The NASCAR Foundation news 2010-10-29

Speediatrics To Celebrate 10th Anniversary With Unveiling Of Renovated NASCAR-Themed Children's Unit

Celebration Set For Nov. 10 In Daytona Beach, Fla.

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (Oct. 29, 2010) -- The Halifax Health - Betty Jane France Center for Pediatrics, otherwise known at Speediatrics, will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Nov. 10, highlighted by the unveiling of a complete renovation of the Daytona Beach, Fla. children's care unit at Halifax Health Medical Center.

The unveiling will be part of an anniversary ceremony that will include NASCAR Foundation Chairperson Betty Jane France.

Renovation of the NASCAR-themed unit has been accomplished with the help of NASCAR sponsors 3M and Best Buy as well as Vomela Motorsports, Best Buy, Glidden and K'NEX. The Jimmie Johnson Foundation, and Juan and Connie Montoya's Formula Smiles Foundation have also provided support.

"So many people have stepped forward to help this important project," France said. "Speediatrics has done some remarkable things in its first 10 years. Now, with this renovation, the unit is set to continue its work in coming years. We are all very grateful for the assistance."

Speediatrics is a 36-bed unit that cares for more than 2,000 children annually, with another 400 or more receiving critical care in the area'sonly Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The Speediatrics environment provides a much-needed diversion to young patients undergoing intensive treatments, taking away the intimidation factor that often comes with hospital visits. Speediatrics, a program of The NASCAR Foundation, provides the colorful thrills of auto racing, making hospital stays more comfortable for young patients.

The NASCAR Foundation initiates a wide range of annual and ongoing fundraising efforts to support Speediatrics including having NASCAR drivers and other personalities from the sport make frequent visits to the Speediatrics units. Speediatrics is an important part of the entire NASCAR community's commitment to helping others.

As part of that commitment, The NASCAR Foundation has donated more than $720,000 to the Speediatrics units in Daytona Beach and Miami since 2006. These contributions are made possible in part by funds raised through the participation of many great businesses and fans supporting NASCAR Day.

-source: nascar