Look To The Stars News: Victory Junction Gang

Dale Ernhardt Jr Matches Charity Donations

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Race car driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is matching every donation to his charity foundation for the rest of 2009.

The Dale Jr. Foundation is a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals with a focus on youth, the resources to improve their confidence and education, and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals.

The NASCAR driver has pledged to match donations made by his fans through his online Hard Card Membership program. For as little as $20, fans get their name on The Foundation website and can know that their money is helping people every day. Each year, TDJF gives to over 300 organizations such as Make-A-Wish, the Victory Junction Gang Camp and March Of Dimes.

There are several levels of the Hard Card Membership and each level comes with some great gift items. To learn more about the Hard Card Membership, click here.

Kyle Petty Asks For Charity Support On Facebook

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

As reported last month on Look To The Stars, NASCAR driver Kyle Petty is to hit the road again for charity in the 15th annual Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America in May. And now he is using Facebook to gather support.

The Ride will depart Stevenson, Wash., on May 8, and travel east, making overnight stops in Richland, Wash.; Sun Valley, Idaho; Park City, Utah; Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Hays, Kan.; Kansas City, Mo.; Batesville, Ark.; and Nashville, Tenn., before reaching Greensboro, N.C., on May 16. Funds raised will support the Victory Junction Gang, a year-round camp for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses, and other children’s charities.

Petty has now set up a page on Facebook that he is urging people to sign up for to lend their support for the ride, which is expected to attract thousands of people. Last year Petty raised over $40,000 with the ride, and he is hoping to top that in 2009.

“We want the communities the Ride visits to spread the word about our arrival and get excited about helping kids,” said Petty. “The Ride supports Victory Junction in North Carolina, and we’re building a second Victory Junction in Kansas City, Kan., so we need the support of communities across the country now more than ever. Every little bit helps. It’s all about making a difference in kids’ lives. The inaugural Challenge was a huge success, and we look forward to meeting new Dream Teams this year.”

To check out the Facebook page and lend your support, click here.

Stars Raise Cash In Celebrity Charity Smackdown

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

South by Southwest (SXSW, Inc.) is a private company based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to building and delivering conference and festival events for entertainment and related media industry professionals. Since 1987, SXSW has produced the internationally recognized Music and Media Conference & Festival and this year they’ve added a new twist.

SXSW, in conjunction with PayPay, have kicked off the first ever social-media smackdown and charity fundraiser at Mashable and Blurb’s SXSW Bash at Six Lounge in Austin.

Here’s how it works: PayPal has challenged nine celebrity teams to raise the most money for their chosen charities via social media sites and blogs. Fans can help by copying their favorite celebrity’s PayPal fundraising widget to their MySpace pages, Facebook page, or personal Web sites to encourage friends to donate.

The ‘Smackdown’ runs March 16-26, when PayPal will announce the winner and make an additional donation to the winning celebrity’s charity of choice.

Participating celebrities include Alec Baldwin, who is raising money for the Actors Fund of America.

“The Actors Fund is the pre-eminent organization for assisting all of my friends and colleagues in performing arts and entertainment around the country,” said Alec Baldwin, star of NBC television program “30 Rock.” “Most of those who work in this business are not stars – they’re working professionals who have no place else to turn when times are difficult. Please help them continue their vital work with your generous support.”

Also taking part are:

Corbin Bleu, benefiting Stand Up To Cancer.

“I am proudly supporting Stand Up to Cancer, because this organization is determined to bring an end to a disease that affects one out of every two men and one out of every three women,” said actor and recording artist, Corbin Bleu. “There are amazing causes in this Smackdown, but I hope I can put a spotlight on SU2C and its pledge to end cancer’s reign as a leading cause of death.”

Ernie Johnson, benefiting Samaritan’s Feet .

“I am honored to be the spokesperson for Samaritan’s Feet,” said Ernie Johnson, famous NBA reporter. “This organization demonstrates compassion to the poorest of the poor through servant leadership by washing their feet and telling them that they are loved. We are no different from them. We just happen to be born in the US and not a Third World country. I feel blessed and privileged to be the voice of these children who don’t have one.”

Kyle Petty, benefiting the Victory Junction Gang.

“Victory Junction is excited to participate in this charity challenge, which will raise awareness and funds for children with chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses,” said NASCAR driver Kyle Petty. “In these economic times, raising money is more important than ever, and we appreciate the fundraising opportunity PayPal, in partnership with Mashable, has given us to continue to deliver life-changing camping experiences.”

Other participating celebrities include Brea Grant for Girls Rock Camp Austin, Elevenmoms for Share Our Strength, Hayden Panettiere for The Whaleman Foundation, Linkin Park for Music for Relief, and Pete Cashmore for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 

Donations can also be made directly on the Charity Smackdown homepage, where details about the celebrity teams and their causes will be showcased.

Kyle Petty To Hit The Road For Charity Again

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:30:00 -0000

NASCAR driver Kyle Petty is to lead the 15th annual Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America in May.

