Austin Hatcher Foundation to Bring Pediatric Cancer Families and Fundraising Initiatives to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
- Live + Silent Auctions Friday and Saturday during Motul Petit Le Mans weekend
- Pediatric Cancer Families to Join in IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship Fun
- Diversionary Therapy Visit at CHOA (Children’s Hospital of Atlanta) Tuesday, Oct. 8th
- Michelin "Drive Together: Because Families Matter" Campaign
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (October 3, 2024) – The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is set to participate in its annual premium showcase as an official "Proud Charity" for the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and the “Official Charity” of Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta during the esteemed Motul Petit Le Mans in Braselton, Georgia, next weekend, October 10-12, 2024.
The Motul Petit Le Mans is a renowned 10-hour endurance race and ranks among the premier sports car events in North America, marking the grand finale of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. This year's event promises a weekend filled with excitement, fundraising initiatives, and unforgettable VIP experience for families affected by pediatric cancer.
The Foundation will benefit from a variety of fundraising initiatives, from silent auctions at the Official IMSA merchandise tent to live-painting auctions in a variety of manufacturer corals and hospitality events. On Friday, esteemed motionsports artist Bill Patterson will be live painting in the Corvette Corral and BMW Corral. Patterson will be in the Porscheplatz, Michelin Tower, and Cadillac Corral on Saturday.
Bidders can support the Foundation either on-site or remotely through the following link: http://bidpal.net/ahf
New for 2024, Michelin is launching the "Drive Together: Because Families Matter" campaign, with a commitment of a $5,000 donation. Michelin is calling on teams, owners, drivers, and fans to join their efforts by matching donations of any amount to help raise additional funds in support of the cause. You can Drive Forward with the Foundation here: https://hatcherfoundation.app.neoncrm.com/forms/drive.
The Foundation will provide its innovative Diversionary Therapy visit on Tuesday, October 8th, from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) at Scottish Rite Hospital. Diversionary Therapy visits by Foundation staff members offer interactive, specialized activities for young patients and their family members. Joining the Austin Hatcher Foundation staff at CHOA will be Bryan Sellers, Madison Snow and Neil Verhagen, drivers from the Paul Miller Racing team. This week’s visit is one of many the Foundation has made this year to children’s medical facilities across the country, typically in markets where IMSA events are held.
As part of the Foundation’s Diversionary Therapy program, more than 200 pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and their families will be hosted at the trackside Chalet on the Front Stretch this Saturday. Guests will experience the thrill of the Petit Le Mans race, take photos with race cars and drivers, enjoy lunch from Stonewall BBQ, and participate in specialized activities organized by the Foundation. This initiative is designed to provide interactive, therapeutic experiences that bring moments of joy and respite to young patients and their families.
“At the Austin Hatcher Foundation, our mission extends beyond the medical treatment of cancer, we treat the devastation inflicted as a result of this horrible disease,” said Amy Jo Osborn, CEO and co-founder of the Foundation. “Our focus is on restoring hope, redefining the future, and creating new horizons by offering evidence-based solutions tailored to every stage of a family’s cancer journey. This crucial work would not be possible without the support of our dedicated partners. The Motul Petit Le Mans weekend has become a cherished tradition for our organization, and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta has been a steadfast supporter since our inception. We are immensely grateful to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, as well as to our other motorsports partners, including the Paul Miller Racing team, Cadillac, Corvette, BMW, Porsche, Michelin, and motorsports artist Bill Patterson.”
For tickets or more information on Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta this weekend, visit https://roadatlanta.com/motul-petit-le-mans. To learn more about the Austin Hatcher Foundation, visit www.HatcherFoundation.org.
