Dale Jarrett, NASCAR, Other Drivers Donate To Help Victims of Central Florida Tornadoes
02/21/07 -- Buddy Shacklette - Daytona
Beach, FL (AHN) - Dale Jarrett visited the Central Florida area for NASCAR
preseason testing and saw firsthand the devastation that was done to the area.
Jarrett couldn't sit back and do nothing. Realizing the blessings he has
received as a result of his occupation, Jarrett fueled a NASCAR-wide cause to
help the tornado victims of Central Florida.
Through The Dale Jarrett Foundation, the driver launched an initiative to donate
funds to Florida's Coast to Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross to support
victims of the tornadoes that swept through Central Florida in early February.
"Watching the news and seeing the destruction and loss of life caused by these
storms has been heartbreaking," Jarrett said. "Obviously, Central Florida and
the people here have been very important to our sport for many years and have
supported the drivers and teams of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. Daytona Beach,
Fla., is like a second home for our teams and it is only fitting that we try to
provide some support for the losses experienced by the people of this area."
Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Jeff Green and Tony Stewart joined forces with the
NASCAR Foundation to generate a donation of $42,500 dollars for tornado relief.
The 1999 NASCAR champion initiated the donation effort with the NASCAR
Foundation and encouraged his fellow drivers to also donate to the effort, which
will be facilitated by the local area Red Cross.