Funds raised will support the Victory Junction Gang, a year-round camp for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses, and other children’s charities.

Prior to the Ride’s arrival in these cities, community members are invited to form “Dream Teams” to raise funds for and awareness of the Ride and its beneficiaries. Dream Teams will be invited to present donations to Kyle Petty and Ride participants at special events along the Ride route.

In 2008, donations from The Dream Team Challenge totaled more than $40,000.

Teams of all ages and sizes are welcome to participate in the Charity Ride Dream Team Challenge and may register at www.kylepettycharityride.com. Registration is free. Registered teams will receive “Dream Team Packs” containing background information on the Charity Ride and Victory Junction, as well as ongoing updates, fundraising tips and inspirational Victory Junction camper stories..

Since 1995, 5,700 participants have logged more than 7.2 million cumulative motorcycle miles and donated more than $10.5 million to Victory Junction Gang Camp and other charities that support chronically ill children. Petty and his wife, Pattie, founded the Victory Junction Gang Camp, a year-round camp that serves children with a variety of health issues that would typically prevent them from attending camp, in North Carolina in 2004.

More information can be found here.

Jimmy Johnson To Host Night Of Champions

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and his wife, Chandra Johnson, will be hosting the ‘Night of Champions’ to benefit the Jimmie Johnson Foundation at (PIR) Phoenix International Raceway’s luxury lounge, Octane, on Thursday, April 16, to help children and families in Arizona and beyond.

‘Night of Champions’ gives fans the chance to mingle with Jimmy as well as participate in an exclusive charity auction during the event.

This is the second year in a row that that the track and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation have partnered for the April 16 NASCAR Camping World Series West race at PIR, which will be named the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150 Presented by Shamrock Farms.

“I really give the track a lot of credit for this partnership idea,” said Johnson. “It’s a great way that we can raise awareness and funds for our foundation. At the same time, Chani and I are thrilled to be making a contribution to a very important local charity. We hope the children who benefit from the services of West Valley Child Crisis Center will have a chance to join us for a night of fun and racing at the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150.”

The Jimmie Johnson Foundation is dedicated to assisting children, families, and communities in need. The foundation aims to help everyone, especially children, pursue their dreams. The partner programs for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation include San Diego Habitat For Humanity, the Hendrick Marrow Program, the Victory Junction Gang, and Phoenix-based Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

Tickets for the “Night of Champions” are currently available and include fine food and drink, an amazing view of the NASCAR Camping World Series West racing action at PIR, and a chance to meet one of NASCAR’s top stars, all while contributing to the health and wellness of children and families in need.

NASCAR's Kyle Petty Signs Guitar For Charity Auction

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

NASCAR driver Kyle Petty has signed a guitar that is being auctioned off to raise money for his camps for terminally ill children.

The driver is currently leading a long-distance motorcycle ride through the United States to raise funds for the Victory Junction Gang, a series of camps he opened to serve children with a variety of health issues that would typically prevent them from attending camps. To help raise awareness of the ride, Petty has autographed a new Gretsch 6120 Nashville model guitar specially donated by the Gretsch Company, a familiar name to lovers of fine guitars, and the instrument is currently up for grabs on eBay.

“I can’t say how happy I am that Gretsch came on board to help us out like this,” said Petty. “It is a great guitar! I play my guitar every day of my life. I have one at home and I have one on the road with me when I travel. There is something about a guitar that just brings happiness. I have about 150 songs that I have written not only for my family, but for friends. This guitar is a unique item, and I am sure that it will do really well during this auction. We are really excited!”

The driver is also excited about his motorcycle ride, which has raised over $10 million for his charity since the first ride in 1995.

“I could have never imagined what we have created,” he said. "The Ride really started with just a handful of us that got pledges to ride across country and wanted to donate to children’s hospitals in different cities. We were thinking, “Wow! Riding motorcycles and donating money to charity, it does not get any better than this!”. The Ride started out as just a few riders, and now it has a waiting list. It is amazing how much support we have gotten, not only from the communities, but the past and present riders as well."

To find out more about the ride, visit their website.

Taylor Swift Gives Her Vote To Charity

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Country music sensation Taylor Swift is donating all of the proceeds from her merchandise sales at this weekend’s Country Music Festival in Nashville to charity.

The 18-year-old singer will be gifting her profits to the Red Cross, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Nashville Area Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in Middle Tennessee and a portion to benefit the National American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

The singer is also trying to encourage more young people to vote and exercise their rights.

“I’ve been trying to do my research more,” she told The Tennessean. “Before you have the ability to vote, you just kind of support who your parents support. I’ve had more interest in figuring out who believes in what, because every vote counts. I’m not going to talk about politics, because it’s not my specialty. I know as much as your average 18-year-old who wants to know the general issues… but I’m not going to go out there and try to influence thousands of people because I have a music career and a platform to say things publicly. I don’t think because you do have the platform to say things publicly that you necessarily should.”

