Racing Against Cancer Celebration Nears
Westbrook, CT (Oct 30, 2007)
The Fall season signifies the bittersweet ending to the annual racing season and the Racing Against Cancer™ Team would like to invite the entire racing community to celebrate the 2007 season in grand-style. For the first time, the Racing Against Cancer™ charitable foundation proudly opens the doors to their annual awards banquet to the public. This inspirational ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 10, 2007 from Noon to 4PM in the Tahoe Room in the Grand Pequot Tower at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, CT.
Unlike traditional banquets the Racing Against Cancer™ Program honors the competitors, not for how many wins they have amassed during the season, but for how their contributions off the race track impacted the greater good. This always emotional event honors the accomplishments of racers for their variety of fundraising efforts on behalf of the Racing Against Cancer™ program and other cancer-related charities.
After the arduous task of competing, the racing community-the drivers, crewmembers and families-are encouraged to treat themselves to a lavish celebration at the beautiful Foxwoods Resort Casino. Guests will be enlivened with tales of determination and stories of survival while enjoying world-class dining.
The Racing Against Cancer™ Team is comprised of a diverse group of over 50 racers located throughout the United States and representing nearly every racing division. They come from all walks of life-from students, to business professionals, to mechanics, to doctors. They hale from all over the country from California to Connecticut. They race in everything from NASCAR touring series to entry level divisions. Despite all their differences, they ALL share a common bond-the love for the sport and a desire to find a cure for cancer.
Guests at the annual awards banquet on November 10, 2007 will meet several of these outstanding competitors including the Chase Family, owners of the Whelen Modified Tour #77, who helped raise money and awareness during the 2007 NASCAR season; Sugar Hill Speedway competitor, Steve Pukas, who hosted his own personal promotional tour during the year; and countless other inspirational teams like the East Coast Mini Sprint Association, Richmond Raceway, and Sugar Hill Speedway competitors.
During the ceremony several special recognition awards will be presented including the Jodi B. Blanchette Fundraising and William J. Fales Spirit of Sportsmanship Awards. These two prestigious honors recognize not only the individuals who help raise the most money for the fight against cancer but also those who inspire others to push themselves toward the ultimate goal of finding a cure for this dreadful disease. Previous winners include Curt and Joan Chase, Amanda Mayberry and Jack Gerbrands, and Archie & Debbie Archambault.
Each team member has their own personal story, their own source of inspiration. The result is a dynamic group that works tirelessly with a variety of fundraising efforts, including financial donations, raffle drives, and special events, to raise a significant amount of money each year to help in the fight against cancer. Since 1997, the cumulative fundraising effort of the Racing Against Cancer™ Program exceeds a half-million dollars.
In 2007, the funds raised by these amazing people will continue to support the American Cancer Society, David’s House, and other worthwhile programs. The Racing Against Cancer ™ Program will also boost our marketing efforts with a national strategy aimed at fostering donor development and new corporate partnerships.
The racing community is encouraged to conclude the 2007 racing season on a high note by attending this special event. The Racing Against Cancer Team hopes racers and fans alike will help celebrate the real triumphs of the season during this moving ceremony on Saturday, November 10, 2007 in the Tahoe Room in the Grand Pequot Tower at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, CT.
The Racing Against Cancer™ program is a federally recognized 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the raising of funds for cancer research, patient services, youth tobacco educational programs, and awareness.
RAC Summer Fundraising Hits the Home Stretch Endure for a Cure Set for Sugar Hill on Sept. 7
Westbrook, CT (Sept 7, 2007)
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.
The Racing Against Cancer™ program is a federally recognized 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the raising of funds for cancer research, patient services, youth tobacco educational programs, and awareness.
Jerry Nadeau Headlines RAC Monte Carlo Night in June Exclusive Tony Stewart Memorabilia Featured in Silent Auction
Westbrook, CT (June 1, 2007)
This week the Racing Against Cancer™ Team announced that it would host the 2007 Jerry Nadeau Racing Against Cancer™ Dinner and Monte Carlo Night. The charity event will be held on Friday, June 29, 2007 at the Courtyard Marriott in Concord, NH located at 70 Constitution Avenue to coincide with the Nextel Cup event at New Hampshire International Speedway. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Racing Against Cancer™ Program and David’s House, a non-profit haven for providing lodging to children, being treated at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, and their families.
Former Nextel Cup competitor and New England native, Jerry Nadeau will headline the event that will be held in honor of his late father Gerard Nadeau. In March, after a short but valiant battle, the elder Nadeau succumbed to Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.
The fundraising event will feature a reception beginning at 5 PM with photo opportunities with Jerry Nadeau and several Whelen Modified Tour drivers followed by an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet. Dinner will be served from 6:00PM-7:30PM. The casino-type gaming will from run from 7:30PM-11:30PM. A variety of prizes will be awarded to table-game winners.
“You can never truly understand what cancer can do until you experience it personally,” said Nadeau. “We never thought it would happen to us and we never thought we would lose (our father).”
Nadeau plans to make something positive of the personal struggles that he and his family have endured by making a difference in the fight against cancer. And doing so in loving tribute to his father-the man he admired and emulated.
Gerard Joseph Nadeau a.k.a. 'Jerry' TROUTMAN (1944-2007) was his son’s every day hero with a lifetime of love and understanding. He was also his racing hero. Jerry, Jr. inherited his passion for racing from his father, who ran Modifieds every Saturday night at the Danbury Race Arena in Danbury, CT until its close. Jerry Jr. had his first go-kart before he turned five years old.
Jerry’s most notable accomplishment is his NEXTEL Cup victory in the 2000 NAPA 500 season finale at Atlanta Motor Speedway for Hendrick Motorsports. Before moving to stock car racing, Nadeau found success in the open-wheel and road course arenas winning international acclaim for his victories around the world. In the 90’s, with the blessing of his family, Nadeau moved to North Carolina to pursue his dream of NASCAR racing. His first Cup start came in 1997 driving for Richard Jackson.
A devastating injury in 2004 has sidelined Nadeau from Cup competition in recent years; however, he has remained an active part of the racing community. Last season, he helped David Gilliland score his first-ever Busch Series win. Today he is back behind the wheel, driving competitive go-karts.
On June 1-3, Nadeau will participate in the 24 Hours of Liera, Portugal for EnduranceKarting.com’s Team USA. In previous years, Team USA finished in positions two and three. In 2007, Nadeau hopes to do them one better and bring home the victory.
On June 29th, he hopes to earn a victory for the Racing Against Cancer™ Team as well.
“My Dad was never a poker guy,” said Nadeau, “but I certainly am. It will be a good time and I am excited about it. I am looking forward to playing and doing well, not only in the tournament, but in fundraising.”
Donations of $50 include dinner and gaming admittance. Children’s dinner (only) tickets are also available for $30. All proceeds benefit the Racing Against Cancer™ Program. A few dinner tickets are still available. Admission to the Monte Carlo Casino event will be available the day of the event for a $20 donation. Dinner and event tickets may be purchased online at www.racingagainstcancer.com. Online ticket orders will be confirmed via email and be left at will-call at the entrance of the event.
Throughout the evening, RAC will host a silent auction and raffle. Signature items include body panels off the Chase Racing Modified driven by two-time NEXTEL Cup champion Tony Stewart at NHIS last July and the authentic fire suit worn by Stewart in the event. One lucky winner will take home the fire suit during the evening.
“I know (Dad) will be playing alongside of me. I hope we do well, raise a lot of money and make a difference in this fight.”
The Racing Against Cancer™ program is a federally recognized 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the raising of funds for cancer research, patient services, youth tobacco educational programs, and awareness.
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