FORMULA ONE: SAP, IMS team up to raise funds for American Red Cross
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
September 28, 2001INDIANAPOLIS,- SAP , the world's leading provider of e-business solutions, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. (IMS) announced Sept. 27 that the two companies have combined forces to help raise funds for the American Red Cross at this weekend's second annual running of the SAP United States Grand Prix.
The event - one of the largest single-day sporting events held each year and the only visit to the United States by Formula One - will be broadcast live via ABC television at 1:30 p.m. (EDT) Sept. 30.
More than 110 American Red Cross volunteers will staff collection stations at 37 locations around the Speedway to gather donations to aid the Red Cross in their support of victims and families of the tragic events Sept. 11. IMS will provide logistical support to the Red Cross, as well as providing tickets to the race to acknowledge the volunteers for their efforts.
SAP, the title sponsor of the weekend-long event, announced that it will kick off the SAP United States Grand Prix donation drive with an initial donation of $100,000. SAP has announced that it will donate $3 million to various funds for victims' relief.
In addition to supporting the Red Cross donation effort, IMS and SAP announced that the two companies, along with Bridgestone/Firestone, have purchased American flags that will be distributed to the first 100,000 racing fans as they enter the Speedway on Sunday. In addition, more than 50 American flags will fly atop the grandstands that line the huge racing facility.
A full slate of musical performances with a patriotic theme will mark the starting ceremonies. The Indianapolis Children's Choir will perform the National Anthem, firemen who helped in rescue efforts will be saluted with a drive around the track, and special guest artists will be featured.
"At SAP, we are pleased to partner with IMS to help the American Red Cross raise money at this event, and we encourage racing fans to bring America's spirit of generosity with them to the speedway this weekend," said Marty Homlish, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for SAP. "More than 400 million people around the world are expected to watch the SAP United States Grand Prix on Sunday. What better way could there be to demonstrate the spirit of America than with a strong display of patriotism, international brotherhood and community outreach."
Said Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
"We are very pleased that SAP and the American Red Cross are cooperating in this effort to assist the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. SAP has gone beyond what is expected of a title sponsor, and their generosity is commendable. I know that race fans will respond in kind."
The American Red Cross is the official charity of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League. This is the first time that charitable donations have been collected at the Speedway.
SAP is the world's leading provider of e-business software solutions. Through the mySAP.com® e-business platform, people in businesses around the globe are improving relationships with customers and partners, streamlining operations and achieving significant efficiencies throughout their supply chains.
Today, more than 15,000 companies in over 120 countries run more than 36,000 installations of SAP® software. With subsidiaries in over 50 countries, the company is listed on several exchanges including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE under the symbol "SAP."
Text provided by Paul Kelly
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