Friday, October 24, 2008

NASCAR Stars Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler Team-Up to Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) and Support Families in Need

PRNewswire/ -- Today, NASCAR drivers Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler, of Gillett Evernham Motorsports, combined efforts to help raise awareness for Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)), benefitting programs to support children and families in need around the world.

"Ronald McDonald House Charities relies heavily on the generous support of individuals like Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler, to help further its mission to improve the health and well-being of children in need," said Marty Coyne, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities. "Both of these gentlemen set a great example of how individuals can make a difference. During these tough economic times, it's especially important that we volunteer and give back any way we can, both in our local communities and around the globe."

Kasey Kahne, founder of the Kasey Kahne Foundation, donated $150,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities to support its three core programs: Ronald McDonald House(R), Ronald McDonald Family Room(R) and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile(R). Kahne is a long-time supporter of RMHC, donating $500,000 to date.

"For me, it was an easy decision to make this donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities and support such a great cause," said Kasey Kahne, NASCAR driver and long-time supporter of RMHC. "The Kasey Kahne Foundation and RMHC share a similar mission to help support chronically ill children and their families. Whether it's volunteering time or money, we can all make a difference to those who need it most."

In addition to Kahne's donation, Elliott Sadler announced he will drive an RMHC-themed race car this weekend, during the Sprint Cup Series race in Atlanta, to help raise awareness for the Charity and World Children's Day(R) at McDonald's(R) -- the company's largest annual fundraiser for RMHC.

The race car will also feature a special tribute to Paul Newman -- famous philanthropist, race car enthusiast and long-time supporter of the Charity. The No. 19 Ronald McDonald House Charities Dodge will run "Thank You Paul Newman 1925 - 2008" on the rear panel of the race car. Since 1982, Paul Newman and the Newman's Own Foundation have given over $250 million to thousands of educational and charitable purposes worldwide.

"I'm honored to drive my No. 19 Dodge with an RMHC paint scheme this weekend," said Elliott Sadler, NASCAR driver and RMHC supporter. "I'm also proud to work with McDonald's to help kick-off World Children's Day and raise awareness for RMHC -- both on and off the track."

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