| December 12, 2019 Staff Report IMSA Wire Service DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) announced today partnership extensions with the Austin Hatcher Foundation and Camp Boggy Creek, with both organizations remaining “Proud Charities of IMSA” through 2022. “IMSA is honored to play a role in the impact the Austin Hatcher Foundation and Camp Boggy Creek have on the children and their families,” said IMSA President John Doonan. “Renewing our partnerships with these two phenomenal charities solidifies our commitment and support for what they do and we are genuinely looking forward to working with both of them in the future.” Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Austin Hatcher Foundation seeks to erase the effects of pediatric cancer on young patients and their families through programs at hospitals around the country. In 2017, the Foundation expanded to include a new automotive-themed Education Advancement Center, paying homage to the support it has received from the motorsport community. “We are thrilled with this extension of our partnership with IMSA,” said Austin Hatcher Foundation President, Amy Jo Osborn. “IMSA is not just a partner, but a family to us and the families we serve. Everyone, from corporate, to team owners, drivers, crew and fans… everyone plays in integral part of this partnership. We are looking forward to 2020 and beyond!” Meanwhile, Camp Boggy Creek offers a free, year-round camp getaway for children diagnosed in one of 15 different life-threatening and chronic illness groups. Co-founded in 1996 by actor/philanthropist and racer Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the camp is based on the philosophy that by engaging with others who face the same challenges, campers and family members attain a more positive outlook with a sense of strength, courage and confidence that lasts well beyond their time at camp. “Camp Boggy Creek is honored to renew our longstanding partnership with IMSA,” said Camp Boggy Creek President/CEO, June Clark. “Their friendship and generous support of our mission began with Founder Paul Newman’s passion for racing and helping children with serious illnesses. We are honored to recognize IMSA in the Camp Boggy Creek’s Newman Circle of Friends. Their contributions have helped thousands of children and family members discover fearless fun and unbridled joy.” IMSA’s involvement with both charities began prior to the merger of the American Le Mans Series and the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series that took place in 2013. Today, the Austin Hatcher Foundation frequently holds at-track fundraising auctions and brings its signature Diversionary Therapy Program to children’s hospitals local to the racetrack with IMSA drivers as special visitors. Additionally, Camp Boggy Creek’s “Boggy Bears” are a colorful addition to podium ceremonies given to the winners at each racetrack. These are the same stuffed bears that are given to the campers following their stay at Camp Boggy Creek. IMSA also holds its own annual “Staff Work Party” every spring to help prepare the campgrounds before the summer sessions begin. For more information about each charity, please visit www.hatcherfoundation.org and www.boggycreek.org. IMSA TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOKFollow on Twitter @imsa, use the hashtag #IMSA, follow on Instagram @imsa_racing and ‘like’ IMSA on Facebook –www.facebook.com/imsa. For further information, visit www.imsa.com. |
