AHF hosts 200+ childhood cancer families & raises $45,000 with partner Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
· All funds help Foundation provide services to families faced with pediatric cancer
· Children from six regional Children's Hospitals in attendance; St. Jude, Vanderbilt, Erlanger, CHOA, Engleston and LeBonheur
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (October 25, 2023) – For 17 consecutive years, the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer has partnered with Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta as one of its official charities to host childhood cancer families trackside for a day of fun and respite, with fundraising efforts taking place for the foundation throughout the paddock.
Over 200 children and their family members from six different children's hospitals joined in the day's events. From decorating and racing derby cars, walking the grid during the Motul Petit Le Mans, eating a catered lunch, meeting professional racecar drivers trackside at the front stretch, hanging out with AHF clinical staff and more, these families- all affected by childhood cancer- got a VIP-day experience.
“Hosting families trackside at Road Atlanta is something my husband and I have been involved in since before we even began the Austin Hatcher Foundation,” said Amy Jo Osborn, CEO and co-founder of AHF. “It was very special to have so many families join us this year; the sense of togetherness and shared experiences made the event all the more meaningful.”
The Motul Petit Le Mans event was a remarkable showcase of community support, charity and motorsport excitement. The weekend concluded with great success as the foundation raised over $45,000 to support families facing the effects of childhood cancer.
One of the highlights of the fundraising events was the Bill Patterson live paintings and auctions that took place in the Porscheplatz, Cadillac Corral, Corvette Corral and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta Podium Club. The renowned motion sports artist not only captivated the audience, but also contributed significantly to the fundraising effort. You can still get prints of his artwork at theartofracingcollection.com.
The foundation's silent auction also played a vital role in this fundraising success. Generous contributions of old race parts or signed memorabilia came from various donors, including the teams TGM, TDS, Ganassi Racing, WTR, Corvette Racing, Paul Miller Racing and more. These donors played an integral part in supporting the Austin Hatcher Foundation's mission to provide comprehensive coordinated care for families dealing with pediatric cancer.
Also contributing to the fundraising efforts, Michelin donated a portion of every tire sold during the Motul Petit Le Mans weekend. The event also featured the talents of artist Roger Warrick, who conducted a live painting session and auction at the BMW Corral, further adding to the weekend's artistic and philanthropic atmosphere.
“The Austin Hatcher Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the donors throughout the paddock who contributed to the event's success,” said Osborn. “The generosity and commitment of the motorsports community to making a difference in the lives of children and families facing pediatric cancer is truly remarkable.”
The foundation would like to express its deepest thanks to its valued partners, including IMSA and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, both prestigious annual corporate partners whose unwavering support throughout the year continues to make a significant impact.
The foundation also acknowledges the incredible contributions of Hixon Motor Sports, a proud supporter and sponsor of AHF. The Hixon Motor Sports team, a multi-car Mazda MX-5 Cup team led by driver Selin Rollan of the AHF-branded #87 racecar, plays an essential role in the Foundation’s efforts all year, as well as at Road Atlanta.
Rounding out the foundation’s supporters, Craton Promotions deserves special recognition for hosting the foundation's silent auction tent, ensuring a seamless and successful fundraising effort.
“The staff and families at the Austin Hatcher Foundation are deeply appreciative of the support from our many partners, teams and drivers,” said Osborn. “The fundraising at Road Atlanta directly impacts not only children facing childhood cancer, but their parents and siblings as well.
At AHF, we work hard to help the entire family for their entire lifetime at no cost, which would not be possible without our motorsports partners.”
The Austin Hatcher Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to erase the effects of pediatric cancer for the entire family. The Foundation provides families with the tools to cope in the present and thrive in the future after childhood cancer. Families of the foundation are provided with services such as Mental and Behavioral Health Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Educational Support, Grief Groups, Family Programs and more at absolutely no cost to them. For more information about the Austin Hatcher Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.hatcherfoundation.org.
