NASCAR Driver Mark Martin presents chec to Pittsburgh Big Brothers Big Sisters
16 June 2000
Valvoline-Sponsored NASCAR Driver Mark Martin Leads Off Pirates Game With Check Presentation to Pittsburgh Big Brothers Big Sisters
PITTSBURGH--(BW SportsWire)--June 15, 2000--Steeler Standout and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Spokesperson, Lynn Swann, On Hand with Local Kids to Field Valvoline
Donation
Over 15 local representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh will attend tonight's Pirates game to accept a $4,000 check donated by Valvoline and then presented by NASCAR driver Mark Martin and Superbowl MVP, Lynn Swann. In addition, Martin will throw out the first pitch as part of Valvoline and Valvoline Instant Oil Change's (VIOC) two-year sponsorship of the Pirates.
The Valvoline Company began the partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1999 in an effort to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh by donating $10 to the local chapter every time a Pirate hit a double. To date this initiative has raised $4,000 and benefited hundreds of kids in the Pittsburgh area.
"We're grateful to Valvoline, Mark Martin and the Pittsburgh Pirates for this generous contribution and ongoing support," said Wally Jenkins, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. "Donations like this really help us take care of the children in need of mentoring and extra attention."
The kids accepting the check tonight on behalf of the local chapter also get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and chat with the two sports legends. Martin will spend some time in the Pirates dugout prior to game start to meet the players and experience behind-the-scenes of baseball.
Valvoline's ongoing support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) is a part of the "Caring Hands" program, which is based on Martin's on-track performance and Valvoline's continuing outreach programs with team such as the Pirates. Valvoline began the "Caring Hands" program in 1999 with a $50,000 donation and commitment to host fund-raisers at selected NASCAR races. In less than two years, the program has raised $481,905 for the country's premiere mentoring program.
"By continuing our alliance with BBBSA 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 support of the Pirates, the 'Caring Hands' program will make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of children."
Valvoline's "Caring Hands" partnership with BBBSA, has a goal of raising $1 million for BBBSA while recruiting new volunteer mentor "Bigs" for the organization. The "Caring Hands" program is the most ambitious cause-related endeavor Valvoline has undertaken in its 134-year history. The program includes trackside fund-raisers at NASCAR auto races and cash contributions to the program based on Martin's on-track performance.
For more information about BBBSA or for local agency information check out their Web site www.bbbsa.org or contact the National Office at 215-567-7000.
The Valvoline Company, a division of Ashland Inc., has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil company and is a leading innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing automotive and industrial products in more than 140 countries. Best known for its lubricants, Valvoline also markets Eagle One appearance products, Zerex antifreeze, SynPower Performance Products and Pyroil automotive chemicals. The company also has a stake in the growing quick-lube market with its Valvoline Instant Oil Change unit. Valvoline is a member of the Ashland Inc. family of companies. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.valvoline.com.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) has been the nationally recognized leader in youth mentoring for almost 100 years. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides meaningful mentoring relationships for millions of children through its more than 500 affiliated agencies reaching 5,000 communities. National research studies prove that children with a Big Brother or Big Sister have more positive attitudes towards school, achieve higher grades and have better school attendance. In addition, these children are less likely to use drugs and alcohol and exhibit violent behavior. For more information, visit the BBBSA Web site at www.bbbsa.org.