RAC Supporters Prove Their Metal in Hard Times with Unique & Persistent Fundraising Efforts in 2009

Westbrook, CT (Jan 25, 2010)

Aspirations Loom Large in 2010 for RAC

 

The Racing Against Cancer™ Program, like so many charitable organizations, was not immune to the struggles of the economic downturn of 2009. Additionally, for the first time in over a decade, the Racing Against Cancer (RAC) Program was also faced with the reality of a fundraising campaign without the support of a title sponsor. Adding to the mounting hurdles was the limited availability of Director of Operations Scott Gregory, who has proven to be the catalyst for much of the organization’s successes.

 

But the aspect of this organization that makes it so unique is also what helps make it so successful. The Racing Against Cancer Team is driven by racers! And nothing can keep a racer down!

In 2009, despite all obstacles, the Racing Against Cancer Team put their competitive spirit to work toward the goal of raising funds for the fight against cancer. To that end a group of devoted individuals banded together to raise $20,000.

 

From formal RAC fundraising events like SpeedwayEXPO to traditional donations and nearly everything in between, the supporters of the RAC Program pulled out all the stops to help support the American Cancer Society.

 

The annual campaign kicked-off in February at Frank Maratta’s Auto Show at the CT Expo Center in Hartford, CT, where the event raised $1,200. Guests tried their luck with the RAC prize wheel and snacked on candy with donations to the RAC team. In March, volunteers participated in SpeedwayEXPO to help raise over $1,600 with the prize wheel and the sale of raffle tickets for items donated by the SpeedwayEXPO event staff.

 

Individual teams hosted their own year-long fundraising endeavors to help contribute to the 2009 total. Fundraising activities ran the gamut and were hosted all over the country in support of the Racing Against Cancer Program.

 

The leading fundraising effort of the 2009 season was the Kraze’s 4-Cylinder Nationals; where $5,000 was raised. The Racing Against Cancer was the beneficiary of the event hosted by GARY SAGAR of Kraze's Speed Equipment. Funds were raised through pledges, personal donations, and a 50/50 raffle. Gary has vowed to continue his support of the Racing Against Cancer Program in 2010. An event is currently being planned for this Fall at Seekonk Speedway.

 

KIM BLACKSTONE and the New England ATV Motocross Series (NEATV) membership accounted for $2,783 of the cumulative total by hosting fundraisers at several of the NEATV Motocross Series events. With Kim at the helm of their effort for the second straight year, the NEATV fundraising tally nearly doubled with entertaining activities that included raffles, a dunk tank, etc. For more info on NEATV visit www.neatv-mx.com

 

A total of 15 go-kart teams pitched in to help the RICHMOND KARTING SPEEDWAY to raise $2,137. Thanks to the efforts of Roger and Alicia Collins, their facility, located in Richmond, ME, topped all racetrack fundraising efforts in 2009.

 

KRISTIN PHILLIPS & MIKE KING proudly host an annual fundraiser at their home track of Whip City Speedway in Westfield, MA. In 2009, in their third annual efforts, Kristin, a competitor in the 750CC Mini Sprint, and her supporters raised $2,000. Her personal crusade in support of the Racing Against Cancer program also includes countless hours of volunteering.

KYLE POODIACK of Poodiack Racing combined with Peterboro Tool Company Inc. to donate $1,200 to the Racing Against Cancer Program in 2009. Their personal contributions were made through a monthly donation of $100. In addition to his fundraising accolades, Kyle, an Alison Legacy Car Series competitor, has earned seven championships in his short racing career.

 

Long-time RAC supporter, DAVID CROUT contributed nearly $1,100 in 2009. Through a weekly payroll deduction, David personally supported the cause. His contributions were doubled by a corporate matching program at Aetna Insurance Company. For many years, Dave’s support has extended beyond his financial contributions as one of RAC’s most active volunteers.

 

While local competitors were working tirelessly during the 2009 season on behalf of the Racing Against Cancer Program, halfway across the country, KIM GROVE was spearheading a RAC fundraising effort at Bloomfield Speedway in Indiana. With the support of race teams and local businesses, Kim was able to sell large quantities of T-shirts and RAC wristbands with proceeds of $879 going to the RAC Program.

 

In 2009, through the combined efforts of LaCROSS MOTORSPORTS and VFW POST #7686, the Racing Against Cancer Team received an $800 contribution all the way from New Mexico. The persuasive efforts of member Dave Wimmer resulted in a $200 donation from the VFW Post #7686 in Alamogordo, NM. Team LaCross raised an additional $600 when they raffled a spot on their pit crew during the ARCA 200 at Pocono Speedway. Winner Claude Weeden of Sidney, NY, was a crew member for the day for Brent Cross.

 

MARTI ANDERSON and his Thundering Valley Speedway continued to support the Racing Against Cancer Program in 2009. The racing families of the Speedway actively participated in fundraising while purchasing decals and wristbands and supporting a 50/50 raffle. A total contribution was made to the Racing Against Cancer Program in the amount of $720. Anderson and his teams are excited to continue their support in 2010. To learn more about the speedway and their special racing families log on to www.thunderingvalleyraceway.com.

 

TREVOR and KELLI BLEAU hungered to help raise money for the RAC Program in 2009. The duo participated in, possibly, the most unique effort of the ’09 campaign. They spent the season running go-karts at the Sugar Hill and Stafford Motor Speedways, while peddling their own cookbook titled "Cooking Your Way to Victory Lane". The cookbook was a compilation of "secret" family recipes for everything from Tacos, Whoopee Pies, Cheese & Coffee Cakes, and more, contributed by the local go-kart racing families. Proceeds of $720 from the sales of the cookbook went directly to the Racing Against Cancer Program. Everyone with the RAC Team is excited to learn what Trevor and Kelli have planned for 2010.

 

For 2010, management of the Racing Against Cancer Team remains committed to supporting the American Cancer Society, and other cancer-related charities. While the future of the economy remains unsettled, one thing is for sure. The support of local racers will continue to be the driving force behind the Racing Against Cancer Program.

 

Today, the Racing Against Cancer Program is actively pursuing a new corporate sponsor to help leverage all fundraising opportunities.

 

“We are also in communication and exploring the possibility of partnering with a well known national cancer related charity,” said Direct of Operations Scott Gregory, “to bring RAC to a new level by setting up offices nationwide with plans to hold major national fundraising events”.

 

As always, additional supporters are always welcome. Contact Scott Gregory today to pledge your support by emailing racingagainstcancer@yahoo.com.