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NASCAR: Jarrett and Ford Credit Donate to Komen Foundation

5 December 1998

Dale Jarrett

DEARBORN, MI -- Some races are simply more important than others. And the biggest winner this week won't be found an any race track.

Capping a year-long initiative, Edsel B. Ford II and Dale Jarrett will present a check for $175,000 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation on Thursday, December 3 in New York City as NASCAR celebrates its 50th anniversary season with the 1998 NASCAR Winston Cup Awards Banquet.

Ford Credit is donating money for breast cancer research for every top-three finish and every number one starting position (pole) that Jarrett earned during the 1998 NASCAR Winston Cup season. Ford Credit is the co-sponsor of the #88 Quality Care Service/Ford Credit Taurus fielded by Robert Yates Racing.

On the strength of Jarrett's three victories, five second-place finishes, seven third-place finishes and two poles, Ford Credit's donation to the Komen Foundation totaled $112,500. Ford Credit is contributing an additional $62,500 in recognition of both Dale and Kelley Jarrett's efforts away from the race track on behalf of the Komen Foundation.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is the nation's largest private funding source for research dedicated exclusively to breast cancer. Volunteers work through local chapters and "Race for the Cure" events to further the Foundation's mission of eradicating breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening, and treatment.

"I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish for the Komen Foundation this year," said Jarrett. "As a team, we had a number of ups and downs this year, but this program with Ford Credit was always a kind of silver lining. It's important to me and my wife, Kelley, that we find ways to help others, and this program gave us another great opportunity."

Ford Credit pledged $ 10,000 to the Komen Foundation for every race that Jarrett won, $ 7,500 for every runner-up finish, and $ 5,000 for each third place finish this season. Jarrett generated an additional $ 5,000 for the Komen Foundation for each pole he earned in competition.

"We saw this program as a great opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer," said Bernard Silverstone, marketing director, Ford Credit. "We are delighted we could help the Komen Foundation reach the growing number of NASCAR fans through the celebrity and kindness of Dale and Kelley Jarrett."

The Ford Credit program is part of a larger corporate initiative at Ford Motor Company involving The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. A national sponsor of the "Race for the Cure" Series, Ford Motor Company, its Ford and Lincoln Mercury Divisions, their dealers, and Ford Credit have donated more than $1 million in national and local contributions since their involvement began in 1995.

Ford and Lincoln/Mercury Division's and Ford Credit's also participate in advertising and marketing activities designed to generate revenue for local race events. Ford and Lincoln Mercury affiliated individuals were actively involved in all cities hosting race events in 1998. In the past, more than 5,000 employees have participated in Ford Motor Company teams at race events.

Ford Credit, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, is the world's largest provider of automotive finance. It serves more than eight million customers in 36 countries.

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