Chevy Donates to Pair of Hendrick-Related Charities

DETROIT (March 1, 2004) – The results are in and the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Jeff Gordon Signature Edition was a sellout. As a result of this marketplace success, Chevrolet has donated a total of $242,400 to charity as a way of acknowledging two key individuals who supported the vehicle program -- four-time NASCAR driving champion Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick. The Jeff Gordon Foundation and the Hendrick Marrow Program each received a check for $121,200. “We are delighted to make such a large contribution to not one, but two charities, based on the extraordinary consumer response for the Monte Carlo SS Jeff Gordon Signature Edition,” said Brent Dewar, general manager for Chevrolet. “Just as Jeff Gordon has helped to establish Monte Carlo as the winningest nameplate in NASCAR’s modern era, his Signature Edition has also been successful in providing generous donations to two worthwhile charities.” Based on a 2003 Monte Carlo SS, the optional Jeff Gordon Signature Edition package included: Superior Blue paint; Galaxy Silver flame decals on the hood, front fenders and doors; Jeff Gordon’s trademark signature on the sail panel and deck lid; and Hendrick Motorsports graphics on the rocker panels and door sills. The production run of 2,424 units was offered through select Chevrolet dealers in the United States and Canada. The Jeff Gordon Foundation supports four charities that represent the NASCAR champion’s personal commitment to children and their families: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Marrow Foundation and the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. “I’m honored that Chevrolet would market a vehicle with my name on it,” Gordon said. “But what pleases me most is that this funding will help meet the goals of my foundation and of The Hendrick Marrow Program.” The Hendrick Marrow Program assists groups across the country by funding lab costs for marrow drives. The Program is a partner of The Marrow Foundation and assists in their efforts to provide hope to the more than 3,000 patients who could be treated by a marrow or blood stem-cell transplant. “The donation to The Hendrick Marrow Program is not only remarkable, it’s the largest single donation we have ever received,” said Hendrick, founder of The Hendrick Marrow Program. “It is difficult to measure this great gift from Chevrolet since these funds will be able to provide so much good over a long period of time.”