Jeff Gordon Fighting for the Ultimate Win
By Contributing Writer - Patti Rodisch
Last week when the tornadoes ripped through Alabama and parts of the Southeast many people were in awe of the destruction and loss of life.
The death toll in Tuscaloosa, Alabama continues to climb as more and more victims of Mother Nature's wrath are found. There are still many missing and the financial cost has not been completely revealed.
The NASCAR community was affected by the tornadoes also. NASCAR Nationwide series veteran Eric McClure's home was completely destroyed while his family was huddled in the basement.
Additionally, Jeff Gordon's engine tuner Jason Ingle's mother and sister's homes were destroyed by the tornadoes.
NASCAR stepped up in announcing NASCAR Unites. The core of this new program is to promote volunteerism in the community.
"NASCAR Unites engages the sport in a collaborative effort to support children's causes through fundraising, volunteering, sharing inspirational stories and unifying to make a difference."
The program can be compared to NBA Cares and the NFL Play 60 programs which work with children in communities all around the Unites States. Hoping to raise money through volunteering and fundraisers, NASCAR Unites hopes to grant , $ 1 million to benefit children's causes around the United States.
After the recent tornadoes devastated parts of Alabama, The Women's Promise Circle a group with The Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation announced they are accepting donations to help aid St. Claire County in Alabama.
The group will be using the donations to send diapers, toiletries, shoes and clothing for babies and children affected by the destruction.
Gordon for the past 10 years has been focused on improving the lives of critically ill children through the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation.
Gordon who has two children, Ella and Leo, has taken up a few new causes since becoming a father.
He is the spokesperson for the Sounds of Pertussis campaign which is commonly referred to as whooping cough.
Along with his wife Ingrid Vandebosch, the two have been promoting prevention and a new initiative called Race to Blanket America.
"The centerpiece of the Race to Blanket America is the Sounds of Pertussis Protection Quilt, a blanket of protection - around the tiniest members of their family by getting an adult Pertussis booster vaccination."
The Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation's roots are tied with Gordon's former crew chief Ray Evernham. Evernham's son Ray J. was diagnosed with Leukemia in 1992.
Ray J. successfully battled the deadly cancer and his fight inspired Gordon to start the foundation.
In 2000, Gordon partnered with Riley Hospital for Children and the foundation sponsored a cabin at the Victory Junction Camp. In 2006, the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital opened in Concord, North Carolina.
Gordon's work continues with the Make-A-Wish Foundation having granted over 200 wishes to critically ill children.
Gordon's legacy on the race track is being written each week as he battles competitors to add to his 83 wins and four championships, while away from the track he focuses on bettering the lives of children.
In the end, the ultimate win for Gordon and his foundation would be to help find a cure for pediatric cancers and diseases.
For more information on The Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation and The Women's Promise Circle, click here.
For more information on NASCAR Unites, click here.