NEWTON, IA (June 17, 2008) —Today, a group of Iowa-based businesses announced a major effort to raise money for Iowans trying to recover from the recent flood and tornado disasters that have devastated more than 80 of the state’s 99 counties. Race2Recovery is established under the Iowa Speedway Foundation, a non-profit tax-exempt entity, to raise money for flood and tornado victims in Iowa.

“The recent weather has left many Iowans without food, water, or even a decent place to live,” stated Jerry Jauron, President of Iowa Speedway. “The goal of all the businesses backing Race2Recovery is to jump-start the rebuilding efforts while letting the recent flood victims know they are not alone.”

Joining the Iowa Speedway in spearheading the fundraising campaign are Iowa Telecom and Vantus Bank, and DISH Network, along with a number of other area businesses. With several well-known Iowa-based businesses coordinating the Race2Recovery efforts, the group ensures the funds raised will go directly to aid local communities as they begin to recover throughout the summer and fall.

With a goal of raising $1,000,000 before September 20, 2008, Race2Recovery fundraising will thrust into high gear this weekend during the Iowa Corn Indy 250 at the Iowa Speedway in Newton. The Hawkeye Radio Network’s Gary Dolphin and the Cyclone Radio Network’s John Walters and others will broadcast live from the Speedway this Saturday morning between 9 am and 11 am.  They will lead the call for donors to pitch in to help their friends, neighbors and fellow Iowans as they recover from the recent floods, tornados and storms.

The flagship stations of the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, WHO Radio and 100.3 The Bus, along with other radio stations throughout the state plan to carry the live broadcast inviting listeners to call toll free 1-888-55-RECOVERY (1-888-557-3268) until 3 pm on Saturday. Donations will also be collected onsite at the Iowa Speedway from the more than 50,000 race fans on Saturday and Sunday. By this weekend, those wanting to donate online are directed to visit www.Race2Recovery.com. 

All funds raised will be deposited into a special Race2Recovery account and will be disbursed to local organizations that are at disaster sites providing direct relief. This includes churches, American Legion chapters, local food banks and fire departments among others. By working with local community organizations and foundations, Race2Recovery hopes to provide significant aid to local residents affected by this series of tragic disasters.

”It is during these hardships that we come together, as a state, in order to make a difference in the lives of our friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers,” concluded Jauron.

Listeners and race fans that would like to make a tax-exempt donation can pay with credit card at www.race2recovery.com; mail a check (made payable to Iowa Speedway Foundation Race2Recovery Fund) to Race2Recovery Fund, c/o Vantus Bank, P.O. Box 687, Newton, IA 50208; or stop by any Iowa Telecom local customer service office or any Vantus Bank location in Iowa.

Race2Recovery is established under the Iowa Speedway Foundation as a non-profit tax-exempt fund that is raising money for flood, tornado and other disaster victims in Iowa. The major sponsors working together in the fundraising efforts include the Iowa Speedway, Iowa Telecom, Vantus Bank, and DISH Network. With several Iowa-based businesses coordinating the Race2Recovery efforts, donors can be assured the funds raised will go directly to local communities and may be tax deductible. For additional information, please visit www.Race2Recovery.com

Press Contacts:

Mike Beecher                                                Dan Eness                                                  Kelly Weber

Director of Media Relations                       Media Relations Specialist                      Marketing Manager

Iowa Speedway                                            Iowa Telecom                                             Vantus Bank