(Photo Source: Twitter.com/JoeGibbsRacing)
Press Release | JOE GIBBS RACING
CHICAGO, Il., June 27, 2023 – Stanley Black & Decker’s (NYSE: SWK) iconic CRAFTSMAN® brand has once again teamed up with the Ace Hardware Foundation and Joe Gibbs Racing to host the 17th year of its Racing for a Miracle program, supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). As part of the partnership, CRAFTSMAN® has pledged to donate $1 million to CMN Hospitals through the Ace Hardware Foundation if Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell wins NASCAR’s inaugural Chicago Street Race on July 2, 2023.
Over the past 17 years, Stanley Black & Decker and its brands have donated more than $1.7M in support of the Racing for a Miracle program alongside the Ace Hardware Foundation to fund critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services at CMN Hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. To celebrate this year’s Racing for a Miracle program, CRAFTSMAN will donate $100,000 to the Ace Hardware Foundation in support of Children’s Miracle Network during a press conference at Ace Hardware’s Corporate Headquarters in Chicago on June 29. If the CRAFTSMAN No. 20 Driver, Christopher Bell, wins in Chicago on July 2, CRAFTSMAN will increase its donation to $1 million.
“We’re so appreciative of the longtime partnership with Stanley Black & Decker and the Ace Hardware Foundation to change kids’ health,” said Teri Nestel, President and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Children’s hospitals rely on donations to provide vital medical care, research, and support to countless children and their families. Racing for a Miracle not only brings awareness to our common cause but makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
Honorary Junior Crew Members Celebrated as “Stars of the Race”
In celebration of the Racing for a Miracle program, nine children from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago will serve as honorary junior crew members for this year’s race alongside NASCAR driver Christopher Bell. During the June 29 press conference at Ace Hardware’s headquarters, junior crew members will help Bell unveil his car’s “Stars of the Race” paint scheme, adorned with unique artwork created by the nine talented young patients. Each star depicted on the car represents a proud moment in each junior crew members life where they felt like a star.
“It’s really special to be a part of the Racing for a Miracle program with CRAFTSMAN and Ace, together they’ve raised a lot of money over the years for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and hopefully we can add a million dollars to that total with a win at Chicago,” said Bell. “Our No. 20 Toyota Camry TRD looks awesome for the inaugural Chicago Street Race and I am pumped to have lucky stars riding on board with me. I hope I can bring home a win for our ‘Stars of the Race’.”
Additional press conference attendees will include CRAFTSMAN® brand ambassador, TV host and auto-enthusiast Cristy Lee, and Ace Hardware’s resident home expert and TV personality Lou Manfredini.
“Racing for a Miracle has always been about the kids, and we are proud to have the opportunity to bring smiles to their faces and support CMN Hospitals through this partnership with the Ace Hardware Foundation and Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Tony Merritt, Vice President of Sponsorships for Stanley Black & Decker. “We are excited to see Christopher Bell and the Stars of the Race car in action and look forward to the positive impact this program will have on children and families across the country.”