Kahne's 'The DRIVE' raises more than $220,000

CONCORD, N.C. -- Even in a job that requires him to spend much of his time on the road across the country, Kasey Kahne has always maintained a soft spot for home.

Home, in the case of the driver for the No. 5 team, is Washington.

The Enumclaw, Washington, native made sure to provide for his hometown community recently through a new fundraising venture with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson called "The DRIVE."

"He does a lot of things with children and children's hospitals," Kahne said of WIlson, "and I've always been passionate about helping kids and trying to do what I can to put a smile on their face."

The goal of the event, which kicked off in late June, was to raise awareness for Boys & Girls Clubs of King County and raise funds for the club's programs, which support feeding young people and educating them on living a healthy lifestyle.

It certainly did just that, as The DRIVE donated more than $220,000 to charity. A portion of those funds will also benefit the Kasey Kahne Foundation and the Russell Wilson Foundation.

“I enjoyed every bit of it,” Kahne said. “Everyone had an awesome time and Russell and I were able to raise a lot of money for a good cause in the process. I always enjoy going back home to Washington and I’m glad we were finally able to host a golf event in that area.”

The events included a healthy-living pep rally for kids, followed by a dinner, concert, live auction and golf tournament.

The golf took place at Tumble Creek Golf Course at Suncadia. A handful of fellow athletes and celebrities turned out for the event, including Johnny Damon, Warren Moon, ESPN's Marty Smith, FOX Sports 1's Charissa Thompson and even two stars of the television program "Home Improvement."

Helping to put the entire effort together were major contributing partners that included Northwest Chevrolet Dealers, Farmers Insurance and Great Clips as well as official media partners ESPN radio, Q13 FOX Seattle and 425 Magazine.

“For a first-time event, it was spectacular,” Wilson said. “We’ve had a lot of fun, raised a lot of money and helped a lot of kids. It’s been great. I can’t wait for next year.”