RAC Summer Fundraising Hits the Home Stretch; Endure for a Cure Set for Sugar Hill on Sept. 7

By admin August 27, 2007

Westbrook, CT — This summer the Racing Against Cancer™ Team members have been busy racing and raising money for the fight against cancer. The fundraising efforts have involved a variety of events from a wide range of supporters. From R.A.C. Nights to cruise nights to barbeques, the tenacious team members have pulled out all of the stops this summer to help the Racing Against Cancer ™ Program continue their support of the American Cancer Society, David’s House, and other cancer-related charitable causes.

The highlight of a busy month of June had to be the June 16th event hosted by the East Coast Mini Sprint Association. Through the tireless efforts of Robin Montesi, the ECMSA hosted their first-ever R.A.C. Day at Whip City Speedway in Westfield, MA. Both fans and racers alike were encouraged to make donations while a raffle of various items was held. When the checkered flag flew on race day over $4,200 was raised for the fight against cancer and 20 new “Join the Team” Members were recruited.

One of the many goals of the Racing Against Cancer™ Program over the last two years has been to expand the scope of the program in an effort to reach out to more team members and ultimately strengthen the fight against cancer. The Cortland, NY-based Team LaCross Motorsports helped to do just that. On June 9th thanks to their efforts, the Racing Against Cancer™ Program became involved with the popular ARCA RE/MAX Series.

Motivated by fellow crewmember and cancer survivor, David Wimmer, the team of Shari & Ed Lawrence, Aaron Cross, John & Darlene Cross, Clara Ortalano and Duane Canfield sold 265 tickets to raise over $500 for the “Spend the Day in the Pits” fundraiser. Winning ticket holder Kimberlee Williams of Chittenango, NY, and a guest spent the weekend in the pit area with the Team LaCross crew as they competed in the ARCA RE/MAX Series Pocono 200 at Pocono Raceway.

As is always the case, with the influx of racing fans in the area, the NEXTEL Cup event at New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS) provided an excellent opportunity to raise money for the fight against cancer. The R.A.C. Team participated in the festivities that were held in conjunction with the event including the annual “Race Fever” event held in Concord, NH June 28 as well as the Governor’s Breakfast held at the Speedway. This year for the breakfast held on June 29th, Steve Pukas proudly display his Sugar Hill Modified. That evening the Racing Against Cancer™ Program hosted the Jerry Nadeau Dinner and Monte Carlo Night. The R.A.C. members would like to take this opportunity to thank Jerry Nadeau for his support of the program.

Other fundraisers during the month included an R.A.C. Night at Thompson International Speedway on June 21st in conjunction with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event while the Racing Against Cancer ™ team was also represented by Steve Pukas at two “Relay for Life” events. Pukas hosted the first promotional appearance on June 22 was at Westerly High School Westerly, RI, and the other on June 30-July 1 at the Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, CT.

On June 23, 17-year old Lee USA Speedway Late Model competitor Katrina Canney hosted a picnic, the Sugar Shack Benefit, in Barrington, NH, that raised $500 for the beneficiaries of the Racing Against Cancer™ Program. Guests at the picnic enjoyed good food and spirited games of wiffle ball and volleyball. For the younger supporters in attendance, Canney crafted a fun-filled piñata in the image of her Late Model that was also on display at the event.

On July 2, the Racing Against Cancer ™ Team set up a display during a 3-hour vintage and custom car cruise night at Ocean Beach in New London, CT, to earn a quick $350 for the various programs supported by the RAC Team. Londonderry Raceway in Londonderry, NH, generously hosted their annual RAC Night on July 15th.

Earlier this month the Racing Against Cancer™ Team was once again represented during the August 4-5 “Relay for Life” event held at Stonington High School in Stonington, CT. Food and fun where the order of business on August 11th at the Czarnecki Brothers Racing Pig Roast at the West Springfield Elks Club in West Springfield, MA. Musical entertainment, games, and great food helped the Czarnecki Brothers raise $3,500 in much-needed funds for the Racing Against Cancer ™ Program.

On the heels of a very successful R.A.C. Night that netted over $2,000, the Sugar Hill Speedway in Weare, NH, one of the staunchest supporters of the Racing Against Cancer™ Program, is gearing up for their annual “Endure for the Cure” endurance go-kart race. The very lucrative fundraiser is set for September 7.

The racing season winds down with a number of promotional events. Be sure to check out the promotional calendar on the charity’s official website. To learn how you can become a team member or to host your own R.A.C. event log on to the Racing Against Cancer website at www.racingagainstcancer.com.

Racing Against Cancer™ is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to raising funds for cancer research, patient support services, cancer awareness, and youth tobacco educational programs.

Sources: Dale Wolbink/Racing Against Cancer PR

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