The Dale Jr. Foundation Leverages Fundraising Success Into Contributions to 34 Charities

The Dale Jr. Foundation (TDJF) concluded its 2013 fundraising season by raising more than $327,000 to be distributed among 34 charities.  Some of the beneficiaries include Blessings in a Backpack, Levine’s Children’s Hospital, Mooresville Christian Mission, Mooresville Soup Kitchen, Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, the Special Olympics, Stop Child Abuse Now, the United Special Sportsman Alliance, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“This was another strong year for the foundation,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr.  “It was made possible by a lot of generous donors and countless supportive fans that want to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged individuals.  I can’t thank them enough.”
 
Since its inception in 2007, TDJF has donated to charities on local, regional, and national levels through both contributions and in-kind donations.
 
This year TDJF bolstered its efforts to its key initiatives – the Driven to Give event, Win Dale Jr.’s Ride raffle, and Dale Jr. Ride-Along experience.  The third annual Driven To Give was hosted by Earnhardt Jr. and featured comedian Jon Reep, a native of Hickory, N.C., and winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”.  Proceeds raised from the dinner and auction totaled $126,000.

Hoping to win Earnhardt Jr.’s very own 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, 8,800 fans purchased raffle tickets and helped raise $165,000 as part of Win Dale Jr.’s Ride fundraiser.  The lucky winner was Virginia native Newman Scott Jr., who received the keys to his new car personally from Earnhardt Jr. on Oct. 8 at JR Motorsports.

The Dale Jr. Ride-Along Experience raised an additional $61,000.  Eight recipients of the experience and their guests visited Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 9 for a three-lap ride with Earnhardt Jr. as well as a Q&A session with Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Kerry Earnhardt.

“It’s been a tremendous year for The Dale Jr. Foundation,” said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, general manager of JR Motorsports and vice president of The Dale Jr. Foundation.  “It takes a lot of hard work by a lot of different people to reach the goals we’ve set for The Foundation.  We’ve been blessed to have continued support from fans and partners alike to make these fundraisers a success.  Each year we look to improve on the previous year, and in 2013 we did just that.  We’re thrilled to be able to assist so many deserving causes and initiatives with these funds.”

In addition to its support of the Make a Wish Foundation, TDJF will serve as presenting sponsor of The Wish Ball 2014, an evening of charitable giving in Charlotte, N.C., to fund the mission of Make-A-Wish.
 
JR Motorsports PR