Swift is certainly no stranger to charitable acts. Last year she launched a campaign to protect children from online predators, and earlier this year she donated the pink Chevy pick-up truck given to her by her record label to children’s charity, the Victory Junction Gang.

NASCAR Driver To Lead Charity Motorcycle Ride

Thu, 29 May 2008 11:32:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

NASCAR driver Kyle Petty will lead a field of more than 250 riders as they wind their way from the Midwest to the Deep South in an effort to raise awareness of and funds for the Victory Junction Gang and other children’s charities in July.

The charity motorcycle ride will depart from Traverse City, Michigan, on July 13, making overnight stops in Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia and North Carolina, before reaching Georgia on July 19.

The charity ride has taken place every year since 1995, and this year marks the launch of a new fundraising program – The Charity Ride Dream Team Challenge – which is challenging individuals to form their own “pit crews” (called Dream Teams) to raise money for and awareness of the event and its beneficiaries.

“Pattie and I are constantly amazed and inspired by the dedication of our riders, sponsors and fans,” said Petty. “These companies and individuals are truly committed to bettering the lives of deserving children and their families. We’re looking forward to another great event – and more incredible results!”

More information about the event can be found at Kyle Petty’s website.

Musicians Start The Year With Generosity

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:45:39 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

2008 has only just begun, but already celebrities are straining at the leash to spread generosity among those who need it. And a host of musicians have kicked off the year with donations and events to raise money and awareness for a number of good causes.

Pop group OK Go are set to release a charity EP on iTunes on February 5, with all proceeds going to victims of Hurricane Katrina. The 5-song release, “You’re Not Alone”, will coincide with Mardi Gras 2008, and will benefit New Orleans-based musicians displaced by the 2005 disaster.

“New Orleans is one of the last places in America where music is truly a fundamental part of everyday life,” said OK Go singer Damian Kulash, whose hits include “A Million Ways” and “Here It Goes Again”. “People get together on the weekends and parade through the streets just playing songs; 12-year-old-kids learn funk on the tuba; everyone dances. Life elsewhere in the world simply isn’t as celebratory. If we allow the culture of New Orleans to die by leaving its musicians marooned around the country, America will have lost one of its great treasures.”

iTunes has agreed to waive all proceeds from EP sales, and digital distribution powerhouse IODA will promote it free of charge. In addition, free freight shipping is to be provided by EFM Worldwide/Horizon Cargo, and Music Travel Management has contributed free airfare for the band to play two benefit shows – January 11 at Tipianas, New Orleans, and February 2 at The 9:30 Club in Washington DC.

Rockers Switchfoot have also been on the charity trail recently, and have raised over $100,000 for Habitat For Humanity. The band donated $1 from every ticket sold during their Appetite For Construction tour to the organization, and also spent time working alongside volunteers for the charity during some of their stopovers.

Country singer and Grammy nominee Taylor Swift is another celebrity to show her generous side recently, when she donated the pink Chevy pick-up truck given to her by her record label to children’s charity, the Victory Junction Gang.

“[The organization] has camps all over the country for children who are sick,” said the 18-year-old singer. “For one week they can forget they’re sick and just have a blast and hang out with other people they can relate to. They look forward to it, and I love that cause.”

The Victory Junction Gang will use the truck to pick up children from the airport and give them a fun ride to the camp.

Swift will also perform at Nashville’s Sound and Speed event, the NASCAR and country music celebration to be held on January 11 and 12 to benefit the Victory Junction Gang. She will officially hand the keys of the truck over to NASCAR driver and organization founder Kyle Petty during the event. More information can be found at www.victoryjunction.org.

Singer and founder of the Show Me Campaign, John Legend, will join Earth Institute director Jeffrey Sachs for an evening of information, discussion, and music at Columbia University on January 28, as part of the Show Me Poverty Action Tour. The evening hopes to stimulate people to actively work to overcome global poverty, and more information can be found at the University website.

Pop group the Barenaked Ladies are to play at the North American Auto Show’s annual black-tie charity gala at Cobo Arena, Detroit, on January 18. The $400 ticket price will benefit a host of local children’s charities, including Barat Child and Family Services, the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, Boys Hope-Girls Hope of Detroit, The Children's Center, and the Detroit Institute for Children. Proceeds will go towards goods, clothing, and health and support services for needy children. Tickets and information can be found at www.naias.com.

And finally, February 25 will see a charity concert commemorating the 5th anniversary of the Station Nightclub tragedy in Rhode Island, the fourth largest nightclub fire in US history.

The concert will be held at the Dunkin Donut Center in Providence, Rhode Island, and will feature Twisted Sister, Tesla, Stryper, as well as members of Staind, Boston, and Chicago.

The show has been organized by the Wake Up To Love Foundation, founded by Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta, and proceeds will go to the Station Family Fund, an organization set up by the community to assist victims of the fire. 100 people were killed in the blaze, with another 200 seriously injured, and 65 children lost either one or both parents. Survivors still struggle for compensation and support, and many are unable to meet their monthly needs.

Tickets for the show are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

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