Passing The Helmet For A Good Cause

SAN RAMON, November 10, 2009: While NASCAR prepares to celebrate its 2009 heroes during its annual Championship Weekend season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, members of the NASCAR family and its fans are invited by pop icon Cher, Z-Line Designs president Jim Sexton and his wife Monica to celebrate and support the tireless efforts of the everyday heroes of the U.S. Armed Forces at a charitable gala benefiting “Operation Helmet” on Thursday, Nov. 19, in Miami Beach.

Head injuries are the leading cause of death in combat zones, and Operation Helmet is an all-volunteer organization that provides troops with free protective helmet upgrade kits. To date, almost 50,000 helmet upgrade kits have been sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan via Operation Helmet.

Tickets for the Nov. 19 gala at the Nikki Beach Club on South Beach in Miami – hosted by Cher, Jim and Monica Sexton, Z-Line Designs and GameStop – are available by visiting www.Z-LineDesigns.com by Nov. 12, or while supplies last. Gold Level access to the event is available for a $250 donation while Platinum Level access is available for a $500 donation. Those unable to attend the gala who still would like to make a donation can do so by visiting the Z-Line Designs Web site.

“I strongly encourage anyone who is in or around the South Florida area on Championship Weekend to come out and help support our troops through Operation Helmet,” said Jim Sexton, whose company, Z-Line Designs, is the world’s leading import manufacturer of ready-to-assemble furniture for office and home electronics and proud sponsor of Operation Helmet and the Nov. 19 charitable gala. “I know our racing brethren know the importance of helmet protection for our drivers and pit crews on race day. For our troops, effectively functioning helmets are a matter of life or death every single day. The shock-absorbing pad upgrades made available to our troops through Operation Helmet improve their protection capabilities, enhance their comfort over the long hours they are at work in the field, and improve visibility. If you can’t make it to South Beach, then I welcome race fans to be so kind as to make a donation to this worthwhile organization.”

Guests attending the gala at Nikki Beach will be treated to a red carpet entrance and appearances by top NASCAR and IRL IndyCar Series stars, including Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 Z-Line Designs Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, and Justin Wilson, driver of the No. 18 Z-Line Designs Dallara/Honda for Dale Coyne Racing in the IRL IndyCar Series. There will also be NASCAR and IndyCar showcar displays, interactive gaming stations provided by GameStop, special musical performances, appearances by the Club Nikki Entertainers, a silent auction featuring sports and music memorabilia, and a special video greeting from Cher, who is a leading supporter of Operation Helmet.

For more information regarding the Nov. 19 charitable gala, visit www.Z-LineDesigns.com. For more information about Operation Helmet, visit www.Operation-Helmet.org.

About Operation Helmet

Operation Helmet is a nonpartisan, 501(c)3 charitable grassroots effort that provides helmet upgrade kits free of charge to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Operation Helmet depends on tax-deductible donations and is a team member of AmericaSupportsYou.mil. For $70-$100, depending on the manufacturer, added safety and comfort can be provided for a trooper. But donations of any amount are welcome. The donation can be designated for a specific branch of the military, a particular unit or an individual trooper. 99% of donations go toward helmet kits. There are no salaries or payroll costs deducted and the Operation’s books are available for inspection at the home office. To date, Operation Helmet has sent upgrade kits to over 20,000 troops.