Indy Racing League to make donation to relief efforts in Iowa
As a small way of giving back to the local Iowa community, the Indy Racing League, IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights teams are combining efforts and will make a donation of $60,000 to the local Iowa chapter of the American Red Cross.
“It was only appropriate that we help anyway we can the people of Iowa who have been through so much in recent weeks," said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for the Indy Racing League. “We ask that you please keep the local fans and community in your thoughts and prayers through this very difficult time."
On Tuesday, a group of Iowa-based businesses announced a major effort to raise money for Iowans trying to recover from the recent flood and tornado disasters that have devastated more than 80 of the state’s 99 counties. Race2Recovery is established under the Iowa Speedway Foundation, a non-profit tax-exempt entity.
“The recent weather has left many Iowans without food, water, or even a decent place to live," stated Jerry Jauron, President of Iowa Speedway. “The goal of all the businesses backing Race2Recovery is to jump-start the rebuilding efforts while letting the recent flood victims know they are not alone."
Joining the Iowa Speedway in spearheading the fundraising campaign are Iowa Telecom, Learfield Sports, WHO Radio and Vantus Bank, in conjunction with a number of other area businesses and radio stations, including DISH Network and Radio Iowa. With several well-known Iowa-based businesses coordinating the Race2Recovery efforts, the group ensures the funds raised will go directly to aid local communities as they begin to recover throughout the summer and fall.
With a goal of raising $1,000,000 before Sept. 20, Race2Recovery fundraising will thrust into high gear this weekend during the Iowa Corn Indy 250 at the Iowa Speedway in Newton. The Hawkeye Radio Network’s Gary Dolphin and the Cyclone Radio Network’s John Walters and others will broadcast live from the Speedway this Saturday morning between 9 am and 11 am. They will lead the call for donors to pitch in to help their friends, neighbors and fellow Iowans as they recover from the recent floods, tornados and storms.
In addition to donations being collected on-site at the Iowa Speedway, those wanting to donate online are directed to visit www.Race2Recovery.com.
With the IndyCar Series race this weekend, drivers are already in Iowa with media tours scheduled today in Des Moines (Bruno Junqueira) and Quad Cities (A.J. Foyt IV and Ed Carpenter). The speedway and league are working with the Red Cross in Des Moines and Quad Cities to have drivers go out and sign autographs for volunteer workers as well as those at shelters in addition to their previously scheduled media interviews. As of right now, most agencies in Des Moines & Quad Cities can only use trained volunteers to assist in the physical relief efforts.
On Thursday, the Ethanol Promotion & Information Council had previously scheduled to hold one of its pump tours in a suburb of Des Moines. Plans continue to move forward with the pump tour and EPIC is working with the Salvation Army to solicit donations on-site of non-perishable items to aid in disaster relief. Anyone stopping by to take advantage of the low fuel price is encouraged to donate canned food, clothing, etc.