Richmond, VA (May 3, 2008) - Denny Hamlin, Virginia native and driver of the #11
FedEx Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, announced the formation of
the Denny Hamlin Foundation today at Richmond International Raceway.
The primary mission of the Denny Hamlin Foundation is to aid in raising awareness
and funding for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) research and treatment, as well support
other 501 (C) 3 not for profit corporations that focus on aiding children with
debilitating illnesses.
"Finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis is a cause that is near and dear to
my heart and I am extremely proud to announce that this new foundation is taking
an active role in supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF)," said
Hamlin. "I have a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease
so having the opportunity to support work for a cure and for comfort of those
currently suffering is very important to me."
As part of the announcement, Hamlin presented a check to the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation in the amount of $50,000. The funds for the donation were raised
through the Denny Hamlin 175 charity race held at Southside Speedway in nearby
Midlothian, Va. on Thurs. May 1. The event drew over 5,000 spectators to the
track where Hamlin made a name for himself in Late Model racing and featured
Hamlin's Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch and spotter Curtis Markham.
"To make this announcement here in Virginia, and have the charity race
be our first official event is the perfect way to launch this foundation,"
said Hamlin. "We will be the first NASCAR charity with a primary purpose
of funding the CFF and that, to me, is an opportunity to do a lot of good and
have the Denny Hamlin Foundation grow within the larger NASCAR community."
"I have been given an incredible opportunity in racing and now I am looking
forward to giving back through this foundation. I need to give special thanks
to FedEx. Not only are they my sponsor on the #11 car, but they were the first
to show their support of my foundation and helped me get it started."
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