Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Announces 15th Anniversary Route

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Feb. 23, 2009) – The Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America has announced the coast-to-coast route for its 15^th annual motorcycle ride, to take place May 8 – 17. NASCAR driver and Charity Ride founder Kyle Petty will lead a field of more than 200 riders as they wind their way from the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast in an effort to raise awareness of and funds for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.

The camp operates solely on the donations of corporations, organizations and individuals. Campers attend at no cost to their families, and transportation costs are covered, if needed. The Pettys are planning a ceremonial groundbreaking on a second Victory Junction in Kansas City, Kan., during the Ride’s stop there on May 13.

 “This is a big year for the Charity Ride family,” said Petty. “Not only are we celebrating the 15^th anniversary of the Ride, we’re also breaking ground on a second Victory Junction that will provide life-changing opportunities for even more deserving children and their families. Pattie and I can’t wait to hit the road with our fellow riders, sponsors and fans. It is going to be great fun, a real adventure.” 

 

“I’ve been honored to be a part of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride for the last five years and to see up close the impact the Ride has on the organizations and children it supports,” Cathy said. “Chick-fil-A is proud to be associated with such a worthy cause, and I’m looking forward to another rewarding Ride.”

Fans and spectators along the Charity Ride route may also contribute to Victory Junction through the Charity Ride’s “Small Change. Big Impact.” program, which accepts donations at pit stop locations. As a result of the 2008 Charity Ride’s efforts, more than 350 children will attend a five-day session free of charge.

 

Led by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, The Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America raises awareness of and funds for Victory Junction and other charities supporting chronically ill children. The Charity Ride is one of the most successful and popular charity events in NASCAR. Now in its 15^th year, the Charity Ride has donated more than $12 million to children’s charities, with 6,100 participants logging more than 7.9 million cumulative motorcycle miles. In 2009, NASCAR celebrities, ride sponsors and motorcycle enthusiasts will travel from Stevenson, Wash. to Greensboro, N.C. from May 8-17. www.kylepettycharityride.com   

 

Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, N.C., with a second location opening soon in Kansas City, Kan. Victory Junction offers programs for 24 disease groups and maintains strong relationships with 26 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous donors to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. www.victoryjunction.org

 

Celebrating its 42nd year in business, Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc., is the nation’s second-largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain (based on sales), with more than 1,425 restaurants in 38 states and Washington, D.C. In 2008, Chick-fil-A reported system-wide sales of $2.9 billion, representing a 12.17 percent increase over the chain\'s 2007 overall sales performance and a strong same-store sales increase of 4.59 percent. Chick-fil-A\'s record sales performance marked the chain\'s 41st consecutive year of system-wide sales gains.