This year, the NASCAR driver known to most as "The Onion" is making it possible for many drivers, fans and friends to all be "first" together. Todd Bodine is hosting the "First Annual Onion Slice Open" on July 29, 2010, at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Course in Mountaintop, Pa., just before the Pocono Raceway weekend activities kick into high gear.
"This is an event I've thought about hosting for a while. Everything just came together with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series adding Pocono Raceway to the season's schedule, that I could put together my first golf tournament this year. I'm very excited about the charity that will benefit from this event. The Onion Slice Open will benefit pediatric patients suffering from brain trauma and brain disease at John Heinz Medical Center. I'm looking forward to helping these great kids," said Bodine, of Chemung, N.Y., whose wife Janet hails from Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
There are many opportunities for fans, racers, community members to be a part of the Onion Slice Open. In fact, being a part of the Onion Slice Open makes one an honorary member of the onion family. One can be an "Onion Peel" and come out to golf for $90, or become a "Vidalia" by sponsoring the event for $750.
"I am interested in making the Onion Slice Open an event that can be enjoyed by many people, at a variety of levels. We're looking to raise funding for the John Heinz Medical Center, so I didn't want the commitments to be too steep. You can sign up as an individual golfer, or as a foursome. Or if folks can't come out for the golf tournament, they can still send donations," explained Bodine.
Janet Paczkowski Bodine is fielding all questions regarding the event. She can be reached by mobile at janet@teamonion.com.
The Bodines have received sponsorship commitments from Toyota, Trade Eastern, Inc., Tootsie Roll, Pilot Travel Centers and Germain Motor Company. WYOU-CBS, WBRE-NBC television and The Citizens' Voice will provide media support.
For further information on NASCAR driver Todd Bodine, visit TeamOnion.com. To learn more about the great efforts of John Heinz, www.allied-services.org.
