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IRL: Reigning Indy 500 winner, Eddie Cheever, shows his support at Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

13 May 1999

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Half Price Books and Riley Hospital for Children will be joined by the 1998 Indianapolis 500 winner Eddie Cheever, Jr. to dedicate the Half Pint Library, May 13 at 2 p.m. During a three-month book drive, the Indianapolis community donated more than 6,000 books to the Half Pint Library. The library provides pediatric patients at Riley Hospital for Children with a variety of books.

"The book drive was a great success," said Kathy Doyle Thomas, vice president of Half Price Books. "We are excited about the development of the Half Pint Library. It provides us with another opportunity to make books accessible to children in the community."

Riley Hospital for Children is Indianas only hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of seriously ill and critically injured children. Each year, over 7,000 boys and girls are admitted to Riley. Another 125,000 outpatient visits are made annually to the hospitals special care clinics. Riley is one of the nations ten largest childrens hospitals and it is among the most intensive care-bedded childrens hospitals in the United States.

Having two young children and always having been an avid reader himself, Indy Racing League team owner and driver, Eddie Cheever, Jr. supports literacy causes and is delighted to have been invited to take part in the ceremonies.

"I loved to read as a kid and, even with this crazy life style of mine, still am a voracious reader," commented the reigning Indy 500 winner. "Books take you marvelous places and teach you incredible things. When I think of how much my own kids, Estelle and Eddie, enjoy reading, I am thrilled that Half Price Books and Riley Hospital have been able to make this happen for the kids and their parents."

Half Price Books has been a supporter of literacy programs for more than 26 years. It is one of the nation's largest new and used bookstore chains with 61 locations in ten states, including 8316 Castleton Corner Dr., 1551 W. 86th St. at Ditch, and 844 North U.S. 31 in Greenwood.

Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.