Dover International Speedway raises $76,000 for Autism Speaks
Dover International Speedway raised more than $76,000 for Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading autism advocacy organization, during this race weekend.
The track and a variety of partners worked to take autism awareness to millions of NASCAR fans nationwide.
From its inclusion in the entitlement of the Best Buy 400 benefiting Students Clubs for Autism Speaks, to money raised directly from event ticket sales, the organization collected funds from many charitable donors. Emerson Drive performed a benefit concert on Saturday night at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, with all proceeds benefiting Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of Delaware.
Joe and Shelly Galli pledged $15,625 through an online auction to win the exclusive opportunity to say "Gentleman start your engines" prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race.
The History Channel’s “Ice Road Truckers” program and Crown Royal also contributed to the fundraising efforts with significant donations to the cause. Tissot, another track partner, painted Autism Speaks puzzle pieces on their signage at the start/finish line as well to help raise awareness.
Dover International Speedway donated a portion of each June 1 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ticket sold from May 1 to May 31, 2008, to Autism Speaks, and fans could also donate directly to the cause on the track’s website, DoverSpeedway.com.
The NASCAR Foundation Track Walk was held on Saturday night following the NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Hundreds of race fans joined several NASCAR drivers and personalities in a charitable walk that benefited numerous driver charities, including the Autism Society of Delaware.
The various activities raised $76,907.50 for Autism Speaks.
