Mark Martin and Valvoline Extend "Caring Hands" Partnership for 2000
5 March 2000
LAS VEGAS--Valvoline Unveils New Program Enhancements and Schedule of Trackside
Fundraising Events to Benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Following an extremely successful inaugural season for the "Caring Hands" program, which raised more than $200,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), The Valvoline Company and NASCAR superstar Mark Martin announced today that they are once again teaming up with the country's premier mentoring program in order to raise $1 million and recruit new volunteer mentors throughout the 2000 NASCAR season.
"By continuing our alliance with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America we hope to encourage others to lend their time, talents and financial resources to the organization," said James J. O'Brien, Valvoline president and Big Brother since 1997. "With the continued success of Mark Martin and the generous support of NASCAR fans across the country, the 'Caring Hands' program will make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of children."
The "Caring Hands" program continues to be the most ambitious cause-related endeavor undertaken by Valvoline in its 134-year history. Valvoline, along with BBBSA and Speedway Children's Charities representatives were on hand to unveil several cause-related marketing initiatives for the 2000 season including: the schedule of trackside events (below), a new Valvoline-sponsored "Caring Hands" Award, a new public service announcement and a sneak preview of plans for online auction hosted by eBay this spring.
2000 Valvoline "Caring Hands" Trackside Events Schedule ------------------------------------------------------- March 5 Las Vegas Motor Speedway March 11 Atlanta Motor Speedway April 1 Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, TX April 29 California Speedway in Fontana, CA May 27 Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC June 3 Dover Downs International Speedway in Dover, DE June 10 Michigan Speedway in Brooklyn, MI August 5 Indianapolis Motor Speedway November 4 Phoenix International Raceway November 11 Homestead-Miami Speedway
Highlighting the trackside events will be the new Valvoline/BBBSA "Caring Hands" wall, a hands-on display which provides NASCAR fans an opportunity to literally leave their "mark" on the program by simply tracing their handprints and making a dollar contribution. For each set of handprints and dollar collected, Valvoline will match the donation, dollar for dollar, with all proceeds from each event benefiting the local BBBS agency. Race fans that contribute to the matching program will receive a commemorative button featuring Mark Martin's Valvoline-sponsored No. 6 Ford Taurus.
"Last year, thanks to the 'Caring Hands' program, we were able to raise funds to help local Big Brothers Big Sisters programs match more children in need with caring adults," says Judy Vredenburgh, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters. "Partnerships like this help us provide the critical resources so necessary to increase the number of quality, one-to-one relationships."
Racing for Kids
Valvoline and Martin began the "Caring Hands" program in 1999 with a $50,000 donation and a commitment to host fundraisers at selected NASCAR races. In addition to serving as an honorary Big Brother for year two, Martin will continue to feature the BBBS logo on his Valvoline-sponsored No. 6 Ford Taurus. "The growth of NASCAR presents a platform for us to give back to the community," said Martin. "We're stepping up to the challenge - inviting the fans to join us - and keeping the program rolling along in 2000."
Valvoline will again make a charitable contribution to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) organization based on Martin's on-track performance at each race. Valvoline will donate $5,000 for each race win, $2,500 per pole position, and $20 for every lap Martin leads in Winston Cup competition. A new twist has been added to Martin's on-track performance this year that will include a $1,000 contribution for a top-five finish at any race. For example, Mark's performance at the Daytona 500 already netted $2,280 for BBBSA this year - $1,000 for the top-five finish and $1,280 for laps led ($20 for each).
Shifting Into Overdrive
Due to the program's overwhelming acceptance by race fans, teams and media, Valvoline and BBBSA are extending the parameters of the "Caring Hands" program to reach beyond NASCAR. This year will mark the first annual Big of the Year "Caring Hands" Awards, celebrating those individual Big Brothers and Big Sisters, both nationally and locally, who excel above and beyond the call of duty.
"Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization," said Vredenburgh. "Valvoline's support of our Big of the Year program will allow us to recognize these very special people."