Milwaukee Mile Variety Children's Charity news

 
(West Allis, Wis.) March 22, 2005 - This past Saturday night, Champ Car
drivers Jimmy Vasser and Ryan Hunter-Reay led the cast of race drivers
and supporters who joined The Milwaukee Mile at a charity gala, the
"Winner's Circle Celebration for VarietyR, The Children's Charity of
Wisconsin."
 
The fundraiser was held at the historic Pfister Hotel in downtown
Milwaukee on March 19, with a racing theme. Vasser and 2004 Champ Car
Milwaukee Mile event winner Hunter-Reay joined the festivities by
personally offering up two honorary pit crew positions on their
respective teams when the Champ Car World Series returns to The
Milwaukee Mile June 3-4.
 
When Vasser, the 1998 Champ Car Milwaukee race winner, was called up to
the stage to introduce his auction package, he enhanced this priceless
experience by announcing, "I will sign and give you my helmet right off
my head in victory lane when we win the race!"
 
2004 NASCAR Midwest Series champion Justin Dierks was present and
offered up a position on his pit crew when the series returns after a
four year absence to The 'Mile August 26-28 weekend.
 
Two racing generations of the Darnell family were represented, as 1970's
USAC Stock Car standout Bay Darnell and his wife Mary supported the
event by donating auction items and claiming high bids on a number of
silent auction items offered.  NASCAR Touring standout Erik Darnell, who
has a driver development contract with NASCAR powerhouse Roush Racing,
donated a race-used door from his short track late model.  The 22-year
old also shared his excitement about the possibility of competing in the
ARCA RE/MAX Series, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the NASCAR
Midwest Series and the MARS Late Model series events in 2005 at The
Milwaukee Mile.
 
2003 Badger Midget driving champion Davey Ray was in attendance, and is
looking forward to chasing national points in all three USAC Racing
series, which means three trips to America's Legendary Oval.  The
Milwaukee Mile will host the USAC Silver Crown and USAC Midget Series on
Saturday, July 23 in conjunction with the IRL IndyCar Series return.
Ray will join the USAC Sprint car contingent at The 'Mile for a
Saturday, August 27 shootout.
 
The successful "Winner's Circle Celebration" featured a Victory Lane
Live Auction, bountiful Trackside Gourmet Concession Stands, an Ice
Martini Bar, unique silent auction items including autographed racing
collectibles in Auction Alley, a Husar's House of Fine Diamonds "Diamond
Dig", a Checkered Flag Coffee & Dessert Bar, and live entertainment by
the band "Speakeasy."
 
The mission statement of VarietyR, The Children's Charity of Wisconsin
is to "provide life-saving and life-enriching assistance to children
challenged by physical and mental disabilities, poverty, abuse and
neglect", with offices located within the acclaimed Children's Hospital
of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI.
 
The Milwaukee Mile was fortunate to secure items from a number of teams
and series competing at the historic speedway this season, which added
to the evening.
 
This event was supported by by caring Wisconsin businesses, in excess of
$30,000 was raised Saturday night to help the children and families
VarietyR assists.
 
For the latest news on all the exciting 2005 events at The Milwaukee
Mile, visit www.milwaukeemile.com.