This weekend, the NASCAR community will crown the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion and start looking ahead to what the 2016 NASCAR season will bring. They’ll also put a cap on the year-long celebration of a storied career, as Jeff Gordon, a legend in the sport, will cross the start/finish line for the final time.
Recognized as an ambassador for the sport for more than two decades, Gordon has been honored by tracks, sponsors and fans throughout the season. He’s received numerous gifts to thank him for all he’s done for the sport. But Gordon isn’t known just as a driver, he’s also known for his efforts to support pediatric cancer research, treatment and patient support programs through the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation.
To honor Jeff during the September race weekend at Richmond International Raceway and to help bring awareness to childhood cancer research, RIR presented the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital with a custom-made No. 24 racecar toy box, filled with Jeff Gordon branded toys. The recently delivered toy box is now a permanent fixture at UVA Children’s Hospital and will continue to be filled with toys to brighten the day of childhood cancer warriors who are receiving treatment at the facility.
Gordon, who was surprised with the donation, helped unveil the toy box built by RIR employees and friends. “Thank you. This means a lot to me,” said Gordon after seeing the toy box for the first time. “This is obviously something that’s very important to me and is something that the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation has been very active in for many, many years. To bring more awareness to pediatric cancer; when I think of heroes, I don’t think of race car drivers and athletes, I think of kids and families and the staff and doctors and researchers that are working together as a team to alleviate cancer, find a cure, find a better treatment. And I think what you’ve done by bringing more attention to it is going to help save lives. So, thank you very much.”
In addition to the toy box, RIR also donated hand-held DVD players to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU in Jeff’s name.
“Everyone will be watching this weekend as Jeff runs the final race of his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career,” said RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. “But his impact, both on- and off- the track, won’t end this weekend. These donations are RIR’s way of honoring Jeff and supporting his cause here in our community. Our hope is that these toys and DVD players will help local childhood cancer warriors find a brief escape from everything they’re going through.”
As Gordon closes one chapter full of victories in the sport of racing this weekend, he’ll continue to focus his hard work and determination on raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer research.
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Chris Graham
