NASCAR (RICHBURG, NY) - Cup Series Official Helps Bring Smiles to Albert Fountain Jr.

It is not every day that the students at Bolivar-Richburg Elementary School, located in this small town in rural western New York, have a NASCAR Nextel Cup Official visit their school, but it is not often that a young man as special as 8 year old Albert Fountain, Jr. comes along.

Albert has Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy. Although Albert faces many challenges each day, he is always thinking of others ahead of himself. “Albert is such a wonderful boy, always smiling, always polite and kind, and always thinking of his family, making sure everyone in his family gets a treat at each of his many visits to Dr. Kassas’ office,” said Katie Martelle, Dr. Kassas’ staff member and the person who notified KEYS about Albert.

“Our Dawn’s Song Project provides music therapy resources, such as CD players and music CDs, to assist children who are seriously ill,” said Colleen Bennett, KEYS Executive Director and Founder. “When we heard about Albert and his exceptional kindness, we felt compelled to do something extra-special for him. We learned Albert was a big NASCAR fan, so our co-founder, David Bennett, who is a NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Official, volunteered to contact Jim Hunter at NASCAR to ask if he could visit Albert’s school in his NASCAR uniform. Mr. Hunter immediately gave it his thumbs up and was so kind to even send along a care package of goodies for Albert. Our Music and Dreams Day program was born. We are thrilled to make this a part of our regular programming for children like Albert.”

Since Albert is always thinking of others, we thought it was fitting to share Albert’s Music and Dreams Day experience with his 2nd and 3rd grade classmates. Our cast performed songs for the group, presented Albert with a CD player and his favorite music CDs, and introduced the special visitor, NASCAR Official David Bennett, to the surprise of the entire group. Mr. Bennett made Albert an “Honorary NASCAR Official for the Day”, giving him his Official hat and other goodies from NASCAR.

“Thank you so much for my very own special day! It was the best day I have ever had!” Albert said grinning ear-to-ear. Albert the feeling is mutual!

KEYS is a nonprofit children’s music charity that enriches the lives of children with serious illnesses through music therapy. If you know of a child who you think qualifies for a Music and Dreams Day please visit our website at www.keysprogram.org.