TEAM REPORTS (DELAWARE, OH.) - Bench Race Winter Nationals raises funds for JEGS Foundation

The fourth annual Mr. Aruba's Bench Race Winter Nationals in Ostrander, Ohio, raised $2,800 for the JEGS Foundation's Racing for Cancer Research program. Held by sportsman racer Mike "Mr. Aruba" DeChicco and Dr. Jane Graebner, the event contested a Gambler's Race, a "Pink's" style eliminator, and a 50/50 raffle drawing on Saturday, Jan. 26, at Ostrander International Raceway Park.

Aside from the money raised by entry fees, various auctions, and refreshments, several drivers decided to donate all or part of their winnings to the JEGS Foundation. Overall winner Doug Thompson and runner-up Durina McCarty both gave back $300 each. Mike Harbolt returned $149 from his 50/50 winnings, while Deon Bressler of D&D Automotive and Doug Duell of Evansville Chrysler decided to donate $100 apiece to the cause. Gary Bumgarner of Auto Kolor of Columbus helped with generous donations that were used as door prizes.

"The racing community is a very passionate group," said Scott Woodruff, director of media & motorsports for JEGS. "We're touched that these men and women got together to raise money for the JEGS Foundation again. It sounds like everyone had a great time and the fact they helped the JEGS Foundation along the way is a great bonus."

Since its' inception in 2003, the JEGS Foundation's Racing for Cancer Research program has raised money for The James Cancer Hospital Solove Research Institute, a National Cancer Institute-designated facility in Ohio, which is regarded as one of the top research and teaching hospitals in the United States.