Bobcats Sports & Entertainment (BSE) President and Chief Operating Officer Fred Whitfield and Senior Vice President of NASCAR and President of NASCAR Media Paul Brooks announced today their respective organizations would assist the American Red Cross in raising funds for relief efforts for the victims of last week's earthquake in Haiti. Utilizing the platform of NASCAR Night this Saturday night at Time Warner Cable Arena, the two groups will raise awareness and funds for the people of Haiti. NASCAR showcars with special HAITI RELIEF logos will be on display at donation collection points at the Plaza Uptown at Two Wachovia Center off South Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte on Friday, and outside of Time Warner Cable Arena on both the Trade Street and Fifth Street sides on Friday and Saturday.
In addition, NASCAR celebrities, Rufus and the Lady Cats will be on-hand to accept drive-through curbside donations on the Trade Street side of Time Warner Cable Arena from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
"The images and stories coming out of Haiti are heartbreaking, but the response from the international community has been astounding and we want to do our part," said Whitfield. "In partnership with our friends at NASCAR we're pooling all of our resources to raise money and awareness for the relief efforts in Haiti, and we encourage basketball and racing fans from across the Carolinas to give whatever they can to help."
"We know well of the loyalty and giving nature of NASCAR and Bobcats fans," said Brooks. "The actions of Rick Hendrick and his group at Hendrick Motorsports inspired us to get involved in the Haiti Relief efforts in a much more significant way. Both our sports have charities close to our athletes' hearts but the needs in Haiti go beyond those borders - it's a true human need."
During Saturday night's game between the Bobcats and the Orlando Magic, representatives from the American Red Cross will be available to accept donations from fans or encourage people to make donations by text messaging the word "Haiti" to 90999 or calling 1-800-HELP-NOW. As those donations are being totaled, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers including Denny Hamlin, Reed Sorensen and Michael Waltrip will participate in a basketball skills challenge on the main court at 6:30 p.m. to raise awareness about the relief efforts of the American Red Cross in Haiti.
Fundraising continues on Sunday evening as SPEED will air a special hosted by Rick Allen and Brad Daugherty highlighting Saturday night's activities and continuing the fundraising efforts, and at Bobcats home games on February 6 and 9 through the American Red Cross.
