PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:Ariella Levine
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
646-943-7430
alevine@ccfa.org
CCFA Teams Up with Scott Speed, NASCAR Driver and Ulcerative Colitis Patient to Help Raise Awareness of and Funds with Take Steps Fundraising Contest
Listen to Scott Speed talk about the "Fast & Furious" contest: |
New York, New York – July 1, 2009 – The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America today announced the Fast and Furious Take Steps Fundraising Contest in partnership with ulcerative colitis patient and NASCAR driver Scott Speed.
"Because I understand what it's like to live with UC, I want to do all that I can to improve the lives of others struggling with the same experiences," says Scott Speed, "I hope that this contest can generate as much fundraising as possible and that it will assist CCFA in it's efforts to improve the lives of patients and help fund the research for a cure."
The Take Steps Fast and Furious Fundraising Contest offers an automatic entry to win two tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, November 8th for every $100 raised through the Foundation's national walk program, Take Steps through August 31. The winner will watch the race action from inside the Red Bull Energy Station, a VIP hospitality setup, and meet NASCAR driver of the number 82 Red Bull Toyota, and CCFA spokesperson, Scott Speed.
At 80 Take Steps walk sites across the country, thousands of people will gather this summer to join the fight against digestive diseases. The money raised will benefit the 1.4 million Americans suffering from two painful and debilitating diseases, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This contest aims to continue the success of the Take Steps programs by extending fundraising "post-walk."
"We are so grateful to Scott Speed for aiding us in taking a stand against UC," says Cassidy Richards, National Events Director. He is a courageous spokesperson for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and his generosity in supporting this contest will certainly raise awareness as well as fund research in the search for the cure for ulcerative colitis as well as Crohn's disease."
Last year, over 30,000 people participated in Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis, raising a total of $6 million for the Foundation to invest in research, education, and support. Those who have already registered for a Take Steps Walk can begin fundraising and earning entries for the contest immediately. Those who have not yet registered can visit www.cctakesteps.org today to find a Take Steps walk in your community.
About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.
About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 81 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.
