Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. kicked off its annual “Goodyear Gives Back” campaign with a charity auction for NASCAR items and customized NASCAR tires for the Memorial Day race weekend. The Goodyear Gives Back program benefits the Support Our Troops organization and runs to July 8, 2013.
To launch this year’s program, Goodyear replaced the “Eagle” sidewall design with desert camouflage lettering that reads “Support Our Troops” on all NASCAR tires used during Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
In addition to the commemorative tires, this year’s Goodyear Gives Back program includes:
* a charity auction featuring autographed NASCAR memorabilia;
* VIP experiences along with at-track activities; and
* multiple opportunities for racing fans to participate.
All proceeds benefit Support Our Troops, a nonprofit nationwide organization that works to bolster the morale and well-being of America’s troops and their families.
“Goodyear is proud to continue its longtime support of the military with this program, and we hope all NASCAR fans will join us in helping to raise funds for this great cause,” says Gary Melliere, Goodyear’s general manager of sponsorships.
From now until July 8, fans can go online to bid on authentic Goodyear NASCAR tires autographed by the drivers who used them. Other auction items include VIP motorsports experiences and memorabilia, and rides on the iconic Goodyear Blimp. To bid on items, visit www.Goodyear.com/GivesBack.
All auction proceeds go directly to Support Our Troops, and Goodyear will match the funds raised through the charity auction up to $50,000.
During the program consumers can also make direct donations to Support Our Troops, send messages to troops through the Goodyear website and purchase Goodyear Gives Back merchandise through the auction link (while supplies last).
“The Goodyear Gives Back program has played a very important role over the years in helping to raise awareness and funds to better the lives of U.S. Armed Forces and their families,” says Martin C. Boire, executive director of Support Our Troops.
To date, the Goodyear Gives Back program has provided more than $700,000 in cash and product donations that have gone directly to supporting the troops and their families.
Goodyear is also supporting Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Patriot Partners bus sponsorship program, which is bringing thousands of troops to the 54th running of the Coca-Cola 600 from Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C., Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C. and Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, S.C.
In addition, representatives from Goodyear, NASCAR and a group of volunteers teamed up at Charlotte Motor Speedway to fill care packages for the troops with personalized “thank you” cards and other essential items donated by Goodyear and NASCAR sponsors and partners.
To participate in the charity auction, go to www.Goodyear.com/GivesBack.
