SEATTLE/CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne have selected Seattle Children's Hospital and the Strong Against Cancer initiative as this year's beneficiary of The DRIVE, a private charity concert, auction and celebrity-amateur golf event scheduled for June 29-30 in Cle Elum, Washington.
Together, they will raise awareness and valuable funds for research that supports immunotherapy – a medical treatment that harnesses the power of a child's immune cells to fight cancer. This breakthrough treatment is giving hope to thousands of young people all over the world battling cancer who are in need of a cure. Kahne will be at Seattle Children's today to support the initiative and visit with patients.
"I'm so glad that I can be involved and make an impact in supporting the fight against pediatric cancer," said Kahne, who was born and raised in Enumclaw, Washington. "Russell has done a tremendous job already in the Strong Against Cancer initiative with Seattle Children's. I'm looking forward to teaming up with him and donating the proceeds from this year's Drive event to support this important cause."
Wilson and Kahne started The DRIVE event to give back to the Seattle community. In 2014, more than 350 guests attended the two-day fundraising event highlighted by a concert featuring Josh Kelly, Preston Pohl from "The Voice" and Spin Doctors lead singer Chris Barron. Over 150 golfers and 30 celebrities spent the next day with Wilson and Kahne on the Tumble Creek Course, resulting in $150,000 donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of King County.
The second-annual DRIVE event will again take place at Suncadia Resort for 2015. Preston Pohl returns and will serve as the musical host with many sports and entertainment celebrities committed to participate. The 2015 event is almost sold out with the support of many great sponsors, including major partners Farmers Insurance, Great Clips, Financial Advocates, NW Chevy, Virginia Mason and Alaska Airlines. It promises to be a remarkable event, giving Wilson and Kahne the opportunity to make an even bigger impact at Seattle Children's and in the world of pediatric cancer.