JC Stout spent Valentine's Day this year differently than in years past. The driver of the No. 91 NASCAR Craftsman Truck proudly attended the Hunter's Day of Hope for Children celebration held in the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse in Orchard Park, NY. Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly shares his Valentine's Day birthday with his only son Hunter for whom the event is named. Succumbing to the affects of Krabbe Disease, Hunter passed away before celebrating his ninth birthday with the community last Tuesday.

Approximately 3,000 people attended the evening event dedicated to children and their families. It's a free three hour community party designed to bring families together in a fun environment. Food and drinks were provided by multiple vendors including Perry, NY's Coco Bongos franchise operated by Chris Englert. Entertainment varied from on stage Irish dancing to a wild animal show to NFL Experience skills.

Former Buffalo Jills were on hand as well as Miss Buffalo to meet the crowd. Amongst the invited celebrity guests was 22 year old Stout. He signed autographs on his new 2006 fan cards featuring Hunter's Hope on the hood and posed for pictures with numerous attendees. A highlight of the evening came when JC presented Jim and Jill Kelly with a specially prepared photo collage depicting his team's representation of the Hunter's Hope Foundation at the NASCAR®Craftsman Truck Series race in Loudon, NH in September 2005. Mr. Kelly stated that the collage would be placed in the reception area of the new Hunter's Hope office when completed next month.

"Being a part of this meaningful event was definitely a highlight in my off track racing career", Stout commented at the conclusion of the evening. "I think I helped make a few kids smile and that's what it was all about."

Though the evening was missing young Hunter, the Kelly family and all in attendance were celebrating the birthdays of two strong men and the desire to overcome large obstacles. With hope and determination, the Hunter's Hope Foundation and Stout's Stellar-Quest Racing Team will forge forward in their quests together, yet on different tracks.