Friday
Campbell Outlasts Cold, Raises Almost $25,000 For Children’s Foundation
Press Release
Campbell had vowed to stay perched above the Martinsville Speedway entrance sign until $20,000 was raised for the foundation. That goal was hit early in the afternoon, but he remained airborne until $24,587 was tallied. He finally came down at 4 p.m.
“Once again the generosity of the people of Martinsville and Henry County and our friends in our racing family have amazed me,” Campbell said. “To set such a lofty goal and then surpass it makes this day so gratifying and enjoyable. The Martinsville Speedway Children’s Foundation will really be able to put these funds to use for needy children in our area.”
When Campbell was lifted to his home for the day at a little after 8 a.m. the temperature was 25 degrees. It never got warmer than 40 and the wind blew at about 10 miles an hour. The only time he came down during the eight hours was for two television interviews, and convinced one TV reporter to return to the top of the sign with him to do the interview.
Donations came from far and wide. Many came from those in the motorsports industry, and as usual, the local area helped out in a big way. And race fans as far away as Sweden called in with donations.
“It was a great day and I’m ready and willing to do it again next year with even greater results,” said Campbell.
The Christmas spirit will rev up at Martinsville Speedway Saturday with the 12th Annual Martinsville Speedway Toy Drive to help needy youngsters in the Martinsville and Henry County area have a good Christmas.
During the toy drive, fans will get to drive their personal vehicles around Martinsville Speedway’s famous half-mile track if they donate a toy or make a $10 donation. Volunteers from the Grace Network will be at the pit gate to collect the donations.
Fans will also be able to walk into the infield via the pedestrian tunnel and drop off toys and monetary donations at a table set up close to the infield concession stand.
Martinsville Speedway staff members will be making and selling the Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog™ and Pepsi products for $1 each, with proceeds going to the Grace Network.
For those who want to make a little quicker trip around the track than they can in their personal vehicle, Campbell will give them five hot laps in one of Martinsville Speedway’s pace cars for a $25 donation. Participants will receive a certificate of completion from Campbell.
Santa Claus will be making his annual appearance at the track from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The Grace Network, a local group comprised of almost 100 churches, will distribute the collected toys to families in need. The monetary donations from Saturday will be used to purchase additional toys. All of the toys will remain in the Martinsville and Henry County area.
- Martinsville Speedway, Press Release
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