Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation and Kick-It Partner to Kick Cancer out of Every Child
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[/media-credit]CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 13, 2012) – Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation and Kick-It will be teaming up on the kickball field by challenging supporters to kick cancer out of every childhood once and for all.
Kick-It is a national grassroots fundraising game that was started by Quinn Clarke, a cancer survivor who wanted to make a difference in every child diagnosed with cancer. Kick-It brings community, family, friends and co-workers together to raise money for childhood cancer research. The concept is easy — kick the ball, run the bases and score big in the fight against pediatric cancer.
“I am really excited about this new partnership,” said Jeff Gordon.
“We are confident this will take childhood cancer to the forefront and bring it the awareness and funding it deserves. I can’t wait to Kick-It in September when I host my own game in Atlanta.
“And, in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month I will be personally matching all funds raised for games played on behalf of the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation during the month of September.”
Additionally, Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation has launched a new social media campaign centered on the Kick-It program called “I’m Kicking It”. To participate, download the Kick-It sign, write your reason to support the initiative and upload it to the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation facebook page (www.facebook.com/jgchildrensfoundation). “I’m Kicking It” campaign will feature people from all walks of life who support the cause, from pediatric cancer patients to professional athletes. Then each week, Gordon will pick his favorite “I’m Kicking It” reason.
“We truly admire Jeff Gordon’s commitment to children with cancer. Our son, Quinn Clarke, founded Kick-it with the dream to raise enough money to find a cure. He is beyond excited that Jeff Gordon is kicking it with him and the 13,500 children diagnosed with cancer every year,” said Allison Clarke, Founder of Flashes of Hope and mother of Quinn Clarke.
Join the fight against the devastating disease and create your team today. For more information visit www.jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org or www.kick-it.org/jeffgordon.
About Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation:
The Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation was established as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization in 1999 by the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. The Foundation supports children battling pediatric cancer by funding programs that improve patients’ quality of life, treatment programs that increase survivorship and pediatric medical research dedicated to finding a cure. In addition, the foundation also supports the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital in Concord, NC. For more information visit www.jeffgordonchildrensfoundation.org or www.youtube.com/jeffgordon4cure.
About Kick-It:
Kick-it is a national fundraising program with one simple goal: to accelerate a cure for children with cancer. In 2009, Kick-It was founded by 10-year old cancer patient Quinn Clarke who had a big dream – to cure cancer by playing kickball. In a few short years, Kick-It has raised over $850,000 for children’s cancer research. Kick-It utilizes national medical advisory boards to identify the most promising research studies and projects including clinical research of the Children’s Oncology Group.
The Final Word – I liked Pocono, but Hamlin loves Michigan
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[/media-credit]What a beautiful track. What greenery. What a nice day. What good announcers, who were both informative and entertaining even when the race on TNT might not have always been. I’m not a die hard fan of Pocono, but I enjoyed my Sunday. Maybe I’m just getting soft in my old age. Come to think of it, when I touch my belly it is soft, but that is a tale for another time.
Joey Logano, the 22-year old kid some think should be better than he is, won the thing for Joe Gibbs Racing. His second victory of his career moves him to a 14th place tie with Ryan Newman in the standings, and just one win or 26 points out of a Chase place with a dozen races to go before the reset. It might be a tad early to cast Logano aside just yet.
No win for Dale Earnhardt Jr, but he had a dominating car for much of the event. Eighth on the track, second in the standings, but a win or two would be helpful going into the Chase with the rejigged points. Mark Martin’s part time schedule means he won’t be in the running, but he was a solid number two when they came to the checkered flag last weekend. Jeff Gordon was 19th, leaving him 22nd in the standings and 90 points out of tenth. Maybe Sunday in Michigan will be kinder.
That was not the case last June, with Gordon finishing 17th. He has won twice there, but none in the past decade. Denny Hamlin has gotten the win the past two spring events, so he might be a bit more pumped up. I would expect a great day for Carl Edwards, who comes in with a record of 2 wins, nine Top Fives, and a dozen Top Tens in just 15 tries. That could be good enough to move him back into the Top Ten overall and possibly sending Clint Bowyer back down. Brad Keselowski does not do well there either, but those two wins this season keeps him safe for another week.
As for Junior, he won his last race in this event four years ago, but his average finish is 15th. Twenty-five races at Michigan, four Top Fives. Did I mention he is currently second overall? Enjoy the week.
