Cars of #18 Busch, #21 Elliott, #96 Labonte, #19 Sadler and #55 Waltrip Painted Pink in Support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
DALLAS – Oct. 17, 2009 – Today’s NASCAR track took on a pink hue as a record five cars bearing pink paint schemes, in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, raced around the track at Lowe’s Motor Speedway as fans cheered, “Go Pink or Go Home!”
Kyle Busch’s No. 18 M&M’S® Toyota Camry, Bill Elliott’s No. 21 Ford Fusion, Bobby Labonte’s No. 96 Ask.com Ford, Elliott Sadler’s No. 19 Dodge sponsored by Stanley and Michael Waltrip’s No. 55 NAPA/Susan G. Komen Toyota Camry are bringing the message of breast health awareness to fans and spectators through pink paint schemes, fire suits and pit crew attire in support of their existing partnerships with Komen for the Cure.
Komen president and CEO Hala Moddelmog, an 8-year breast cancer survivor, served as the Honorary Race Director for the day’s events. Additionally, singer/songwriter Candy Coburn performed her signature song, “Pink Warrior,” penned in honor of breast cancer survivors and Komen for the Cure, during the pre-race Carolina CollegeFest 2009 celebration.
Fans also enjoyed the opportunity to walk the track prior to the race at the NASCAR Foundation Track Walk presented by Pink Ribbon Banking benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure only at Bank of America at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The walk benefitted Komen for the Cure, Speedway Children’s Charities and the NASCAR Foundation.
“Breast cancer is the number one health concern for women and women make up about 40 percent of NASCAR fans. It makes a lot of sense for us to pursue this kind of initiative through our great partners,” said Katrina McGhee, vice president of global partnerships for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “We are committed to seeing a world without breast cancer and work to educate women everywhere about the importance of breast self-awareness and the early detection of breast cancer. Our sponsors are helping to make this possible with their show of support today.”
Through Dec. 31, 2009 Ask.com will donate 10 cents for select interactions on www.ask.com with a minimum guaranteed donation of $50,000 up to $100,000. The Search for the Cure® program features themed homepage skins designed to educate and inspire support for the cause. In total, Ask.com has pledged to invest at least $1 million by the end of 2010 through their new partnership with Komen and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series.
“We’re going to be making a difference out there today that goes beyond winning the race,” said Labonte. “On Oct. 1 Ask.com created a virtual tribute wall to celebrate and honor those touched by breast cancer and our car will feature some of those tributes – it’s very personal.”
As a National Sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® for more than 15 years, Ford Motor Company has dedicated more than $100 million for breast cancer research and education. Ford Warriors in Pink apparel is available exclusively on fordcares.com, with 100% of the net proceeds going directly back to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Ford will also donate $20 for each test drive of a new Ford or Lincoln Mercury vehicle now through Dec. 31.
"I'm happy to be working with the Woods and Ford to represent the Warriors in Pink this weekend,” said Elliott, driver of the No. 21 Warriors in Pink Ford Fusion. "I've been lucky enough to do a lot of charity things over the years, and this deal represents another chance to give something back, so I'm glad to do it for Ford. I hope we can help raise awareness this weekend for the cause, and I really hope fans will bid on my helmet and uniform afterward during the auction so that there's a chance to raise some additional funds."
Over five years of partnership with Komen, Mars Snackfood US has raised more than $5 million through sales of its M&M’S and DOVE Chocolate brands. From now through Oct. 31, consumers can purchase pink and light pink M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies, as well as DOVE Chocolate Promises of Hope. In addition, the Komen-branded pink and white “Promise Blend” is available exclusively through the MY M&M’S® Web site at mymms.com with 10 percent of the retail sales price benefitting Komen.
“Breast cancer is a disease that has affected many of our lives, either directly or indirectly,” said Busch. “All of us at M&M’S Racing are committed to the cause and are glad we can help raise awareness among the NASCAR audience by going pink today with our No. 18 car.”
For a second year, NAPA AUTO PARTS continues its Komen partnership with a guaranteed $250,000 donation to Komen through the All Out for the Cure breast cancer awareness campaign in NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores and AutoCare Centers this October. Customers who spend $25 at a participating retailer during October receive an All Out for the Cure travel mug while supplies last.
“I am proud to wear pink to show my support for NAPA and Susan G. Komen for the Cure,” said two-time Daytona 500 champion Waltrip. “My car rarely changes, but for the Charlotte race it’s going to be pink and blue. I hope the special paint scheme and this partnership will help increase awareness to find a cure for breast cancer.”
Stanley is in its second year of partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $50,000 this year with additional funds donated through the sale of special auction items. Stanley is also honoring a breast cancer survivor at today’s event through their “Lady in Pink” contest.
“This is such an important cause and one that’s very close to my heart since my mother faced the disease. My family was very fortunate that my mother made it through her battle with breast cancer, and has now been cancer free for almost two years, but it was by no means an easy road,” said Sadler. “The folks at Stanley and I decided that it would be great to honor a special someone as our ‘Lady in Pink’ who has gone or is going through a similar battle right now and give them a special experience at the racetrack.”
NASCAR fans can also “Go Pink or Go Home!” Mobile phone users can make a $5 donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure by sending the text message KOMEN to 90999. Race attendees can also purchase Komen for the Cure “Go Pink or Go Home!” merchandise and visit Komen On the Go, a mobile outreach and community tour that brings the breast cancer messages to the masses, in the souvenir area on Bruton Smith Blvd.
