The Women's Auxiliary of Motorsports, Inc. Announces Substantial Gift to the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital at Northeast Medical Center

CONCORD, N.C. (February 4, 2006) – The Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports, Inc. (WAM) is pleased to announce its financial gift to the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital at NorthEast Medical Center in Concord, N.C.

The gift of $200,000 given towards the playroom portion of the children’s hospital is an opportunity for WAM to “kick off” a new initiative of the organization with its charitable works. 

“We are so excited to be part of this project,” stated Gaye Joy, WAM President.  “We are directing our charitable efforts toward women’s, children’s and family organizations and this was an opportunity we felt was a perfect fit.  It also allows us to give back to our own community which has been so gracious to our organization.”

After over 40 years of charitable giving within the NASCAR community, WAM was searching for the right avenue to broaden its charitable reach.  The playroom at the children’s hospital was just that avenue.   The playroom will fulfill the passion of the ladies to help make the time the children must spend at the hospital less troublesome.  In addition to helping ease the burden of being in the hospital, the playroom will help enhance the overall process of healing for the patients and their families.

"We appreciate WAM's donation to this project," Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion said. "The children's hospital means a lot to me, and I'm glad they've come on board to lend their support to the hospital and the children of this community."

"We are very pleased to receive this generous gift from the Women's Auxiliary of Motorsports supporting the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital scheduled to open for patients and their families later this year," said Laurence Hinsdale, President/CEO of NorthEast Medical Center. "Growing community support for this most worthy community project will impact the lives of thousands of children soon to receive medical care through this new hospital and its dedicated staff. I join all of you gathered here today in anticipating the opening of this new facility and community resource."

About NorthEast Medical Center

NorthEast Medical Center, www.northeastmedical.org, is a regional 457-bed, not-for-profit medical center, with a reputation for excellence built on advanced technology, medical staff talent, quality, and compassionate care. For a record setting fourth year in a row, Solucient, www.solucient.com, a leading healthcare information company, has named NorthEast Medical Center to its 100 Top Hospitals® list under the category of "Teaching Hospitals". In addition, Health Grades, www.healthgrades.com, has rated NEMC “Best in the Region” for overall cardiac services.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has proclaimed NorthEast Medical Center as the 58th facility in the U.S. and Europe to officially achieve "Magnet Hospital" status. Following the completion of an 18-month construction project, the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital will be opened on the main medical campus for its first patients in early 2007. Based in Concord, North Carolina, NorthEast Medical Center has 4100 employees serving in more than 26 facilities located throughout the region.

About The Woman’s Auxiliary of Motorsports

The Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports, Inc., supported by the NASCAR Foundation, was established in 2004 with the merger of the Winston Cup Racing Wives Auxiliary and the Busch Series Ladies Association.  The Auxiliary’s mission is to enrich the lives of women, children, and families through educational and wellness programs.  In addition, the Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports, Inc. helps support organizations with likeminded missions and purposes.