress, Ken Ragan, Buzzie Reutimann, Clare B. Lang, Joe Mihalic, Eddie MacDonald Sr. and Racing's North Turn Beach Bar and Grill.
The event will begin at 6pm with a cocktail hour (cash bar). Dinner will be served at 7pm.
Tickets for the event are $45.00 Reservations are required.
For information or to purchase tickets please call Joan at (386) 255-7428

More info at livinglegendsofautoracing.com

NASCAR drivers aren’t in the business of folding, so the year’s first NASCAR Foundation fundraiser might pose a challenge.

The NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman Betty Jane France and foundation board member Rusty Wallace will host NASCAR’s finest during the heart of Speedweeks for “High Speed Hold ’Em on the Halifax” on Feb. 22 from 7-10 p.m. at the new clubhouse of MG on the Halifax.

This unique event will pit drivers, celebrities, poker pros and one lucky fan against each other in a Pro-Am Texas Hold ’Em Style Poker Tournament with proceeds benefiting The NASCAR Foundation and Speediatrics. MG on the Halifax, the luxury waterfront community just minutes from Daytona International Speedway, is partnering with The NASCAR Foundation to host the inaugural “High Speed Hold ‘Em on the Halifax.”

“What a great night this is going to be … a lot of fun and all for some worthy causes,” said The NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman Betty Jane France. “The NASCAR Foundation, Speediatrics and poker – I love them all. People who know me can attest to that. This evening is going to be memorable and meaningful. I can’t wait.”

Founded by France in 1999, Speediatrics is a NASCAR-themed pediatrics unit and is the only one of its kind in Central Florida that cares for more than 2,000 children each year, including about 300 of those receiving care in the Pediatric ICU.

The event will be overseen by Honorary Tournament Director Annie Duke, Commissioner of the Epic Poker League and best-selling author of “Decide to Play Great Poker.”

“I am so pleased to play my part in this inaugural tournament to support The NASCAR Foundation’s Speediatrics Program,” Duke said. “I’m looking forward to throttling up the action with Betty Jane and Rusty as we raise funds for this great cause.”

In addition to Duke’s participation, each of the 22 tables at the event will seat at least one celebrity or professional poker player. The grand prize for the tournament is entry into an Epic Poker Pro/Am event valued at $1,500.

Devoted fans support The NASCAR Foundation throughout the year, and one fortunate fan can win a chance to go “All In” and play with the pros. For details, go to www.EventsatMGontheHalifax.com

The event also features a charity art auction and exclusive entertainment by singer/songwriter Eric Lee Beddingfield.

“MG on the Halifax is the perfect facility to host this special evening,” foundation board member and MG on the Halifax resident Rusty Wallace said. “It is in the neighborhood of the Speediatrics unit at Halifax Health Medical Center and it demonstrates their commitment to the community in a significant and exciting way.”

The Feb. 22 benefit marks the grand opening of MG’s new 11,000 square foot clubhouse and fitness center.

“We are honored to partner with The NASCAR Foundation to showcase what promises to be an unforgettable night in a week of big events for Daytona and the entire racing community,” said Brett Dill, president of the MG on the Halifax ownership group. “I can’t think of a better way to open our clubhouse than to help a center that provides for the care and comfort of young patients.”

For more information about The NASCAR Foundation, please log on to NASCAR.COM/foundation.

The Living Legends of Auto Racing will be hosting a racing history bus tour, 9:30am, Friday morning February 24, 2012 rain or shine with tour guide Bob Coolidge, Vice President of the Living Legends of Auto Racing.
The tour will leave and return to the LLOAR Museum, located at 2400 South Ridgewood Avenue (Duff's Entrance), South Daytona, Florida.
Lunch at the North Turn Restaurant is included.
Visit locations where Beach & NASCAR racing began.
Tickets are $30.00 Reservations are Required. For additional information, reservations or to purchase tickets please call Bob at (386) 736-1016

More info at livinglegendsofautoracing.com

Purchase your 2012 Corvette raffle ticket and you could be the winner of Jeff’s personal 2011 Corvette Convertible Grand Sport 4 LT.

Tickets purchased benefit the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation's efforts to fund pediatric cancer treatment and research programs and the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital. Purchase your tickets online for $100 each and be among the select few who have a chance to drive home in Jeff’s personal Corvette Convertible Grand Sport 4LT. Only 7,500 tickets will be sold.

More info and to purchase go to jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org

The raffle will end on Monday September 24, 2012 or when all 7,500 tickets are sold whichever occurs first.

The 2012 NASCAR Pets Calendar were released for sale this week. The calendar can be purchased at www.gregbifflefoundation.com or at the Food City Race Night in Bristol where Greg Biffle will be on hand to sign the calendars from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. All proceeds from the calendar go to the Greg Biffle Foundation which Greg and his wife Nicole founded in 2005 to create awareness and serve as an advocate to improve the well-being of animals by engaging the power and passion of the motor sports industry.

The 2012 NASCAR Pets Calendar will feature 10 Sprint Cup drivers with their pets as well as one month featuring the two young women who represent the series as Miss Sprint Cup with their pets and one month with NASCAR media member and their pets. This will be the sixth edition of the NASCAR Pets Calendar which is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Greg Biffle Foundation.

The race night in Bristol begins at 1:00 p.m. and doesn’t end until 9:00 p.m. so fans will have plenty of time to stop by the Greg Biffle Foundation booth to pick up a new calendar or other Greg Biffle Foundation merchandise and get it autographed by Greg between 7:00 and 8:00 pm.

The Greg Biffle Foundation is still offering 2009, 2010 and 2011 Calendars Go to the The Greg Biffle Foundation site for more info and to purchase