Using the biggest race of the year as a
backdrop, NASCAR, Swan Racing and two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip
announced today a special tribute to raise awareness and contributions for the
Sandy Hook School Support Fund.
Following a private meeting with town
officials, community leaders, first responders and victims’ families last week
in Newtown, Conn., NASCAR, Swan Racing and Waltrip announced that the No. 30
Lean1 Swan Racing Toyota will instead compete as the No. 26 Sandy Hook School
Support Fund Toyota. Waltrip’s ride for the Daytona 500 (Sunday, Feb. 24 1 p.m.
ET on FOX) will honor the 26 victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School and
prominently feature a call-to-action decal encouraging the NASCAR community to
make $10 donations by texting NEWTOWN to
80888.
The Sandy Hook School Support Fund,
established jointly by United Way of Western Connecticut and Newtown Savings
Bank, supports the healing process for the broader Newtown community including
children, teachers, first responders, families, residents, mental health
professionals, counselors and others, following the tragic events that occurred
at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December. One hundred percent of the funds
raised for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund go to meet the needs of the
Newtown community.
“Americans everywhere are heartbroken about
the tragedy in Newtown and Swan Racing is proud to join NASCAR and the United
Way of Western Connecticut to help the community move forward,” said Swan
Racing owner Brandon Davis.
In addition to piloting the No. 26 Newtown
car in the Great American Race, Waltrip confirmed today that all three Michael
Waltrip Racing entries will run the “text NEWTOWN to 80888” decal for the Daytona 500.
“Driving the No. 26 Sandy Hook School Support
Fund Toyota is like nothing I have ever been part of in my NASCAR career,”
Waltrip said. “It will be an emotional week knowing that we have the potential
to do so much good for the Newtown community. I’m racing for a reason.”
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France also
announced today that he and his wife Amy would personally kick off the NASCAR
industry support with a $50,000 donation that will be matched by The NASCAR
Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit that embodies the compassion of the NASCAR
family and its commitment to serving communities.
“Being in Newtown last week and delivering a
moment of happiness to that community was unlike anything I’ve ever
experienced,” said France. “Looking out at a room of smiling faces amidst the
aftermath of a horrible tragedy was very powerful. It hit me that the NASCAR
industry and our passionate fan base have an unbelievable opportunity to rally
around this cause and make a huge difference for a community in need. I am
excited to witness firsthand the NASCAR community’s embrace and support of the
Sandy Hook School Support Fund.”
The Sandy Hook School Support Fund recently
announced in cooperation with the Newtown Rotary Club Foundation that funds are
available to help with the immediate financial and mental health needs for
people impacted by the tragic events of Dec. 14.
"One thing I can tell you for sure, is
that there will be a whole lot of people in Sandy Hook and Newtown rooting for
Michael and the No 26 car," said Sandy Hook Fire Chief Bill Halstead.
"It will be something positive to rally around, and there will be smiles
on faces that haven't smiled in quite a while."
The NASCAR community can contribute to the
Sandy Hook School Support Fund by textingNEWTOWN to 80888. For fans without short-code texting plans with
their wireless carriers, there are two additional opportunities to donate.
Donations can also be made online at newtown.uwwesternct.org or
by mail to:
Sandy Hook School
Support Fund
c/o Newtown
Savings Bank
39 Main Street,
Newtown, CT, 06470
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