Gordon Joins Anniversary Celebration of Sesame Street

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 16, 2004) – The Jeff Gordon Foundation has once again partnered with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization and producer of Sesame Street, this time to help celebrate Sesame Street's 35th Anniversary in 2004. The Jeff Gordon Foundation, established in 1999, and Sesame Workshop are in the third year of a multi-year partnership. The new Jeff Gordon Foundation - Sesame Street 35th Anniversary die-cast was designed by renowned motor sports artist Sam Bass and features Sesame Street characters. In 2002, the program featured "Jeff Gordon Foundation-Sesame Street Elmo" die-casts, while the "Jeff Gordon Foundation-Sesame Street Cookie Monster" die-casts were featured last year. “To get the chance to work with and design for The Jeff Gordon Foundation and Sesame Street these past three years has not only been a great honor, but lots of fun,” Bass said. “The fans love the colorful cars and characters, and most importantly, money is raised for a worthy cause.” This specially designed collector's car will not be raced. Action Performance Companies will produce die-cast replicas of the "2004 Jeff Gordon Foundation - Sesame Street 35th Anniversary" car, which will be released for sale in April. This year the program has grown to include a poster and blanket along with the die-cast. "I am very excited to be a part of the celebration of the 35th Anniversary of Sesame Street," Gordon said. "This licensing program continues to grow every year, with proceeds going to both Sesame Workshop's educational initiatives and various Jeff Gordon Foundation charities. “I look forward to working with Sesame Workshop in the future.” Said Ann Kearns, vice president, licensing, Global Toys: “Sesame Workshop's partnership with The Jeff Gordon Foundation has been successful in aiding children around the world with a little help from Sesame Street's beloved furry friends. “With this third year, we are happy to have The Jeff Gordon Foundation joining in the celebration of Sesame Street's 35th anniversary and the opportunity to continue educating and engaging children with important life lessons.” The Jeff Gordon Foundation was established in December of 1999 by the four-time NASCAR champion to support children and families in need. The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Marrow Foundation in partnership with The Hendrick Marrow Program, and Riley Hospital for Children. For more information on The Jeff Gordon Foundation go to www.JeffGordonFoundation.org. Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit educational organization making a meaningful difference in children's lives around the world. Founded in 1968, the Workshop changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street. Today, the Workshop continues to innovate on behalf of children in 120 countries, using its proprietary research methodology to ensure its programs and products are engaging and enriching. Sesame Workshop is behind award-winning programs like Dragon Tales and Sagwa, The Chinese Siamese Cat, and groundbreaking multi-media productions in South Africa, Egypt and Russia. These are among many Workshop endeavors recognized for their deep understanding of children's developmental needs and the most effective ways to address them. As a nonprofit, Sesame Workshop puts the proceeds it receives from sales of Sesame Street, Dragon Tales and Sagwa products right back into its educational projects for children around the world. Find the Workshop online at www.sesameworkshop.org.