Race Fans, Richmond-Area Residents Help Richmond International Raceway Give Back to Local Community

With the holiday season in full swing, Richmond International Raceway is proud to announce the results of its successful campaign to benefit two area charities and ultimately, citizens in Henrico County and the Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area.

Throughout the past several weeks, the Richmond International Raceway ticket office served as a drop-off point to donate new, unwrapped toys to the Marine Toys for Tots program and food items to help the Central Virginia Foodbank. With track president Doug Fritz pledging to supplement the toy numbers with a shopping spree by staff members and with a monetary donation to the Central Virginia Foodbank, area residents and race fans responded with incredible generosity.

All told, 709 new, unwrapped toys will find their way into the hands of area children through the Marine Toys for Tots program and 619 pounds of food items will help Richmond-area residents during a time of need.

Additionally, Richmond International Raceway held its third annual Community Tree Lighting on Wednesday, December 6. Hundreds attended the event, which was highlighted by a performance of several holiday songs by Laburnum Elementary School students, decorations created by Wilder Middle School students and a performance by the Henrico High School Mighty Marching Warrior Band. The tree, which is located at the front of the raceway's property at the corner of Laburnum Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike, will remain illuminated through Christmas Day. The master of ceremonies for the event was Matt DiNardo, meteorologist for Richmond's ABC affiliate, WRIC TV-8. Frank Thornton, Chairman, Fairfield District, Henrico County, also welcomed those in attendance.

"During the holiday season and throughout the entire year, Richmond International Raceway strives to give back to our great community," said track president Doug Fritz. "We are proud to serve as a collection point for both groups and we are very pleased by the generosity of our area residents and race fans. This is the third year we have worked with these programs and also held a Community Tree Lighting. We are looking forward to many more years of helping citizens in Henrico County and the Greater Richmond area through these worthwhile causes."

About Central Virginia Foodbank:
Through its more than 500 partner agencies, the Central Virginia Foodbank serves the hunger needs of 31 counties and five cities in the Central Virginia area. Last year alone, Central Virginia Foodbank distributed 12.9 million pounds of food to support our community's most vulnerable citizens¿children living in poverty, the working poor, frail elderly, disaster victims, battered women and those who are disabled, homeless or mentally challenged.

About Marine Toys for Tots:
Since 1947, U.S. Marines have been looking after America's needy children at Christmas through their Toys for Tots program. By distributing new toys, Marines deliver a message of hope and let children know that someone cares. The objectives of the new toy include building/restoring self-esteem and eliminating the "second class citizen" syndrome that is associated with "second hand" toys. Marines bring the joy of Christmas to needy children and accomplish passive mentoring by serving as positive role models.