Johnson and Lowe’s ‘Racing for Relief’ at PIR

WILKESBORO, N.C. (Oct. 29, 2003) – In response to the Southern California wildfires, Lowe’s and NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson are “Racing for Relief” to generate funds for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Lowe’s will donate $100,000 to the American Red Cross at the beginning of this weekend’s Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. In addition, for every lap that Johnson completes, Lowe’s will donate $48 (Johnson’s car number). “As a Southern California native, this disaster hits close to home, and Racing for Relief allows me the opportunity to pitch in and lend a hand,” said Johnson, a member of the American Red Cross` National Celebrity Cabinet. “I’m glad I can do my part to support the Red Cross and the people that are affected by the wildfires.” Racing for Relief is a program Lowe’s first introduced in April of 2000. To date, the program has raised more than $226,000 to assist in relief efforts for natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and wildfires. Racing for Relief will include the following: * An initial donation of $100,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. * An additional donation of $48 for every lap Johnson completes in the Checker Auto Parts 500. * An American Red Cross Customer Donation Program at 62 Lowe’s stores in California and Arizona (Lowe’s will match up to $25,000). * Online contributions for the American Red Cross accepted at Lowes.com and Lowesracing.com. “Lowe’s is a tremendously valued and committed partner of the American Red Cross,” said Skip Seitz, senior vice president of growth and integrated development, American Red Cross. “This relationship is critical to our ability to respond to disasters such as the wildfires. “Money raised through the Lowe’s Racing for Relief, customer donation program and online banners will help the American Red Cross provide for people’s basic needs -- food, shelter, clothing and medical assistance -- following the fires. “Thousands of disasters occur in the United States each year, and we can be there because of the financial support companies like Lowe’s provide to us.” Lowe’s serves as an official Red Cross cash donation site and responds to disasters by contributing to local and national Red Cross disaster relief funds, donating product and supplying volunteers.